When entering Mexico, tourists must comply with customs regulations regarding the electronic and filming equipment they bring. Below is a summary of what can be brought in without paying taxes, what requires declaration and payment, and the relevant laws.

Personal items allowed without taxes
According to the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), the following items are considered personal and tax-exempt upon entry:

  • Up to two photographic or video cameras with accessories (including lenses, domes, underwater housings, underwater lights, batteries, etc.)

  • Up to three portable cellular or wireless communication devices

  • One portable computer (laptop, notebook, etc.)

  • One portable copier or printer

  • One portable projector with accessories

  • One GPS device

  • One electronic organizer

Important: If stopped by Mexican authorities, state clearly that all equipment is for personal use. Underwater housings are accessories! Accessories may be mistaken for professional cinema cameras. Open your housings to show they are empty and clearly say they are accessories.

Declaration and tax payment required for:

  • Drones: Not considered personal items and must be declared.
    This includes all types—from small hobby drones to professional models. Drones under $3,000 USD are subject to a 16% tax under simplified declaration.
    Note: If you re-enter Mexico with the same drone, you must pay the 16% tax again.

  • Professional filming or photography equipment exceeding personal item limits.
    There is no legal definition, but equipment may be considered professional if it includes:

    • High-end cinema cameras (e.g. RED cameras)

    • Drones used for professional filming

    • Underwater cinema rigs

    • Advanced lighting and audio equipment

    • Camera stabilizers, cranes, or similar gear

Tip: Avoid appearing as a commercial production. Bring at most two cinema cameras. Cross individually, not as a crew. If questioned, say equipment is for personal use. Showing a personal, low-traffic social media account can help. Be discreet and polite.

  • Goods exceeding the duty-free value limit

Temporary importation for filming
Customs Law Article 106, Section III, Subsection c allows temporary import of props and filming equipment for foreign residents in the film industry.

  • No need to register as an importer

  • No customs broker required

  • Equipment can stay in Mexico for up to one year

Important: If using this process, contact a local customs agent (agente aduanal) for proper guidance.

Local Customs Agents – Baja California Sur

La Paz

  • Agencia Aduanal Zamorano, S.C.
    alfonso052@hotmail.com | (612) 128 9469 / (612) 122 0635 / 612 140 4840

  • Ruffo de Alba Agentes Aduanales, S.C.
    info@ruffodealba.com / martina@ruffodealba.com | (612) 124 6804 / (612) 124 6570

  • Columbia Export Group
    alejandra.liera@columbiaexportgroup.com | (612) 123 2324 / 123 2326 ext. 324

  • Agencia Aduanal Obregón
    No email available | (612) 123 2877

San José del Cabo

  • CGI Customs
    irma.pastrana@cgicustoms.com / arturo.herrera@cgicustoms.com

  • STS Aduanal S.C.
    No contact info available

Legal References and Sources