Rumors running wild
17 January 2014 | Mexico
Mexican Temporary Import Permit
We first heard the rumblings of a problem among the cruisers in Mexico when we pulled into the anchorage of Caleta Lobos on our way to La Paz on Nov. 28th. Another boat anchored there called out to the boat next to us warning them to check their paperwork (particularly the TIP -- Temporary Import Permit) because boats were being impounded if there was a discrepancy. We didn't think too much of it at the time because in all of our previous years in Mexico there had been no problems.
As time went by we heard more and more rumors and finally started hearing some first hand info when the editor of the sailing mag Latitude 38 had his boat impounded! Yikes -- that really got everybody's attention. A few facts thrown out and the rumor mill was running amok.
The problem, as we see it, has to do with a new government agency being created to make sure that boats are complying with the import laws and getting the 10 year temporary import permit for your boat. The agency was formed, but the method for checking and enforcing was flawed and some boats that really were legal were seized when they started their inspections at the marinas. What they would do is check a boat's HIN (hull identification number -- like a car's VIN) and if the computer didn't pop up that it had a TIP they would confiscate the boat. Unfortunately the old 20 year TIP's weren't computerized, so they were seized. It became a problem because if the boat was unoccupied (as was the case with the Latitude 38 boat) and no body could provide the proper paperwork, they would impound the boat. Then, it really got to be a mess because the new agency knew how to confiscate the boats, but no system was in place to release them. What a mess!
So as we understand at this point, boats that were confiscated or seized (which we understand just meant they couldn't leave the dock) are all being released -- except the ones that really were in violation. And we don't have any worries or concerns about the safety of keeping our boat in Mexico since our paperwork is in order and on file with the marina -- so the paperwork is here even if we aren't. It seems it was just a big fiasco created when the Mexican government wanted to make sure they were getting their proper fees, but put the cart before the horse and put an agency to work without the proper tools or knowledge to handle it.
I've had so many questions from friends and relatives back home asking if we were concerned for our boat once they read about the problem in the papers back home, I thought the easiest way to address it was with a post here explaining the situation as we understand it.
As of today all is well, but the rumors are still a flying!