Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) is at a turning point. Faced with the challenge of modernizing a historically outdated system riddled with discretion , its current leadership seeks to transform the country’s operational structure toward a model of greater integrity, traceability, and efficiency. This was stated by Claudia Ávila, Director of Citizen Services and International Affairs at ANAM, during her participation in the 20th Annual Convention of the Mexican Institute of Foreign Trade Executives (IMECE) , where she assessed the role of customs in the context of global trade and the industrial reconfiguration underway in Mexico
“At customs, we don’t make the rules; we are responsible for ensuring that those rules are followed,” he stated, in a tone that revealed both an acknowledgment of institutional limitations and the burden of responsibility for an agency seeking to clean up its own image. Ávila insisted that ANAM is part of a broader governmental ecosystem—along with the Tax Administration Service (SAT), the Ministry of Economy, and regulatory authorities—that must act in coordination with the private sector to guarantee the continuity of foreign trade
The official emphasized that Mexico is experiencing a “strategic” moment as it consolidates its position as the country with the greatest manufacturing integration in North America. “From being an oil-producing country, we have become a manufacturing country (…) we are the leading producer of heavy vehicles and have a significant presence in sectors such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals,” she said. However, she warned that this position is not without risks: geopolitical volatility, the reconfiguration of global supply chains, and accelerated industrial automation are placing unprecedented pressure on Mexican customs, whose function can no longer be limited to revenue collection, but must now ensure fluidity, security, and confidence
“Changes no longer happen over years or months; they happen in days. From one day to the next, tariffs, wars, or regional blockades can force the relocation of trade routes,” he warned. Faced with this reality, he maintained, ANAM aims to consolidate a “modern, reliable, and efficient customs service,” based on three lines of action: professionalizing personnel, modernizing technology, and deepening cooperation with the private sector.
In her opening remarks, the director emphasized the challenge of “enhancing the dignity of customs personnel” through training programs and internal controls that foster a culture of integrity. “Behind every operation are women and men who apply the law responsibly and represent the Mexican State in global trade,” she noted. Within this framework, ANAM participates in the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Anti-Corruption and Integrity program , with the goal of standardizing practices, strengthening reporting and sanctioning systems, and connecting with companies that have compliance programs: “It takes two to tango; we all have to take responsibility for combating corruption.”
The second line of action focuses on modernizing technological processes to reduce discretion and close loopholes for corruption. “ Organized crime is already 4.0. It also uses artificial intelligence. We have to beat it with intelligence and transparency,” he emphasized. ANAM is working on the automation of critical processes, interoperability between agencies, and the integration of risk analysis systems, all under the coordination of the new Federal Government Digital Transformation Agency. In this context, Ávila confirmed that unified systems are being developed to connect ANAM with the Tax Administration Service (SAT), the Ministry of Economy, and regulatory bodies through the Mexican Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCEM) .
The third line of action aims to consolidate cooperation with the private sector through the new Facilitation Committee, which is soon to be formalized. “We don’t want courtesy meetings; we want institutional agreements that can be monitored over time,” he stated. This link, he said, seeks to build mutual trust, since “customs agencies cannot and should not work in isolation.”
The director also referred to the new control instruments stemming from the reform to the Customs Law, such as the declaration of value and the traceability of operations. “The spirit is to promote formalization (…) just as the authority must comply with transparency, the company must be transparent in its supply chain,” she stated. She acknowledged that ANAM is refining regulations and guidelines to ensure the rules are clear , but insisted that the private sector must assume its role: “If your company is formal, but your supplier is not, traceability is lost.”
Regarding infrastructure and equipment, Ávila confirmed that the Customs Modernization Program, spearheaded by the head of ANAM, Rafael Marín Mollinedo, remains in effect. This program includes the renewal of non-intrusive inspection equipment, mobile laboratories, inspection arches, and state-of-the-art X-ray machines at the border, as well as the upcoming inauguration of the new Veracruz customs facility and the new ANAM national headquarters in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, the country’s main commercial crossing point.
This modernization, she emphasized, is not limited to acquiring equipment, but rather involves building a secure digital ecosystem. “It’s not just about having the machine; it’s about the software, the connectivity, the security, and the training of those who operate them,” she explained. The official acknowledged that they are working “at full speed” to integrate the systems with fiber optics and cloud storage, with the goal of achieving real-time information exchange between national and foreign customs offices
Finally, Ávila emphasized that ANAM seeks to be seen “as a reliable facilitator of trade and not as an obstacle .” Every improvement, he said, “is an improvement in national competitiveness.” And he concluded with a message that summarizes the purpose of this new stage: “ANAM has a purpose that goes beyond revenue collection: to protect the country and facilitate its prosperity. We want business owners to see Mexican customs as a reliable ally, one that respects the law and supports economic development with professionalism.”
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