I flew to Cabo for a wedding shoot. Mexican Customs (Aduana) flagged my Pelican cases. They demanded a 16% import tax on my $30,000 of gear because I didn’t have a “Work Permit” or a Carnet. They seized the gear until I paid $4,800. My insurance said: “We cover theft, not government seizure.”
Key Takeaways
- Seizure is Not Theft: Insurance policies contain a “Governmental Action” exclusion. If customs, police, or the military seize your gear, it is not a covered loss.
- The ATA Carnet: A Carnet is a “Passport for Goods.” It allows you to enter countries tax-free by proving you will leave with the gear. It is the only prevention for this.
- Carnet Insurance (Bond): When you get a Carnet, you post a financial bond (usually 40% of gear value). If the gear is stolen in Mexico and you can’t bring it back, you owe the tax. Carnet Insurance covers this tax liability.
- “Worldwide” Coverage: Ensure your gear insurance is Worldwide. Some policies restrict coverage to “US and Canada.”
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “The Working Holiday.”
You think: “I’m just a tourist with a nice camera.”
Customs thinks: “You have 3 lenses and 2 bodies. You are working. Pay the tax.”
If you don’t pay, they confiscate.
Your insurance denial letter will quote the “Confiscation by Order of Government” clause. You are on your own.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Borders)
I checked how to cross borders safely.
Boomerang Carnets
- The Solution: You list every item (Serial/Weight/Value). You pay a fee (~$400). You get a stamped document.
- The Benefit: You breeze through customs in the “Goods to Declare” line.
The “Fixer” Strategy
- The Reality: In countries like Mexico or Indonesia, sometimes a Carnet isn’t enough. Hiring a local “Fixer” or production services company to handle permits is the only insurance against corrupt customs officials.
Athos / Front Row
- The Coverage: They offer “Worldwide” coverage for the gear itself (if stolen in Cabo). But they won’t pay the tax fine.
[IMAGE: Photo of an ATA Carnet document stamped by customs on top of a Pelican case]
Comparison Table
| Issue | Standard Gear Insurance | ATA Carnet | Carnet Bond Insurance |
| Gear Stolen Abroad | Covered (if Worldwide) | N/A | Pays the Customs Tax |
| Gear Seized by Customs | Denied | Prevents Seizure | N/A |
| Import Tax Demand | Denied | Waived | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Country: Is it a Carnet country? (Mexico is).
- Apply for Carnet: Do this 2 weeks before travel. List everything.
- Carry Cash: In some places, a “facilitation fee” (bribe) is the reality, though legally risky. Better to have the Carnet.
- Confirm “Worldwide” Territory: Call your agent. If your policy says “US Only,” get a rider for the trip.
FAQ
What if I bring just one camera?
You might get away with it as a “tourist.” But 2 bodies + lights = Pro.
Does my laptop need a Carnet?
Usually no, personal items are exempt. But if it’s clearly a DIT station, yes.
What if the gear is stolen and I can’t check it out of the country?
You must file a police report to prove to Customs you didn’t sell it. Carnet Insurance pays the duties if Customs doesn’t believe you.