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Go Back (to archives)We recently had the good fortune to meet and talk to Raquel Garcia Jordán, the manager of Detomor, a customs broker in Sonoyta. Raquel, a capable professional woman with a beautiful smile, made us welcome and explained some things that Americans need to know about importing merchandise into Mexico.
Many Americans don't know that they can get special discounts for certain items, and so they may be paying much more than they need to in taxes. For example some construction materials are tax-exempt. Raquel has a list that she keeps up to date.
Some items are taxed 10% in Sonoyta because it's in the Free Zone. The same items would be taxed 15% in Nogales and other ports of entry.
Many people think they are saving money by paying their taxes at the gate, but in truth, they could probably save by employing a customs broker. For one thing, they cannot receive a factura, or official receipt, by paying as they go through the gate, and so cannot claim any tax deduction. Also, if they try to import some things without an official SECOFI permit, they can get into trouble later when they try to sell these items.
Raquel can tell people how to import their items most efficiently and in accordance with the law. It is possible to fax her a list and get an estimate of the cost. Foreigners must have a Mexican permit called a cedula to set up the procedure and also an invoice for the material being imported.
American business is important to Mexico, and the government is trying to make importation easier for foreigners. But it's essential to do it right, as we've figured out over the last 5 years. Because the regulations are so complicated and change so often, it is more efficient to use the services of someone like Raquel, who keeps current on all the laws. Having used Detomor once already, we can testify to how rapid and pleasant the whole process was.
Raquel, who is from Hermmosillo, spent 7 years working in the customs office, learning the ins and outs of the business. When Detomor decided to open an office in Sonoyta, she applied for the job and got it. She has been the manager here for 4 years.
Detomor has other offices in Tijuana and Tecate. Yes, there's a place by that name, as well as a beer--it's in Baja California, east of Tijuana. Although Detomor is a relative newcomer in Sonoyta, its service is good, and its business is growing. We can see why.
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