Mexican Customs Reinforce Controls on Chocolate Cars

Mexican customs authorities in Tijuana are intensifying efforts to address the growing issue of irregularly imported vehicles, commonly known as “autos chocolate.” Over 3,200 such vehicles have been seized at the Tijuana customs office due to irregularities, primarily related to non-compliance with federal import regulations.

"The authorities are seizing vehicles that entered after the permitted date. It was a condition outlined in the decree," said Adolfo Ayala, Vice President, Confederation of Customs Brokers of Mexico (CAAAREM). He explained that vehicles imported after the decree’s cutoff date of Oct. 19, 2021, have been subject to confiscation. The seizures typically occur when vehicles re-enter Mexico from the United States, where customs officials verify their importation date.

"Every day, one or two vehicles are confiscated because they cannot prove legal residency in Mexico," said Alejandro Robles, Administrator, Tijuana Customs Office. He emphasized that vehicles continue to cross the border under falsified documents or through procedural irregularities.

Julián Palombo, President, National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism in Tijuana (CANACO), confirmed that over 3,200 vehicles are currently undergoing administrative procedures at the Tijuana customs office. The issue stems from vehicles purchased abroad and imported after the federal deadline. "One or two cases daily of vehicles being confiscated because their importation cannot be legally validated," Palombo stated.

Robles added that approximately 70,000 vehicles cross the border daily at the Tijuana-San Diego crossings, driven by individuals with dual nationality. A percentage of these vehicles remain in Mexico illegally.

The situation has raised concerns about fraudulent practices during the regularization process. Many vehicles were registered in the Public Vehicle Registry (REPUVE) despite failing to meet the decree’s requirements. Ayala Bejarano warned that individuals who falsely declared compliance during regularization now face significant penalties. In addition to vehicle confiscation, offenders are liable for tax credits equivalent to 70% of the vehicle’s value.

The decree outlined specific restrictions to prevent misuse, including prohibiting the importation of luxury or armored vehicles, vehicles involved in criminal investigations, or those deemed unfit for environmental or mechanical standards. Robles highlighted that vehicles stolen in the United States or illegally registered after 2021 are also flagged for investigation.

The volume of irregular vehicles highlights ongoing challenges at border crossings. Jorge Macías, Vice President, Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (CONCANACO), estimated that between 200 to 400 irregular vehicles are introduced daily through Tijuana customs.

In response, authorities have intensified inspections on highways, involving the National Guard to ensure compliance. Ayala Bejarano stressed the importance of public awareness, urging individuals to understand the risks of using vehicles that do not meet federal guidelines. "It is crucial to disseminate this information so that people are not misled into exploiting the decree when it is no longer applicable," he said.