Getting Started
Step #1 - Select Services|
Packing, crating, disassembly and appliance preparation are customary origin services. If you are using an interline service, you may be able to reduce your moving cost by doing some (or all) of those services yourself. If you decide to participate in the packing, be aware the insurance will NOT cover breakables unless they are packed by qualified mover personnel and you must make a contents inventory of each carton. ALL packed electronic appliances must be listed by make, model and serial number. Since 9/11 most foreign governments do not permit the import of strictly packed-by-owner (PBO) cartons and the forwarder must open, inspect and confirm the contents of all cartons which are not packed by the movers. There is a nominal charge for this service. Particle board desks and furniture, pool tables, satellite systems, and items which can't be moved intact MUST BE DISASSEMBLED for transportation. If you do it yourself, you $ave money. You can also save on transportation costs on interline orders by self hauling your shipment to (or from) the border crossing location in a rental truck or trailer. |
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Step #2 - Get Estimates|
We recommend you obtain a minimum of three written relocation proposals from reputable household goods forwarders. This should be accomplished at least 30 days in advance of your planned move-out date. International moving estimates are NOT binding. Your cost will be determined when origin services are completed and your shipment has been weighed, so be sure to show the estimator EVERYTHING you wish to ship and make sure he understands ALL the services you will require such as packing, appliance service. Though we are usually more than competitive with other international forwarders, occasionally someone beats our price. If the difference in cost is substantial we often ask who bettered our rate so we can add them to our list of vendors. We'll try to find you the best deal available even if it doesn't mean handling your shipment within our own interline system. We know that finding you the best price means that the next time you move, you'll come back to see us again. |
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Step #3 - Choose a Mover|
Go with the mover with whom you are the most comfortable. Remember that professionalism counts. Go over the estimated charges, the items to be shipped and the services you will require. Be sure to get confirmation of packing and loading dates and obtain the anticipated delivery dates for your shipment. Delivery dates cannot normally be guaranteed on international shipments. Be sure to discuss payment terms. Unless billed to a domestic corporation, international shipments must be prepaid. If unforseen circumstances require additional services at delivery (elevator or stair carry, inaccessible location, etc.) additional charges may accrue and be payable before delivery can be made. If delivery cannot be made as scheduled, you may also have storage and redelivery charges. |
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Step #4 - Get Ready|
Be sure to notify your financial institutions and insurance companies of your relocation. Send change of address notices to all appropriate firms and individuals. Utility services must be discontinued and set up at your new location. Subscriptions should be stopped or forwarded. You should obtain copies of your medical and dental records or have them forwarded. Normally, the customs broker working with your forwarder will walk you through the documents needed to import your household goods. Documents MUST be in Spanish, notarized by the Mexican consulate in many cases. If you are not going to be present in person to clear your goods at the border and you will require the customs broker to act in your place, a letter of proxy may be required and additional copies of forms may be needed. |
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Step #5 - Moving Day|
Depending upon the size of your shipment, packing and move-out can take two to three days. Be sure you, or someone you trust, will be present for packing and loading to instruct packers and movers on what is to go and what is not. If the movers do the packing and "Export Inventory", be sure to go over it with them before they send it to our customs agent. It will take 24-72 hours to translate and format the inventory so you may take it to your local consulate. Loading is normally performed the day after packing. Prior to loading, another inventory of your shipment will be prepared. This "Movers Inventory" will note the condition of each item. You should go with the driver when he does this list so you can be sure you agree with the contents and condition of each item listed on the form. When the "Movers Inventory" is complete, you and the driver will sign it and you will be given a copy as a receipt for the items you have shipped. A day or so after loading you should receive your translated "Export Inventory" and you will take it to the local consulate for stamping. Once you return the stamped papers to our customs agent, you are ready to travel to your new home in Mexico. |
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Step #6 - On Delivery|
When the van arrives to deliver, be prepared to show the crew chief where everything is to be placed. As items are redelivered, checkmark the inventory number of each item received back. When delivery is completed, everything should be checkmarked. If ANYTHING is missing or damaged, document the shortage or damage on the delivery documents and then call the forwarder or insurance company immediately for instructions on filing a claim. |
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Regulations
| Household Goods |
After obtaining your FM Visa, you may be able to import used household goods and personal effects in quantities which would be considered normal for the number of family members in your household. Your permit is called a Menaje de Casa. You MUST import your household goods within six months of obtaining your Visa. |
| New Items |
A "Pequeña Importacion" of up to $3000 in new goods may be possible, but it must be crossed separately and it is very expensive. All furniture, electronics and appliances should be in use for more than six months. Undeclared new items may be confiscated and the owner may not get his furniture back until a substantial fine is paid. Additional storage, demurrage and handling charges must be paid by the OWNER. |
Electronics
and
Appliances |
Your Menaje inventory must note the make, model and serial number of ALL electronics. You may import a limited quantity of used items commensurate with the size of your household. |
| Motor Vehicles |
The OWNER of the vehicle must cross and obtain a permit for the vehicle at the border. Every time you renew your visa, the permit must also be renewed. This can usually be done by mail. |
| Motorcycles, Gocarts & Riding mowers |
Same as Motor Vehicles |
| Bicycles |
You may import ONE used bicycle for each member of the family. |
| Firearms & Ammunition |
Weapons and ammunition can only be crossed in person by the owner with a permit from the Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional. If they are shipped and discovered, the shipment will be confiscated and the owner is likely to be jailed. |
| Plants, Fruits & Vegetables |
Prohibited |
Alcohol
& Foods |
Prohibited |
| Pets |
Health certificates and permits are required. Contact you veterinarian or a professional pet transport company. |
| Art & Collectibles |
Must be moved on a separate inventory approved by the Mexican Consulate. |
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Documents
FM2
Permanent Visa |
Passport, copy of Visa, four sets of inventories, declaration that items are used and no prohibited items are included, letter of guarantee (showing your source of income), birth certificate, marriage license, photo ID (drivers license)
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FM3
Temporary Work Visa |
Passport, copy of Visa, four sets of inventories, declaration that items are used and no prohibited items are included, letter of guarantee (showing your source of income), birth certificate, marriage license, photo ID (drivers license)
Employer Must ProvideLetter of guarantee assuming liability for any taxes or duties if the shipment isn't exported by the visa expiration date, a letter of salary, position and qualification, tax and charter documents of the company
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| Diplomats |
Diplomatic passport, copy of the Franchise Form issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declaration that items are used and no prohibited items are included, your IRS identification number |
| Returning Mexican Citizens |
Your Mexican passport, four sets of inventories stamped by the consulate servicing the point of origin, copy of R.F.C. tax form, customs value form, proof of residence in the US for at least 2 years (old utility bills) |
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