**Primary Article: Updates on Regularized “Chocolate” Cars That Can Be Seized at the Border**
Recently, the Customs Administration in Tijuana revealed that approximately 70,000 American vehicles cross the border daily. On January 19, 2022, a decree was published to regularize so-called “chocolate” cars, which refers to vehicles brought from the U.S. into Mexico under certain conditions. These cars, once registered under this decree, can still be seized if they fail to meet specific requirements set by customs.
A recent notice from the General Directorate of Customs Operations, distributed through social media, clarified which legalized vehicles might be subject to seizure at the U.S-Mexico border. As detailed in a document dated November 13, the directorate consulted the National Public Security Executive Secretariat to assess the decree’s effects.
Vehicles that were introduced into Mexico with temporary import permits but don’t comply with restrictions set before October 19, 2021, are now being targeted for seizure. The Federal Vehicle Registration Department (Repuve) informed customs that cars imported after this date don’t meet the decree’s conditions.
The temporary importation permit allows foreign vehicles into Mexico for 180 days, with fees ranging from $45 to $55. After this period, the vehicles must exit the country, as stipulated on the Mexican government’s website.
In response to these findings, the customs legal department issued new guidelines on October 3. These measures state that vehicles bought or imported after the cutoff date are not covered by the decree and could be subjected to administrative procedures.
Members of the Chamber of Commerce in Tijuana have flagged the illegal import of 200 to 400 vehicles daily, which are being legalized without adherence to set deadlines. Additionally, the customs administrator, Alejandro Robles Segura, noted that more than 3,000 vehicles have been seized for illegal entry attempts through Tijuana.
**Secondary Article: Broader Implications on Border and Automotive Industries**
Apart from the local impact in Tijuana, there is a broader regional implication regarding the influx of “chocolate” cars across the Mexico border. Reports suggest that increase in illegally regularized vehicles could strain existing regulatory systems and border operations.
Several U.S. vehicles are crossing the Tijuana-San Diego border driven by dual citizens, with many staying illegally in Mexico. A consensus from business leaders points to the need for more systematic regulation and enforcement. The San Diego-Tijuana region is seen as a critical hub, and these vehicle imports highlight pressing challenges related to border management and binational relations.
This situation also emphasizes the importance of examining the Mexican government’s policies on the import and regularization processes to better engage both automotive trade and border security sustainably.ijska and Baja California and great need for efficient and effective solutions are being voiced.
Additionally, the continuous influx and regularization of these vehicles pose ongoing challenges for local regulations and economic considerations. Efforts to improve the conditions and mechanisms of vehicle importation are crucial to avoiding similar issues in the future. As highlighted by the Chamber of Commerce, implementing better control and more stringent oversight is necessary to align with economic growth targets and the renewed touristic appeal projected into 2025.