THREE-DAY WAITING PERIOD ON SELF-PROPELELD VEHICLES

U.S. Customs requires a three-day waiting period for all motorized vehicles being imported into México. A pro-forma shipping invoice must be submitted along with a letter from the legal owner of the vehicle (granting permission for the vehicle to be transported into México) and a copy of the vehicle’s registration papers. U.S. Customs then runs this information through a search to make sure the vehicle has not been stolen. The vehicle/machinery does not have to sit in Customs during this three-day period once the documentation has been submitted, but it cannot cross the border until full clearance is obtained.

Occasionally, U.S. customs will accept a letter from the production company requesting permission to cross self-propelled vehicles and/or heavy equipment. A copy of the registration must accompany the letter; and if approved, the crossing may entail one day’s wait instead of three.