Mexico’s Car Fee to Begin Dec. 1
MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government has set Dec. 1 as the date when drivers of U.S.-registered cars will have to pay deposits of up to $800 when they enter Mexico.
The Mexican foreign affairs secretariat announced the new date Friday, a day after the government said it would postpone and revise the program. It had been scheduled to begin Nov. 1.
Mexican officials say the deposits are needed to prevent the illegal sale of U.S. cars in Mexico. U.S. officials claim that the new requirement could hurt trade and tourism.
In the wake of the criticism, Mexico agreed to two changes in the program: Drivers may use a credit card voucher to pay the deposit, and they may also collect their refund at any border post.
The deposits will be $400 for cars produced in 1994 or earlier, $600 for 1995-1998 models, and $800 for those made thereafter.
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