**Tijuana Customs Seizes “Chocolate Cars” Imported Despite Federal Decree**
In recent developments at the Tijuana border, customs authorities have been actively seizing so-called “chocolate cars”—used vehicles illegally imported despite a federal decree. As highlighted by Adolfo Ayala Bejarano, vice president of the Mexican Confederation of Customs Brokers, these vehicles have been confiscated when detected entering from the United States, having crossed the threshold date of October 17, 2021, established by the federal government.
Customs officials, including Tijuana Customs Administrator Alejandro Robles Segura, report regular weekly seizures. These vehicles, some found to be stolen from the U.S. or with ongoing registrations as recent as 2023, have been entering under the guise of the federal decree but are, in reality, buoyed by document alterations. The decree, which was meant to streamline the process of importing used cars, has seen some exploit its loopholes.
Furthermore, guards from the National Guard are conducting inspections on highways to ensure vehicles comply with the decree’s regulations. Ayala Bejarano has urged citizens not to misuse the decree, as falsely claiming compliance could lead to hefty fines nearing 70% of the car’s value, and the vehicle’s seizure.
Jorge Macías Jiménez, vice president of the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism along the border, mentioned the detection of roughly 200 to 400 vehicles entering daily through Tijuana’s customs, pointing to a significant challenge with vehicles potentially staying illegally upon entering the country.
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**Secondary Article: Efforts to Control Illegal Car Imports at Tijuana Border Intensify**
In related news, Mexican authorities are actively working to curb the flow of unauthorized vehicles at the Tijuana border, a key entry point between Mexico and the United States. Daily, approximately 70,000 vehicles cross both ways between San Diego and Tijuana, a portion of which involves individuals holding dual nationality.
Despite measures introduced by the Mexican government to ease the legal importation of used vehicles, discrepancies remain. Reports indicate that some vehicles enter through informal channels, bypassing official registration processes. This issue is exacerbated by delays in the publication of updated importation decrees, prompting some sellers to offload vehicles in informal markets.
Efforts continue to regulate the influx, with initiatives like opening modules in nearby areas such as Tecate for vehicle regularization, and considering infrastructural changes like relocating the Tijuana-Tecate tollbooth to alleviate traffic congestion and improve customs efficiency. As these measures take shape, authorities remain vigilant and committed to upholding the decree’s intentions and securing the region’s border integrity.