New Brokerage Rules Announced for
Exporting Art & Collectibles to Mexico
September 2009

Crate Interiors Implements and Shares Tips for Success

Puerto Vallarta, MX (August 2009):  Export brokers working across borders between the United States and Mexico announced new rules and regulations this month, particularly affecting the transport of personal items, artwork and collectibles. With this in mind, design firm CRATE Interiors offers the following tips gleaned directly from brokerage officials to help clients ship home décor items to their resort homes in Mexico: 

First, have your goods professionally packaged with corners well reinforced. There’s nothing more disappointing that having your treasures damaged in transit. A few well-placed cardboard corners, extra heavy electrical tape and puncture-proof 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 a valid brokerage quote and accessing importation fees. Keep in mind, customs officials are now wired to the internet and very art savvy. “Brokers have become veritable curators and connoisseurs in their own rights,” explains Debra Stevenson of CRATE. “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 duties at San Diego-Tijuana (CRATE’s border point of entry). “All the old officers were fired and new ones installed to ensure adherence the new laws,” sites agent Felipe Martin, who does work for the design firm. According to this veteran expeditor, these new changes will affect the fees, value and handling accessed for art crossing the border in both directions.

Another option is to consider sending your possessions via air versus ground. This often costs more but may prevent your packages from being opened, inspected and frequently damaged in transition. Airfreight is inspected and transported differently, and sometimes special stickers can be used to identify and prescreen fragile and valuable items.

If you’re tempted to roll up your artwork and treat it as carryon luggage, keep in mind this is technically smuggling, advises Gary Thompson from Galeria Pacifico. The risk you take falls in line with undeclared currency and controlled substances, to name a few.

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. If the process seems daunting, why not consider leaving your artwork in your primary residence and seek out a knowledgeable designer or art collector to take you on a tour of the area’s renown galleries and artist studios. After all, nothing beats the thrill of a brand new find!

To learn more, link to http://crateinteriors.com/weblog/shipping-art-to-mexico/ or email us at debra@crateinteriors.com   

Debra Stevenson, President
CRATE Interiors | The Ultimate Turnkey Furnishing Solution
Email: debra@crateinteriors.com

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