Is it legal to bring diesel fuel from mexico?

Question

I was just wondering if I put a 150 gallon tank in the bed of my pick up truck and filled it with diesel fuel in mexico would I have a problem coming back into the U.S.?

Answer 1

I don't think they will let you back in the country. They might think you a terrorist unless you have some kind of papers showing that you allowed to transport diesel. But then again who does that on the bed of a pick up.

Answer 2

There was a story on the news the other night here in Dallas about a trucking company doing just that.  After the first time they did it they were stopped the second time, but were still allowed to bring I believe 119 gallons back.  They said the price of diesel in MX was nearly 1/2 of what we pay in the states.

Answer 3

Apparently "Yes, with conditions".

I found this re Texas crossings and diesel:

Date:4/12/2008 CBP concerned over diesel fuel imports from Mexico

LAREDO, April 14 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection expressed concern on Monday over a spike in diesel fuel importations from Mexico for commercial purposes at passenger vehicle crossings.

The agency is advising travelers at the South Texas ports of entry that if they wish to import diesel fuel for commercial use, they must file a formal commercial entry at a designated commercial crossing. Mucia Dovalina, CBP public affairs officer, said the agency noted that diesel fuel importations at passenger vehicle crossings increased markedly over the last 45 days.

“That's why we felt it was important for CBP to let people know that there are regulations and compliances with other agencies other than CBP that have to be met when you are dealing with a commodity such as diesel,” said Dovalina.

Dovalina added that travelers importing extra diesel into the United States at a non-designated international bridge will be informed of the regulations that they need to comply with in order to import diesel.

“We're not stopping people who are coming in with just one diesel tank, but we're looking at people who are coming in with several of them, where the officer's discretion notes that the possibility for commercial importation exists,” said Dovalina.

If the officer notes commercial importation, Dovalina said, the traveler will be referred to secondary inspection where they will be informed on the importation regulations. However, CBP also notes that failure to file a commercial entry or attempts to import diesel fuel for commercial purposes at passenger vehicle crossings can result in the conveyance being returned to Mexico.

Another possible outcome is that the importer will be directed to a commercial facility designated for hazardous material processing.

The filing of a formal commercial entry to import diesel fuel requires working with a customs broker, and adhering to other government agencies regulations, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The importer must also adhere to all laws addressing markings and transportation of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials may only be imported via a commercial bridge officially designated for processing hazardous materials.

“It is important for the travelers to know that Customs and Border Protection is making every effort to ensure the safety of those who may not have the information on the potential hazard of these types of liquids,” said Dovalina. “CBP is always looking out for the safety of our public as well as avoiding them any types of inconveniences when they are trying to import any type of merchandise.”

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FYI: Mexico does not yet require ULSD (Ultra-low sulfur diesel  nationwide, but it is available across the USA border region, and will be required nationwide starting September, 2008.

The USA requires ULSD be sold at gas stations...