**Economy Ministry Prepares Decree for Importing Used Vehicles to Border Zones**
The Ministry of Economy is preparing a new decree that will allow for the permanent import of used vehicles to the northern border region of Mexico, offering a preferential tariff. This decree is set to be valid for one year from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
The absence of this decree has led to significant economic losses for used car dealers, drivers, and customs agency workers, who have been advocating for its renewal since the previous decree expired on September 30, 2024. More than 2,000 vehicles are reportedly stuck in the United States waiting for importation into cities like Tijuana.
According to the draft document filed with the National Commission of Regulatory Improvement, a 1% tariff will apply to used vehicles that are 5 to 9 years old from the year of importation. Vehicles that are 10 years old will have a 10% tariff. This preferential rate will be available for residents of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and the border region extending from Sonora to Tamaulipas.
For these areas, the requirement of a certificate of origin will be waived for 24 tariff sections, unlike the conditions for importing vehicles to the rest of the country where such a document is necessary. If the certificate from the manufacturer is unavailable, the importer must submit a written declaration, verified by the manufacturer, affirming that the vehicle was produced or assembled in North America.
Vehicles eligible for import under this decree that are brought into the northern border region — including Baja California, Baja California Sur, and parts of Sonora — can be transported to the rest of the country according to the requirements set by the Tax Administration Service (SAT).
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**Secondary Article: U.S.-Mexico Vehicle Import Challenges**
In a related development, the used vehicle import process between the U.S. and Mexico continues to face hurdles beyond policy delays. With more stringent emissions standards and safety regulations being enforced by both countries, the used car market is undergoing significant changes. Many U.S. vehicles do not meet Mexico’s newer environmental standards, necessitating costly modifications before they can be imported.
Furthermore, economic factors such as fluctuating currency exchange rates and cross-border tariffs are affecting the pricing and demand for used vehicles in Mexico. Dealers are calling for harmonized standards to ease the import process, which they say will benefit consumers by providing greater access to affordable vehicles.
These ongoing issues highlight the complex dynamics of the cross-border automotive trade and signify a need for more collaborative regulatory measures between the two nations to streamline trade and environmental compliance.