Foreign trade in Mexico is about to undergo an unprecedented transformation. The proposed reform to the Customs Law, published on September 9 and approved in committee on October 6, redefines obligations, responsibilities, and risks for all actors in the sector.
Importers and exporters: It will be mandatory to maintain complete electronic records documenting every operation, from transfers and contracts to the correct issuance of the CFDI with the Carta Porte (BL) supplement. Deadlines, declared addresses, and compliance with regulations will be strictly monitored, affecting IMMEX operations, certified companies, and Strategic Bonded Warehouses.
Customs brokers: Responsibilities are expanding. The removal of exemptions implies full joint liability for duties, tariff classification, and the accuracy of documentation. New grounds for suspension and revocation of licenses (patentes) increase operational risk.
Bonded warehouses and IMMEX companies: Remote control, video surveillance, and precise documentation of transformation processes will be mandatory. Authorities will have digital access to monitor every operation.
Courier and parcel companies: They will face new obligations in simplified import operations, increased traceability of goods, and joint responsibility for the accuracy of declared information. Authorities will have digital oversight of all operations, and non-compliance could result in fines, seizures, or suspension of services.
Reform objectives:
- Prevent tax evasion and smuggling, strengthening revenue collection without creating new taxes, through increasing digital traceability of operations and stiff compliance requirements.
- Establish stricter sanctions, with increases of up to 300%, on omitted duties and the commercial value of goods, as well introduce new compliance obligations.
Recommendations:
The reform increases digital oversight, sanctions, and shared liability among importers, customs brokers, and logistics operators.
Importer, exporters and other companies involved in foreign trade operations must comply with the new traceability obligations, ensure the correct submission of customs documents for each operation, and confirm compliance with non-tariff restrictions and regulations.
Customs brokers must review their document validation processes, reinforce compliance programs, and maintain complete electronic records, as they will now share responsibility for tax calculation and the accuracy of declared information.
IMMEX companies and bonded facilities must carefully observe deadlines for goods’ legal importation deadlines, document their production or transformation processes, and provide the authorities with remote access to their monitoring systems as required.
Stay tuned to our communication channels to join our upcoming webinar, where we will directly review the points that most impact the proposed Customs Law reform.
Contact
Alejandro Martinez
Ana Victoria Parra
THE ABOVE IS PROVIDED AS GENERAL INFORMATION PREPARED BY PROFESSIONALS WITH REGARD TO THE SUBJECT MATTER. THIS DOCUMENT ONLY REFERS TO THE APPLICABLE LAW IN MEXICO. WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON AS LEGAL, ACCOUNTING OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEING RENDERED.
