It is common practice that when foreign-based carriers enter Mexico with their vehicles and do not cross the border zone, that is, the international dividing line and the parallel line located twenty kilometers inland from Mexico, the temporary importation of trailers and semi-trailers connected to their trucks is not carried out.

However, in accordance with current legislation, the legal requirements for such vehicles to circulate within the border zone without the need of a separate temporary importation, are as follows: (i) the vehicle must display and carry foreign license plates or a foreign circulation permit, which must be valid throughout their stay in Mexico, and (ii) a foreign resident must be on board the vehicle. Under Mexican law, the definition of vehicle includes both “motorized means of transport, as well as any means or trailers they tow.”

Recently, there have been cases in which Mexican customs authorities have, mistakenly, consider that trailers and semi-trailers must be temporarily imported upon entering the country, even when they are part of the same vehicle and remain within the border zone. Otherwise, said trailers and semi-trailers may be subject to seizure, and even fines may be imposed on the holder and/or owner of the vehicle.

It is therefore advisable to verify whether the aforementioned requirements are being met. Otherwise, it is preferable for all trailers and semi-trailers to be imported temporarily upon entering Mexico, in order to avoid penalties and sanctions from customs authorities. Consequently, we recommend analyzing each individual case carefully, and we remain at your disposal to provide assistance.