In the Mexican customs ecosystem, there are things that work and many others that don’t, as revealed by the National Survey of Logistics, Customs and Foreign Trade (ENLACE) , presented during the 85th National Congress of Customs Agents by the Confederation of Associations of Customs Agents of the Mexican Republic (CAAAREM) .
The exercise, one of the most ambitious in the industry, compiled responses from executives and foreign trade specialists to identify the current state of operations in the sector.
Customs legislation fared well: 68.1% of respondents considered it efficient. However, this positive perception is tempered by the need to simplify requirements, update regulatory content, and make it easier to consult through digital tools.
In terms of digital services, 31% rated the Ministry of Economy ‘s website as deficient . This complaint isn’t new, but it is a recurring one: frequent crashes, poor stability, and slow response times.
Customs infrastructure also received a negative evaluation. Maritime infrastructure received a negative evaluation, while land infrastructure barely exceeded the adequacy threshold. On average, 57% of users believe the facilities are inadequate.
The same situation persisted regarding connectivity : ports and state highways experienced the highest levels of congestion, and only 26% of respondents reported operating with adequate infrastructure.
There is a good perception of transparency in land customs and bureaucratization in maritime customs, although recent efforts by the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) in Manzanillo, Colima, and Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, are recognized.
When asked about the use of logistics services , the answer was straightforward: improving delivery times is the number one reason (54%). Environmental sustainability, in contrast, was hardly mentioned as a motivation.
Logistical challenges are well identified: lack of qualified personnel (36%) and theft or damage to merchandise (21%). Not only was efficiency called for, but also safety and professionalism.
In this regard, trucking received a negative rating; its cargo handling is perceived as limited and vulnerable. Poor storage conditions, inefficient claims processes, and constant road thefts keep its perception on red alert. Thirty percent of the incidents were directly attributed to the actions of the authorities.
Despite this, there is confidence in customs brokers: 72% of those surveyed rated their performance as efficient to excellent . But there is also room for improvement: continued professionalization, services beyond clearance, and greater technical training.
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