This is how it went
I shipped a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Track (pick-up type explorer) from NY under "ley 168".
USA
1-First I ordered the Title record certificate and the Registration Plate record from the Department of Motor Vehicle in NY and gave it to the shipping company Montero Shipping.
2- A month before my trip to DR, I contracted a shipping company Montero Shipping. A good and responsible company. They charged me $1,600 that included shipping in a container as oppose to open sea air, and consular paperwork. Since I envoked "Ley 168" I needed to have the consular paperwork. If you want to save money you can do the paperwork yourself. The transit took around 3 weeks.
3- Make sure you make copies of all papers and bring your original car registration.
Custom broker
1- After my car was on its way, through recommendation I contracted a Custom broker in the DR. He charged me $10,000 pesos around $310 US dollars. A little hefty, but it was worth it.
2-I took all the paper work from Montero Shipping and sent it to him for the initial legwork as the Vehicle was going to arrive before I did. If you let the shipping company send the paper themselves then you who have to have a power of attorney for someone else to receive the paper work for you in DR.
3- The custom broker was very reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He has been doing this since 1983. He took care of the initial fees and macuteo (shake down) at the receiving end. He really did an exceptional job.
Upon my arrival
1- I landed on a Sunday and I met with my Custom broker the next day. He informed me on what to expect and conduct myself at the Direccion de Aduanas.
2- On Tuesday,we went to Aduanas to deposit the paper work and interview for "ley 168". I had to purchase the right to the interview for 300 pesos. At the entrance to Exoneraciones, we were informed that Aduanas no longer accepts papers on Tuesdays and Thursdays as they had done before. The new days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Caution, these days my change on a whim without notice.
3-We came back on Wednesday, the broker took another look at the paperwork a second time to make sure they were in order.
4-I went in to the department "exoneraciones" (tax exempt department). Tthe broker was not allowed in with me, the lady collected all my paper work and told me to wait for the interview.
***Make sure you have photocopies of your last and most recent passport cover to cover to include blank pages. Also, have copies of all original paper work*** Aduanas requires ogirinal and copies***You must must have the orignals no if and buts. A lot of people were sent away because the were missing originals and copies.
5-Lucky me I had a Custom Broker that put all my papers in orders. I had no problems.
6- The interview was short and sweet. The interviewer asked me
a. Where I was I going to reside in DR.
b. Was I going to bring households goods. I told them later on.
c. Was I married and how many children and were where they. I told them they were with me at my mother in laws house ( our new residence). Not entirely true. You must give the impression that you are coming for good. Don't tell them that you plan to travel every so often otherwise the law "ley 168" is not applicable.
d. What was I going to work. I told them that at the moment I had no plan. That I have my savings and that I own a finca that I plan to work, hence the reason why I needed the vehicle.
e. The interviewer concluded her questioning and told me to wait. She told me that an inspector was going to visit me at my residence.
7- I waited more than two hours, when a lady called my name, gave me a piece of paper with a serial number and phone number to call on Friday.
Observation while at the waiting areas.
1-Most people did not have they papers in orders.
2-Many had come several times before and because they were missing something they had to come back. Many still did not get their act together after several trip back and forward.
3-Few came in with big wigs (Generals and other government employee). It got them in alright but if they were missing something they were turned away with Genereals and all.
4-Many people who shipped their vehicle through a mom and pop shipping company had a problem with their manifest because their vehicles where shipped under the name of the shipping company and not the owner. This created problems for all.
For Canadians
1-There was a Canadian guy that did not have a record of registration or Title record. He claimed that in Canada they don't do those things. He was told to get some type of paper that show the history of the vehicle and its past owner.
The Call
I called Friday morning as I was told. The "oficio" was not out yet. I called are 2:30 and finally it came out. The oficio was transported to the port that Friday afternoon.
Aduanas at the port
Be physically and mentally prepare for this.
1- My broker and I went on Saturdays to retrieve the vehicle. We learnt that although the oficio arrived on Friday it was not received by "Audotoria" because they had no way of verifying it with the main Aduanas. Aduanas do not open on Saturday. So the oficio was still in archivos. Here I leant that I received a 50% percent reduction as oppose to the 60 or 70%.
2-We went on Monday. My broker got there first to start the long and tedious process. He was to call me with the amount in fees and taxes that needed to pay. It was around 12PM when he called me and told me that he did not have the total amount yet, because the personnel in audotoria locked themselves out of the office and were waiting on the Locksmith. I became anxious and told the broker that I was on my way.
3-I arrived and my broker had made some head ways, he spoke with the Colector (comptroller?) and explained the situation.
4-I was finally told of the amount that I have to pay. From $230,000 Pesos down to $40,473.40 Pesos under the "ley 168" that include a 50% discount. Don't ask me what formula they use or how they applie it.
5- I left for the bank to Boca Chica to a Cashier/Register check fo that amount.
6-Well I think I went thorugh more than 10 different departments, checking, rechecking and signatures. I arrived aroung 12:30 PM and left around 5 PM. My broker was there since 9:00 AM.
Finally I got my vehicle.
Amount spent in US dollars
USA
-Title and registration record $22 dollars by phone/internet. Cheaper at service centers.
-Shipping and consular paperwork $1,600 dollars. Cheaper if you don't plan to invoke ley 168 or plan ship it on your own.
****Note: My brother shipped a vehicle not using the service of a well established shipping company to save money. His vehicle took 3 months to arrive, was subjected to the elements on the ship and was shipped out of Boston instead of New York where he lives. The shipping company was trying to save money as well.
-Custom broker $310
-Tax and fee on the vehicle $1,263 dollars at a 32 pesos exchange.
-Fee for the right to the interview $9.40
-Macuteo (shake down) money at the port $15, (480 pesos) for 4 or 5 different people. My broker told me who to give 100 pesos to. 80 pesos were given to the people at the gate of the parking lot were my vehicle was located.
-Parking fee for the vehicle while at the parking lot $78 (2,500 pesos).
-Grand Total $3,275 Dollars.
I hope this helps. If you need a Cutom broker please PM me.
It is unnecessary stress to my mind.