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Traveling to Mexico with your vaping e-cig gear from the US

SMOKIE

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I travel to Mexico every 6 months or so, last time was a few weeks ago Feb 2017 with flying into the Cancun airport.

The time before that was in Aug 2016, and they were confiscating e-cig gear, with getting mine through with no issues but was asked if I had any with me, I said NO! The law in Mexico is that you can not import into the country or sell any e-cigs in Mexico.

Now on my past trip I was Not asked if I had any. I think now they realize we are bringing them in for personal use not importing but then again it all depends on who you get, and if the light turns red for you they will examine the inside of your bags.

Here is what I do to avoid all this even if they examine my bags.

I put my juices with no labels on bottles in my check in bag at a cost of $25 under 50 lbs, and put extra coils, with putting a extra tank or RBA in one of my toiletry bags mixed in with other junk razors, toothbrush etc. You can put the charger in any bag, check in or carry on.

Two mods, one tank, one unlabeled bottle of juice I keep in my carry on or on me until I get to US screening TSA

When you go through TSA screening leaving from the US take the tank or RBA off, and put in a quart plastic zip lock bag along with your bottle of juice. You are only allowed one quart bag in a carry on bag. And for your batteries they MUST be in PROTECTIVE CASES in your Carry On bag ONLY, NOT ALLOWED in the check on bag.

Now after you pass the US TSA screening take your mods, juice, and tank, and keep on them YOU, put in your pockets a MUST.

Once arrived in Mexico you Do Not get searched or go though any body x-ray, only your bags may get searched if the light turns red for you.

Hope this helps, and have a great trip.

PS When I travel anywhere taking a plane I bring two internal battery mods so no need for bats, and chargers
just a USB cable, and wall wart.

unnamed (1).jpg 16729567_1303379676366887_3014989219812289592_n.jpg unnamed.jpg786555.jpg
 
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pulsevape

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Fucking brilliant...those scumbags dump illegal drugs by the tons on our neighborhoods and they are worried about nicotine......
 

Doomsday Vaper

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I plan on visiting Mexico on Wednesday however we are walking across border at the check point. Will I have problems bringing vape across or back?
 

rchmx

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I plan on visiting Mexico on Wednesday however we are walking across border at the check point. Will I have problems bringing vape across or back?

Of course not. And honestly, I have no idea what the OP is going on about. I've lived in Mexico 3 years, ran a vape business the last 2. I know hundreds of vapers who fly into and out of Mexico multiple times a year, follow all the local news, and I've never heard one story about anybody's personal vaping gear getting confiscated.

It's not technically legal to import or sell the stuff down here, but obviously there are ways around that. Seems like the OP is confusing apples and oranges, and going way overboard to the point of being ridiculous about what a vaper needs to do when traveling into Mexico.

EDIT: Just wanted to apologize for coming of overly snippy to the OP, though resident doucebag Pulsvapes "scumbags" comment set me up for that. Long story short, Mexican customs officials have never specifically targeted people's personal vaporizers for confiscation. People should simply follow the airline's policies regarding vaporizers, which is to keep all batteries in your carry on bag. Nothing else to worry about, and no need to jump through any self-created hoops.
 
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SMOKIE

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Of course not. And honestly, I have no idea what the OP is going on about. I've lived in Mexico 3 years, ran a vape business the last 2. I know hundreds of vapers who fly into and out of Mexico multiple times a year, follow all the local news, and I've never heard one story about anybody's personal vaping gear getting confiscated.

It's not technically legal to import or sell the stuff down here, but obviously there are ways around that. Seems like the OP is confusing apples and oranges, and going way overboard to the point of being ridiculous about what a vaper needs to do when traveling into Mexico.

EDIT: Just wanted to apologize for coming of overly snippy to the OP, though resident doucebag Pulsvapes "scumbags" comment set me up for that. Long story short, Mexican customs officials have never specifically targeted people's personal vaporizers for confiscation. People should simply follow the airline's policies regarding vaporizers, which is to keep all batteries in your carry on bag. Nothing else to worry about, and no need to jump through any self-created hoops.

Mexican customs recently where they ASK YOU=
Mexican Customs at the airport When you arrive to the airport, you are required to declare at Customs if you have goods other than your baggage, money, animals, medicine or electronic cigarettes.

I have been there twice in the past 6 month but only asked once the above about e-cigs in Aug 2016

And if you research you will see many reports of E-cig gear confiscated at the Cancun Airport Mexico in the recent year or so.

But honestly what I think is the airport customs agents really do not understand there own law on e-cigs between the difference of importing them or bringing them in for personal use. Or the agents are just stealing them.

Mexico Bans Electronic Cigarettes and Targets Illegal Imports

Mexico has taken a hard-nosed approach to electronic cigarette, banning them completely across the country. This week, health authorities confiscated imports of over 9,000 ecigs marking the largest seized ecig shipment to date. Commissioner Alvaro Perez Vega of the Cofrepis Health Operation said that authorities are cracking down on ecigs because they view them as unsafe.


E-Cigs Considered Illegal in Mexico – Vape Stores in the Capital Shut Down

Health authorities in Mexico have closed down vape stores in Mexico City, seizing almost 9,500 devices and citing the technical illegality of e-cigarettes in the country. The action has been taken under the General Tobacco Control Law, which – despite not originally having e-cigarettes in mind – has been deemed to apply to e-cigarettes. Prior to this seizure, only around 2,200 devices had been seized.

QUOTE FROM Another WHO HAD A ISSUE

Guy posted that he got the red light at customs and when they searched his bags they confiscated his e-cig and said they could fine him but they weren't going to.
I don't know if the laws have changed, if they're simply enforcing the laws now, or if customs is just messing with people. But just wanted to alert others to be aware of what's happening...
 
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rchmx

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rchmx Says use to Live in Mexico! (meaning past tense) He Ran a Vape business (Mexico Govt closed most down, and confiscated there stock)

Guess he has not been there for a while or has gone through Mexican customs recently where they ASK YOU=

Read it again, dude. I've lived in Mexico for 3 years. "I've" is a contraction of "I have," meaning something that is currently happening and has been happened for whatever period of time indicated, in this case 3 years. Nothing past tense about it.

There are vape shops all over this country. Yes, sometimes, in some places (mainly CDMX), some authorities will move against a vape shop, or vape imports, and I would never try to send vape gear through customs, but still, there are flourishing vape shops in Puerto Vallarta, in Guadalajara, and my business has been great in San Miguel de Allende for two years now. Miles better than trying to run something like this in the States at this point in time.

If any personal use confiscation is actually happening, then it's most likely one guy (or a guy and his buddies), who are simply misrepresenting their authority to steal people's vape gear. There is no law in Mexico against the personal use of an e-cig device. If anyone has gotten their e-cig gear confiscated at an airport in Mexico, and I very strongly do not believe that this is anything close to a widespread phenomenon, it was because they got scared and didn't know their rights, and just let themselves get ripped off.

If it happened to me, I would simply say, using my still very poor Spanish, "No es cierto, es mia!" And then continue on in firm but polite English to that effect. "No, this is for my personal use. It is not illegal to possess or use an electronic cigarette in Mexico. None of this is for resale. You have no right to take this from me." etc

Your post gave the impression that this is something we should be worried about, and that's just not true. I could 100% believe that there might be one bad apple out there taking advantage of scared gringos to jack their shit, but it is 100% not true that it is a policy of aduana (Mexican customs) to confiscate people's personal electronic cigarette devices. And I can 100% guarantee that if someone was unlucky enough to run into said bad apple, they would get through it just fine if they stood up for themselves and made a stink about it, as outlined above. I'd also say, "Donde esta el jefe?" "Where is the boss?" lol The look on his face while he waved you along would be priceless. :giggle:
 

SMOKIE

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Read it again, dude. I've lived in Mexico for 3 years. "I've" is a contraction of "I have," meaning something that is currently happening and has been happened for whatever period of time indicated, in this case 3 years. Nothing past tense about it.

There are vape shops all over this country. Yes, sometimes, in some places (mainly CDMX), some authorities will move against a vape shop, or vape imports, and I would never try to send vape gear through customs, but still, there are flourishing vape shops in Puerto Vallarta, in Guadalajara, and my business has been great in San Miguel de Allende for two years now. Miles better than trying to run something like this in the States at this point in time.

If any personal use confiscation is actually happening, then it's most likely one guy (or a guy and his buddies), who are simply misrepresenting their authority to steal people's vape gear. There is no law in Mexico against the personal use of an e-cig device. If anyone has gotten their e-cig gear confiscated at an airport in Mexico, and I very strongly do not believe that this is anything close to a widespread phenomenon, it was because they got scared and didn't know their rights, and just let themselves get ripped off.

If it happened to me, I would simply say, using my still very poor Spanish, "No es cierto, es mia!" And then continue on in firm but polite English to that effect. "No, this is for my personal use. It is not illegal to possess or use an electronic cigarette in Mexico. None of this is for resale. You have no right to take this from me." etc

Your post gave the impression that this is something we should be worried about, and that's just not true. I could 100% believe that there might be one bad apple out there taking advantage of scared gringos to jack their shit, but it is 100% not true that it is a policy of aduana (Mexican customs) to confiscate people's personal electronic cigarette devices. And I can 100% guarantee that if someone was unlucky enough to run into said bad apple, they would get through it just fine if they stood up for themselves and made a stink about it, as outlined above. I'd also say, "Donde esta el jefe?" "Where is the boss?" lol The look on his face while he waved you along would be priceless. :giggle:

Maybe so in what your saying, and like I said why was I asked by agents if I was carrying any e-cigs on me in Aug 16, and not last month Feb 17

But in any case if you do not want to worry about bringing them, and possibly getting confiscated by crooked agents just carry it on your person, meaning in your pocket in case you get the red light.
 

chuck333

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I just spent 6 weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I was aware when I entered Mexico that vape gear importation was not allowed. I boarded the plane in Toronto with my Subvod. This isn't my preferred system but I was OK with losing it if it was confiscated and OK with using it for six weeks if it wasn't. I put it in my Innokin travel case with the battery unattached. I only brought a 30ml bottle of juice because I new of at least one place where I could buy juice. When the plane landed I took the Subvod out, screwed it together and shoved it into my pocket. Luggage is often x-rayed when you're passing through customs. If I'm not flagged for a body search I'm OK. I passed through customs no problem and no questions asked. When I ran out of juice I went to the store to buy more. It was closed. I knew of one other place that sells juice. they had one flavour (coconut) in 6mg in 10ml bottles. That was it. I bought one. It was terrible. I went to the other store when it reopened and bought some other juice. It was better but still not good. I never did find a good juice. I went to a nearby shopping centre a few days before the end of my trip and found three more places that sell juice and equipment. I bought a bottle from one of these place, imported from China. It was terrible too. I was missing my VV mod and looked around a bit. The variety of equipment was not great and the prices were outrageous. I looked at a Joytech AIO that sells for $25 CDN in Canada and it was 880 MP (about 44 USD almost 60 CDN). Next time I'm going to pocket a better device and bring in about 240 or 280ml of juice in plain or falsely labeled bottles.
 

chuck333

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BTW I actually emailed Mexican customs to see if you're allowed to bring vape gear into Mexico for personal use and was told, flat out, No. E-Cigarettes are covered by the same law that covers the ban (in Mexico) on candy "Popeye" cigarettes. Nothing that resembles a tobacco product that is not a tobacco product may be imported or sold in Mexico. Possession is not illegal.

Answer:(Translated by Google)

In response to your request, I inform you that the General Health Law establishes that it is matter of general health health control of imports and exports of goods and services; corresponding to the Ministry of Health monitoring compliance with this Law and other provisions issued based on it, such as the General Law for the Law of Snuff.

Therefore, the entry into the national territory of merchandise consisting of "electronic Cigars" is NOT allowed,

For more information, we suggest you communicate directly with the Ministry of Health, authority to regulate, restrict or prohibit this type of merchandise.

You can contact us through the following options:

www.gob.mx/salud

(52) 55 5132 1200

You are invited to know the website of the General Administration of Customs, where you can find important information on customs and foreign trade in the direction www.sat.gob.mx.

"RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION RAISED IS ISSUED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORIENTATION, BASED ON THE EXPRESSED BY petitioner EMAIL, without prejudging THE ACCURACY OF THE EXPRESSED, SO ARE HARMLESS THE POWERS OF CHECKING THE AUTHORITY AND NO RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS TO GENERATE DIFFERENT petitioner OF UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF sees fit, the petitioner MAY APPLY IN WRITING TO THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE TAX CODE OF THE FEDERATION IN THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 34 OF THE TAX CODE OF THE FEDERATION, THE AUTHORITIES ARE oNLY TAX REQUIRED TO ANSWER INQUIRIES ABOUT LIVE PERFORMING SPECIFIC SITUATIONS AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALLY. "
 
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rchmx

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BTW I actually emailed Mexican customs to see if you're allowed to bring vape gear into Mexico for personal use and was told, flat out, No. E-Cigarettes are covered by the same law that covers the ban (in Mexico) on candy "Popeye" cigarettes. Nothing that resembles a tobacco product that is not a tobacco product may be imported or sold in Mexico. Possession is not illegal.

Answer:(Translated by Google)

In response to your request, I inform you that the General Health Law establishes that it is matter of general health health control of imports and exports of goods and services; corresponding to the Ministry of Health monitoring compliance with this Law and other provisions issued based on it, such as the General Law for the Law of Snuff.

Therefore, the entry into the national territory of merchandise consisting of "electronic Cigars" is NOT allowed,

For more information, we suggest you communicate directly with the Ministry of Health, authority to regulate, restrict or prohibit this type of merchandise.

You can contact us through the following options:

www.gob.mx/salud

(52) 55 5132 1200

You are invited to know the website of the General Administration of Customs, where you can find important information on customs and foreign trade in the direction www.sat.gob.mx.

"RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION RAISED IS ISSUED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORIENTATION, BASED ON THE EXPRESSED BY petitioner EMAIL, without prejudging THE ACCURACY OF THE EXPRESSED, SO ARE HARMLESS THE POWERS OF CHECKING THE AUTHORITY AND NO RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS TO GENERATE DIFFERENT petitioner OF UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF sees fit, the petitioner MAY APPLY IN WRITING TO THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE TAX CODE OF THE FEDERATION IN THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 34 OF THE TAX CODE OF THE FEDERATION, THE AUTHORITIES ARE oNLY TAX REQUIRED TO ANSWER INQUIRIES ABOUT LIVE PERFORMING SPECIFIC SITUATIONS AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALLY. "

Again, that is regarding "importation" of "merchandise," in other words, good for resale. It has nothing to do with people bring in a device for personal use.
 

rchmx

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Member For 4 Years
I just spent 6 weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I was aware when I entered Mexico that vape gear importation was not allowed. I boarded the plane in Toronto with my Subvod. This isn't my preferred system but I was OK with losing it if it was confiscated and OK with using it for six weeks if it wasn't. I put it in my Innokin travel case with the battery unattached. I only brought a 30ml bottle of juice because I new of at least one place where I could buy juice. When the plane landed I took the Subvod out, screwed it together and shoved it into my pocket. Luggage is often x-rayed when you're passing through customs. If I'm not flagged for a body search I'm OK. I passed through customs no problem and no questions asked. When I ran out of juice I went to the store to buy more. It was closed. I knew of one other place that sells juice. they had one flavour (coconut) in 6mg in 10ml bottles. That was it. I bought one. It was terrible. I went to the other store when it reopened and bought some other juice. It was better but still not good. I never did find a good juice. I went to a nearby shopping centre a few days before the end of my trip and found three more places that sell juice and equipment. I bought a bottle from one of these place, imported from China. It was terrible too. I was missing my VV mod and looked around a bit. The variety of equipment was not great and the prices were outrageous. I looked at a Joytech AIO that sells for $25 CDN in Canada and it was 880 MP (about 44 USD almost 60 CDN). Next time I'm going to pocket a better device and bring in about 240 or 280ml of juice in plain or falsely labeled bottles.

Yep, that's a very accurate description of the situation in Mexico, a lot of crap juice, and over priced and typically outdated products!

If you ever visit San Miguel de Allende, or are staying in Mexico for a decent period of time and find yourself in a pinch, look me up, smavapes.com, and SMA Vapes on Facebook (my website is in dire need of updating). :D

I would not so humbly say that I offer a different level of all around quality that you'll find from other vape businesses in Mexico.
 

rchmx

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Member For 4 Years
Does anyone ever visit San Miguel de Allende? :giggle:

It was estimated that over 30k people came to town for this past New Years, so I guess the answer would be yes. lol

If I missed the fact that you were joking, I apologize. SMA, though, has been one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico for years.
 

chuck333

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Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
Reddit Exile
Yes I was kidding. I'm sure it's a nice place to visit though I doubt I'll be making the trek inland anytime soon. I'm more of a beach person than a local culture person. I will keep you in mind though for when I start spending winters in MX (soon). You could ship me juices and supplies.
 

rchmx

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Yes I was kidding. I'm sure it's a nice place to visit though I doubt I'll be making the trek inland anytime soon. I'm more of a beach person than a local culture person. I will keep you in mind though for when I start spending winters in MX (soon). You could ship me juices and supplies.

Cheers man, it would be my pleasure. And I understand being a beach person first and foremost. We did a road trip down to Zihuatenejo in Feb and had a great time. Hopefully you've had a chance to check out Nayarit state on one of your PV trips. Sayulito and San Panco are some of my favorite MX beach spots yet, though admittedly we've only visited a few so far.
 

chuck333

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Member For 3 Years
ECF Refugee
Reddit Exile
We've not ventured too far North yet. We've done most of the south shore, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, Yelapa and Las Caletas. We also went on one of those day trips up into the mountains to San Sebastian del Oeste. It was a nice getaway. We're actually looking to buy a condo in the Bahia de Banderas area. On the north shore in Bucerias there's some good deals to be had. We'll need to check it out soon.
 
I travel to Mexico every 6 months or so, last time was a few weeks ago Feb 2017 with flying into the Cancun airport.

The time before that was in Aug 2016, and they were confiscating e-cig gear, with getting mine through with no issues but was asked if I had any with me, I said NO! The law in Mexico is that you can not import into the country or sell any e-cigs in Mexico.

Now on my past trip I was Not asked if I had any. I think now they realize we are bringing them in for personal use not importing but then again it all depends on who you get, and if the light turns red for you they will examine the inside of your bags.

Here is what I do to avoid all this even if they examine my bags.

I put my juices with no labels on bottles in my check in bag at a cost of $25 under 50 lbs, and put extra coils, with putting a extra tank or RBA in one of my toiletry bags mixed in with other junk razors, toothbrush etc. You can put the charger in any bag, check in or carry on.

Two mods, one tank, one unlabeled bottle of juice I keep in my carry on or on me until I get to US screening TSA

When you go through TSA screening leaving from the US take the tank or RBA off, and put in a quart plastic zip lock bag along with your bottle of juice. You are only allowed one quart bag in a carry on bag. And for your batteries they MUST be in PROTECTIVE CASES in your Carry On bag ONLY, NOT ALLOWED in the check on bag.

Now after you pass the US TSA screening take your mods, juice, and tank, and keep on them YOU, put in your pockets a MUST.

Once arrived in Mexico you Do Not get searched or go though any body x-ray, only your bags may get searched if the light turns red for you.

Hope this helps, and have a great trip.

PS When I travel anywhere taking a plane I bring two internal battery mods so no need for bats, and chargers
just a USB cable, and wall wart.

View attachment 76314 View attachment 76315 View attachment 76316
I'm flying into Mexico City next month. I will not be in any resorts with tourist heavy areas. I will be in Mexico City, Puebla, Cholula, and Teotihuacan mostly. Will being inland and not in resort/tourist areas be different?
 

SMOKIE

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I'm flying into Mexico City next month. I will not be in any resorts with tourist heavy areas. I will be in Mexico City, Puebla, Cholula, and Teotihuacan mostly. Will being inland and not in resort/tourist areas be different?
I know they just had a big vape expo in Mexico City. I would check the laws since they change all the time there.
 

iVapeDIY

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Member For 2 Years
I put my juices with no labels on bottles in my check in bag at a cost of $25 under 50 lbs, and put extra coils, with putting a extra tank or RBA in one of my toiletry bags mixed in with other junk razors, toothbrush etc. You can put the charger in any bag, check in or carry on.

flat out, No. E-Cigarettes are covered by the same law that covers the ban (in Mexico) on candy "Popeye" cigarettes. Nothing that resembles a tobacco product that is not a tobacco product may be imported or sold in Mexico. Possession is not illegal.

Planning a Cancun visit ... good tips and tricks :idea:

Just wanted to apologize for coming of overly snippy to the OP, though resident doucebag Pulsvapes "scumbags" comment set me up for that.

Resident doucebag:crazy: too funny :giggle:
 

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