Mexican Customs and Items Imported from China

[Smidge]

I started this thread and this is what happened when we passed through customs in Mexico. Before we left, I cut out or covered any "Made in China" labels, brought my receipts, and kept the value of what was being carried in to under $300/person. When we got to the customs checkpoint, we got a green button and breezed through. My husband and I each had three large bags, and we still did not have any problems. We even managed to get the bridal bouquet home in the US. Do not declare the bouquet as a plant because that is going to send you through a more stringent customs process. It doesn't have roots, so it's not a plant! I was even asked what I had in the bag, showed the agent the bouquet, and was told that it "should not be a problem."

 

I think our experience is shat will happen most of the time. Destination weddings are big business in Mexico, and Mexico likes destination brides. Still, I would still advise anyone bringing wedding items through customs to be prepared for the agent who is having a bad day. I would take the same precautions if we would do this again. I would also recommend carrying the items with you, divided among friends and family, so each person's stash does not exceed $300. Customs broker or not, I think regulations are enforced more strictly on shipped packages and there are just too many opportunities for things to be "misplaced."