An interesting question was posed to Rolly Brook and me on Mexconnect. ONAPPAFA – Importing a Used Car into Mexico
Mexconnect Topic: Importing a Used Car into Mexico:
Sculptari writes: Rolly and Steve -how does this ONAPPAFA thing work? apparently it is real popular near the border, under the guise of a grassroots movement to protect the rights of Mexican nacionales -especially those living near the border. You hire them to nationalize your car, the first thing they do is file an Amparos, so Aduana cannot seize your car while the application process is ongoing. It is good for one year at time, and costs about $37 USD per year, and you get an annual sticker on the back of your car. After 5 or so years, the org might report that your car is ineligible because it is Japanese (let’s say), but you get 5 years of driving – and the Mexican police are following this -they do not give expired tag tickets, and are constitutionally barred from an impound.
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Here’s Yucalandia’s take on the rather curious ONAPPAFA program:
Hi Sculptari,
The national President of the ONAPPAFA organization made a filing with the State of Sonora (where this can be a hot issue) on the legality of ONAPPAFA “permits” and problems with them: ONAPPAFA Legal Filing with the State of Sonora. The ONAPPAFA President officially complains of problems that families have when using the ONAPPAFA programs – causing the owners legal problems with State and local authorities: . . .
. . .
To each his own,
steve
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Full article at: ONAPPAFA – An Alternative to Paying Aduana Import Duties and Permit Fees? – The Article
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry
Surviving Yucatan 
“You hire them to nationalize your car, the first thing they do is file an Amparos, so Aduana cannot seize your car while the application process is ongoing….. ”
Another little known fact, at least to some foreigners; is that when you signed your INM paperwork, FMM, FM2 or FM3, you promised to obey all laws and regulations while in Mexico. And when declaring Inmigrado, you state that you have paid all fees and taxes associated with your request.
Score 2 more points for Ric !
Well Done,
steve
You have to obey Mexican laws any time you cross the border, simply because you are in Mex jurisdiction. It doesn’t matter whether you signed any papers or not, when crossing in. So the fact that Inmigrado declares that he had paid all the fees and taxes, is kind of mute. If the authorities find out, they can revoke your status, be it a tourist or Inmigrado, plus make you pay the fees.
Though… don’t take my words to the bank, but I’m sure that there is some Statute of Limitations regarding arrears in taxes, like 5 or 6 years.
I would like to sign up for this, but the guy in Puerto Vallarta wanted 2500 pesos to sign up. Is there anyone else to go to for this area or does it matter if it´s out of area?
Nah, area doesn’t matter. But if you don’t look like a poor Mexican, you’d better think twice before getting it. Mex police don’t like Onappafa. A lot of complaints from drivers being pulled off by Mex cops, especially gringos, with fines paid and being told that “this is for Mexicans only”.