### Customs Seizure of “Chocolate” Cars Under Federal Decree is Contested
In Tijuana, customs officials have implemented a controversial measure to seize “chocolate” cars—vehicles imported unofficially into Mexico—that were regularized through a federal decree. According to tax attorney Jorge Pickett Corona, this action is legally contentious and can be challenged, although recovering the vehicles could be a lengthy process.
The federal decree allowed certain vehicles to be regularized despite not meeting entry requirements set before the decree was issued on October 19, 2021. Owners of these regularized “chocolate” cars are now advised to refrain from crossing into the United States to avoid potential confiscation by U.S. Customs.
Pickett Corona emphasizes that individuals who obtained a legal document through the decree technically have a valid means of legalizing their vehicle’s presence in Mexico, despite not complying with all initial requirements. He pointed out that legally, the authorities should have rejected such regularization at the outset.
The attorney further advises those affected to consider permanently importing their vehicles to avoid disputes with the National Customs Agency and the Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT). Although seizure is disputable, any challenge would inevitably lead to litigation, with the fiscal authority’s actions presumed lawful until proven otherwise by the claimant.
### Secondary Article: Expansion and Context
Recent developments have seen the opening of a module in Tecate to assist in the regularization of “chocolate” cars. Authorities aim to reduce the legal ambiguities surrounding these vehicles and minimize the risk of future seizures.
The situation has gained attention as several owners of these cars face difficulties at border crossings, especially in Tijuana, where local customs have been actively seizing vehicles deemed non-compliant. The legal battle over the federal decree’s interpretation raises broader questions about vehicle importation policies in Mexico.
In related news, the issue reflects wider logistical challenges, as Tijuana struggles with inadequate infrastructure for cargo vehicles, leading to fines and towing for delivery trucks parked on public streets. Local officials are working to address these issues to streamline commerce and transportation. Additionally, public health concerns arise as Tijuana reports a spike in cases of whooping cough, underscoring the region’s multifaceted social and economic challenges.