### Simplified Importation Process After Termination of “Chocolate Cars” Decree
As the decree allowing the regularization of foreign vehicles, commonly referred to as “chocolate cars,” nears its end, industry stakeholders are advocating for simplified legal importation processes. Jorge Macías Jiménez, coordinator of Grupo 21, expressed optimism about the potential easing of regulations.
“We hope for measures that allow legal vehicle imports,” stated Macías Jiménez.
One major concern highlighted by Macías Jiménez is the increased regularization of newer vehicle models that were initially intended to be for models from 2017 or earlier.
The current decree, set to conclude on September 30, coinciding with the end of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency, could extend into Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. There are ongoing discussions about further extending or terminating this decree.
Along with the “chocolate cars” decree, other significant legislations set to conclude include tariffs policies and fiscal stimulus that maintained the Value Added Tax (VAT) at 8% in northern and southern border regions, and the Income Tax (ISR) at 20%.
The National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) in the northern region has been lobbying the federal government to keep the 8% VAT in border areas, albeit with limited success.
In one of his final visits to Baja California, President López Obrador mentioned that making the 8% VAT permanent could prevent yearly legislative updates, yet this has not been integrated into the current reform packages.
“We remain hopeful, but time is running out,” remarked Macías Jiménez.
### Sheinbaum’s Potential Extension of “Chocolate Cars” Decree
According to other sources, Claudia Sheinbaum, the incoming administration, might continue to regularize “chocolate cars”. Ismael Burgueño, the upcoming municipal president, discussed with Grupo 21, suggesting Sheinbaum’s intent to either extend or instate new measures regarding the decree.
Additionally, local trends show that most vehicles in Baja California are over a decade old, highlighting the potential benefit of more accessible legal importations to refresh the aging vehicle population.
[For more in-depth information and updates, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.]
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#### Additional News on the Topic
##### Mexico’s Border Tax Reductions to End with Current Administration
As México prepares for a political transition, significant fiscal policy changes are expected. The end of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term will see the closure of fiscal stimulus strategies that have long provided economic relief along Mexico’s borders. This includes a reduced VAT rate of 8% instead of the standard rate of 16% and an ISR capped at 20%. Both the northern and southern border regions benefited from these stimulus measures aimed at boosting local economies.
Efforts to make these tax reductions permanent have not yet materialized into law, raising uncertainties about the economic landscape post-administration. Stakeholders continue to push for legislative action to preserve these economic benefits beyond the current term.
For detailed updates on fiscal policies and their implications, follow our comprehensive coverage on TJGringo.com.