The overregulation proposed in the reform to the Customs Law could hinder competitiveness and nearshoring (relocation of production lines) in the context of foreign trade , which represents more than 36% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), supports one in five jobs, and generates almost a quarter of Mexico’s tax revenue, warned the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC Mexico) .
The organization considered that any legal adjustment must seek a balance between security, revenue collection, trade facilitation, and Mexico’s international competitiveness.
Although he noted that ICC Mexico experts recognize that the reform proposal contains valuable advances in digitalization and technological control, “in its current design it poses risks that could slow the dynamism of foreign trade and discourage key investments, especially in the context of nearshoring and with a view to the revision of the Agreement between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (USMCA) .”
ICC Mexico identified overregulation and duplication of requirements as among the most sensitive aspects of this reform , as the initiative places excessive responsibilities on customs agents , imposing obligations that exceed their powers and increasing the risk of patent suspension or cancellation.
Also, the increase in costs and time . “The new processes, additional verifications, and new tariffs would make import and export operations more expensive, affecting strategic sectors such as the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, and high-tech sectors,” he stated in a statement.
Another point he highlighted as sensitive is the excessive fines proposed by the reform to the Customs Law, which he described as “disproportionate,” which would impact import operations, especially those of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He also considered that the reform, which was presented by the Executive Branch on September 9, would also have an impact on regional competitiveness , making Mexico less attractive compared to other countries currently competing for investments derived from nearshoring .
He indicated that this could create contradictions with international commitments, as some provisions are incompatible with the USMCA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, “which exposes Mexico to international disputes.”
In light of this, the ICC Mexico considered it essential to strengthen customs and combat smuggling through a comprehensive and facilitating approach.
In this regard, he proposed promoting the Single Window for Foreign Trade as a central platform; adopting an inspection model based on risk profiles and certification of reliable operators; and distributing obligations among importers, exporters, transporters, and customs agents.
Also, “advance the implementation of instruments such as the ATA Carnets and the TIR Convention, which simplify the international transit of goods,” and invest in training, technology, and transparency in customs.
The organization called on the Union Congress and the public to carefully analyze the Customs Law reform initiative, and concluded by asking for “a reform built on broad dialogue, listening to the private sector, and adopting international standards that strengthen our competitiveness.”
The Mexican foreign trade sector is facing a new wave of uncertainty due to the reform of the Customs Law, which seeks to tighten oversight of operations and change the dynamics of customs operations.
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