Temporary Import Permit for Equipment
In order to obtain a Temporary Import Permit for Equipment it is necessary to submit original letter from the company or employer of the individual responsible for the equipment, requesting the permit and complying with the following:
ORIGINAL letter of the company addressed to the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami. This letter must bear a letterhead from the company where the name, address and telephone number appear and that indicates:
a) Declare purpose of the trip.
b) State the location where the equipment will be used.
c) List the names of the individuals responsible for the equipment.
d) Include the company representative's signature (Person requesting the permit.) Please note it may not be the same as that responsible for the equipment, nor the person transporting the equipment.
e) The letter must indicate expressly that the articles will not remain in Mexican territory.
In addition, the following must accompany the letter:
• A detailed list of the equipment (brand, model and/or serial number) and should all be printed in company letterhead, with one photocopy.
• One passport photocopy for the individual responsible for the equipment, as well as his/her Mexican Tourist Visa (if needed because of his/her nationality) or copy of the American visa or US Permanent Resident Card.
All documentation is delivered in original.
Please note that all "Temporary Equipment Import Permits" are delivered the day after receipt (24 hours later).
Below an Example of this Letter (please check out):
Format Temporary Import Permit for Equipment.
IMPORTANT:THIS EQUIPMENT IMPORT PERMIT (CONSULAR LETTER) alone is no longer sufficient to carry out your equipment, due to the recent change in Mexico's customs law and detailed below:
On May 2016, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) of Mexico has made a change in its internal operating rules, so that foreigners may temporarily import equipment and accessories necessary for development their activities only through the following options:
I. Customs Import Application. Given the above, temporary imports of equipment may be made through a request, using the services of a customs agent, which can be contacted in the following confederations:
• Confederation of Associations of Customs Agents of the Mexican Republic (CAAAREM) Phone: 01 (55) 33 00 75 00 in Mexico City. Website: www.caaarem.mx
• Latin American Confederation of Customs Agents (CLAA) Phone: 01 (55) 1107-8515 / 1107-8592 in Mexico City. Website: www.claa.org.mx
II. ATA Notebook.
In this case, temporary imports of equipment may be made at any customs office of entry to the country. This alternative does not require a customs agent, but requires a representative of your company to carry out the procedure before the Customs of your choice. However, you should consider that this process involves carrying out the process by yourself or your representative (time and resources).
***The Consulate is independent and has no competence in this procedure.***
In accordance with the foregoing, once you have the equipment import permit or consular document issued by a Mexican Consulate, you must opt For option I or II above to complete the process.