Donations to Mexico involve completing paperwork

BY DIANA SUAREZ, SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Dec 12, 2006

Kindness goes a long way, but that alone won't let you cross the border to give to the needy in Mexico.

Donating clothing, toys and other items to the needy in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., or Los Algodones, Baja Calif., requires that the donors complete paperwork with Mexico's federal Tributary Service Administration in Mexicali in order to cross the border with the contributions.

Those taking donations into Mexico must register with the nearest office of the Tributary Service Administration (Spanish initials SAT).

The goal of registering as a donor is to allow the government to regulate what is being brought into the country, he said. "There are rules and protections that the people have to know about. For example, used clothing cannot be brought into Mexico" for donation.

The process of registering is free, but donors who fail to do so face fines, he said, and "the merchandise and the vehicle in which the merchandise is transported will remain in custody of the SAT while an investigation is done."

For Yuma-area donors, the closest SAT office is in Mexicali at Boulevard Benito Juárez 1990-A, Local 19, in Plaza Universidad, Cuen said.

Donors should provide a list and photos of the items. The list should include information on the brands and estimated value of items to be donated, he said.

For more information, call the consulate at 343-0066.

ITEMS THAT MAY BE DONATED IN MEXICO:

• Clothing, bedsheets, blankets and towels that are new.

• Canned food that has not reached expiration dates.

• New and used computer equipment for public education institution.

• Medical and laboratory equipment, office equipment, school supplies or vehicles for public sector use.

• Toys not made in China.

MORE INFORMATION

• Visit the Tributary Services Administration Web site at www.sat.gob.mx.

• Call the Mexicali office at 011-52-686-564-1029, 011-52-686-564-1021 or 011-52-686-564-1093.