Bringing film equipment to Mexico

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the holder to temporarily (up to six months) import goods without payment of normally applicable duties and taxes, including value-added taxes. The Carnet eliminates the need to purchase temporary import bonds. So long as the goods are re-exported within the allotted time frame, no duties or taxes are due.

The temporary import document, ATA Carnet, can be used to ship equipment and merchandise to Mexico duty free and tax free for up to 6 months.

Items listed on a carnet and shipped for a film, video shoot, demonstration, promotion or exhibition avoid payment of customs duties and import taxes. Listing the equipment and merchandise that will return to the U.S. from Mexico on an ATA Carnet reduces the costs associated with promoting products or exhibiting at a trade show and eases the customs clearance.

An ATA Carnet also eliminates the need to post a bond or cash with Mexican customs which may take 6-24 months to be returned. In addition, the carnet serves as the registration of goods in the U.S. to smooth the re-importation of the carnet goods back into the U.S

Mexico accepts the ATA Carnet in all of its entry points.

For larger projects, we suggest to rent the equipment in Mexico or make a temporary import through a customs agent.