**Increase in Irregular Crossing of Used Cars into Mexico; 3,200 Vehicles Seized at Tijuana Customs**
In recent weeks, there has been a notable surge in attempts to cross used vehicles from the United States into Mexico through the Tijuana border, specifically at the Chaparral and Otay checkpoints. This increase coincides with the period during which the definitive import decree was not in effect.
Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Robles Segura, the administrator of Tijuana Customs, revealed that in the past two weeks alone, 70 vehicles have been seized compared to 15 in prior periods. Currently, there are 3,200 cars in custody at Tijuana Customs undergoing administrative processes due to their undocumented status. These vehicles are expected to be transferred to government inventory and eventually handed over to the Institute for returning stolen goods to the people.
Robles Segura mentioned that with 20,000 cars passing through Otay and 50,000 through Chaparral daily, any of these could potentially end up being sold illegally. He dismissed the idea of organized crime being involved, suggesting instead that the situation stems from individuals, often dual citizens, who purchase vehicles inexpensively in the U.S. and attempt to bring them into Mexico.
For Mexicans caught with undocumented American cars, fines and administrative actions are taken, leading to the seizure of their vehicles. Typically, just one or two cars are confiscated per incident due to incomplete documentation.
Moreover, authorities have also seized vehicles that were falsely registered under the “chocolate cars” decree—cars that entered Mexico after 2021 or were reported stolen in the U.S. Despite having Mexican plates, these vehicles are still subject to checks that reveal their illegal status.
**Additional Insights on Used Car Importation Challenges**
Beyond Tijuana’s border, this issue reflects a broader challenge across different Mexican borders relating to vehicle imports. International trade and vehicle import laws require strict compliance to prevent smuggling. The delays in formal legislation have created loopholes exploited for irregular vehicle transport, particularly affecting border towns. As these issues unfold, Mexico continues to combat unauthorized crossings, emphasizing the repercussions for legal and unauthorized transport of vehicles. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve cross-border coordination to better regulate vehicle flows and ensure adherence to international trade laws, potentially reshaping the dynamics of used car sales within Mexico.
Ensuring the legal importation of vehicles remains a key focus for Mexican authorities, striving to balance economic opportunities with the integrity of national import regulations.