Cancun UW Camera Tax?

[Lasongo]

Hi all...I know that airports in Baja love to charge housings and UW photographers for random stuff. This past March I got hit for $30 for my Inon 330 strobes (which btw were discontinued a couple years ago).

I'll be in Cancun in late July...has anyone been hit at CUN recently?

I've heard (anecdotally) they've recently started hitting people arriving in Mexico City and Cancun, but haven't had any first-hand confirmation. Can anyone confirm yes or no?

Gracias

 

[JFS]

I know a guy who had to pay $200 tax on some underwater equipment when he arrived to cozumel airport. he had 2 housings with 2 different cameras.

 

[Lasongo]

Thanks @JFS ! I've heard its more hit-and-miss on the Gulf side of MX. I haven't been to Cancun in about a year, but someone said they've recently started cracking down in Cancun and Cozumel too. Haven't heard anything beyond that one account (and yours) though.

 

[JFS]

Thanks @JFS ! I've heard its more hit-and-miss on the Gulf side of MX. I haven't been to Cancun in about a year, but someone said they've recently started cracking down in Cancun and Cozumel too. Haven't heard anything beyond that one account (and yours) though.

Ive personally seen a few years ago, customs going after camera gear at Cancun airport. Just be careful with amount of equipment. Dont have multiple systems and camera bodies. They seem to be ok with just 1 here. Its same as computers, they allow 1 laptop but if you bring 2....might be an issue.

 

[Kitty_Kat]

I can confirm that the Cancun airport is still taxing multiple cameras and/or laptops.

I've been selected for inspection 3 or 4 times over the last few months. Always when I was traveling with a large duffel with dive gear. They've never cared about the dive gear, but they always ask about the number of cameras and laptops and confirm that I do only have one of each item in my carry on. They also always ask about alcohol and tobacco.

Edited to add that I've had friends successfully get through with 2 cameras or 2 laptops, but have incurred taxes on the third item. I'm not sure what their official cutoff for "too many" is.

 

[DivingLane]

Curious, why are they taxing for these types of things?

 

[Kitty_Kat]

Curious, why are they taxing for these types of things?

I believe their main argument is that you're probably selling them locally if you're bringing multiples. Pretty large import fees drive up the prices of many electronics here, so they limit how many each individual can bring in tax-free.

I've also heard that they might consider extra cameras/UW housings to be "business" items... Not sure if that's true though.

 

[DivingLane]

I believe their main argument is that you're probably selling them locally if you're bringing multiples. Pretty large import fees drive up the prices of many electronics here, so they limit how many each individual can bring in tax-free.

I've also heard that they might consider extra cameras/UW housings to be "business" items... Not sure if that's true though.

I get it. Probably hard to prove you're not either selling them or making a profit with the photos professionally.

 

[js1221]

We had two diver taxed on photo equipment gong into Cabo. As I understand it, by law they are permitted to tax camera housings only, as it is considered a peripheral. The law does not allow for taxing strobes, video lights, flashlights etc. That said, one in our group had two video lights taxed at $75.00 each. You are also permitted two cameras, and two housings, although each is taxable. I think the Customs people make up their own rules though, and they know they have you and that you will eventually pay the tax.

 

[Lasongo]

The problem is the interpretation of Mexican law. According to Mexican law (on their immigration website), each person is entitle to bring in two dedicated photo or video cameras and accessories. Anything in excess of that is supposed to be taxable.

In Cabo however, they are (and have been) taxing everything. They are claiming that any camera gear is taxable and they will threaten to either confiscate your gear or hold you until you pay (I had it happen and so have countless others). The Cabo authorities claim that any big rig is professional equipment and subject to taxation. They are targeting large cameras (DSLRs and Mirrorless). GoPros and compact cameras they ignore.

I haven't been to Cancun (on assignment with my gear) in well over a year. Last time I went to Cancun with my rig, the customs officer just asked what it was an when I said "one camera" she waved me through. I'd heard rumors that in Cancun they started interpreting the law like how it is done in Cabo and wanted to check around. Appreciate the feedback.