Mexico's Camera Customs Problem Sparks Growing Backlash

A disputed charge involving a renowned underwater filmmaker and YouTuber has brought renewed attention to a long-running problem for visiting photographers—and this time Mexico's dive industry and authorities are responding.

A long-running customs issue affecting underwater photographers travelling to Mexico is attracting renewed scrutiny
Travel & Trips

Complaints about Mexican customs charges on visiting underwater photographers are not new. X-Ray Mag first investigated the issue five years ago after one of our principal photojournalists, Scott Bennett, was charged US$570 for bringing his own underwater photographic equipment into the country.

Bringing Camera Equipment Into Mexico May Cost You

Be careful as regards how much camera equipment you bring into Mexico as your secondary or backup equipment could be considered an import which is liable to considerable taxes.

Travel & Trips

Following our report about divers being charged tax on their personal photo equipment, we wrote to the Mexican tourism minister and contacted some embassies to seek their comments and clarification on the matter. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism never responded to any of our inquiries or requests for comment, and we had to reach out to several Mexican embassies and press them for an answer before we got the following reply from Mexico's embassy in Toronto, Canada.  

Mexican Customs Charge Dive Travellers Sales Tax on Their Equipment

Underwater photographers who bring their professional-grade camera equipment and housings into Mexico are at risk of being charged Mexican sales tax (19%) on the value of their personal equipment when passing through customs. The underlying policy is obscure, appears to be arbitrarily applied, and Cabo San Lucas, where the bulk of Mexican liveaboards berth, seems to be the most affected point of entry.

Travel & Trips

When it comes to must-see dive destinations, Mexico’s Socorro Islands tops many a diver’s wish list. Boasting up-close encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, dolphins, sharks and immense numbers of fish, the diving presents incredible encounters and surprises galore.

However, if you are an underwater photographer with lots of gear, you may get a surprise of an unwanted variety: paying duty on your own equipment.

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