Many of our clients ask for help shipping artwork and collectibles to their resort homes in Mexico. As rules and regulations are rapidly changing, we thought the following tips gleaned directly from our brokers might be helpful:

Treat Your Treasures with Care when Transporting to Mexico

First, have your goods professionally packaged with corners well reinforced. Nothing more disappointing that having your treasures damaged in transit. A few extra cardboard corners, heavy electrical tape and sturdy packaging will ensure the journey is successful.

Next, prepare an accurate list of your items with dimensions, value, artist name and a photograph. These are essential for obtaining an accurate brokerage quote and importation fee. Keep in mind, customs officials are now wired to the internet and very art savvy. They will easily spot the difference between your Boardwalk Find and your Fabulous Brancusi.

Then, be aware of recent changes. On 14 August 2009 the Mexican Marines and new federal officers took over customs at Tijuana (CRATE’s border point of entry). All the old officers were fired and new ones installed to ensure adherence the new laws. Many of these changes affect the fees, value and handling of art crossing the border in both directions.

Also, consider sending your possessions via air versus ground. This often costs more but ensures your packages aren’t opened, inspected and frequently damaged in transition. Air freight is inspected and transported differently, and sometimes special stickers can be used to prescreen fragile and valuable items.

Of course no matter what you import into Mexico, you’ll always pay the sales national tax ( 15% IVA).  There is seldom a way around this.  Art galleries that actively bring in shows from abroad must fill out special paperwork to indicate the collections are temporarily in the country and will be shipped back once the exhibition closes.

Finally, don’t intentionally underestimate your art portfolio. This only leads to fines, impoundment and the risk of losing your valuables altogether. If they are important to you, treat them as such and enjoy them forever!