Mexican Customs (Aduana) is experimenting with a new entry procedure at Terminal Two of the Mexico City International Airport that eliminates the requirement for passengers from foreign destinations to pass through the red/green “traffic light.”
As of this month, all checked luggage off-loaded from international flights is being checked by x-ray machines before transfer on to baggage claim conveyor belts.
Previously, all international passengers to Mexico have been obliged to press Aduana’s “traffic light” and have their luggage inspected if they obtain a red light. This random method is no longer being used as part of Terminal Two’s new streamlined system, in which passengers with nothing to declare simply walk through to the airport terminal with their bags.
Passengers carrying goods not free of import duty are obliged to declare them and pay the appropriate fees. The “Declaración de Aduana” (Customs Declaration) form – filled out before arrival – is also being discontinued.
Customs officials will, of course, be observing passengers as they pass through the zone with their luggage and stopping those who they believe might be carrying undeclared or illegal merchandize.
The new system replicates that used by most European nations.
If considered a success, the procedure will be introduced in stages in Terminal One in Mexico City, as well as at the airports in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancun and Los Cabos. Around 85 percent of international passengers entering Mexico by air fly into one of these five airports.