The most recent approval of the reform to the Customs Law represents a profound change in the role of the customs agent and foreign trade in Mexico, according to Javier Cendejas Meneses, president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) Northeast chapter , who indicated that the agent ceases to be a manager to become a guarantor of fiscal and operational compliance , which implies new obligations, greater risks and an increase in operating costs.

“The cost of legality increases, but uncertainty is more expensive. The customs broker goes from being a manager to a co-responsible for compliance; and the company that invests in compliance today ensures its operational continuity tomorrow,” he stated in an interview with T21.

The specialist noted that Mexico depends heavily on foreign trade—equivalent to 83% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) —and that the country’s 853 customs agents are key to revenue collection.

However, the new reform expands their verification duties, makes them jointly responsible for the veracity of the information, and toughens the grounds for patent cancellation .

This, he noted, “increases the risk and control costs that the agencies had as managers.”

“Previously, if a client provided a document, the agent would present it. Now, they must ensure that it’s authentic, that the client isn’t blacklisted, and that their file is consistent. If they detect anything irregular, they must report it,” he said.

According to Cendejas, these modifications will increase the cost of customs operations by up to an additional 5% .

“If a tariff was previously $300 per maritime container, it can now rise to $450,” he explained.

The increase will not only be reflected in fees, but also in port delays, storage, and inventory costs , especially in congested ports like Manzanillo , where inspection times could double.

“Large, AEO-certified companies face 1% of red flags; those that aren’t, face 10%. With more inspections, the times will be extended and the costs will increase,” he said.

Impact on IMMEX and RFE

Cendejas also warned that the reform tightens controls on IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Service) companies and Strategic Bonded Enclosures (RFE) , which could slow the dynamism of foreign trade.

“The RFE is a benign regime that helped ease customs congestion, but now it faces increased safeguards and requirements, which makes it less attractive,” he commented.

Furthermore, the reform introduces uncertainty by establishing that customs patents will no longer be valid for life , but will be valid for 20 years, renewable upon evaluation by the customs technical committee. “Why am I going to invest millions in infrastructure if I’m not certain that my patent will be renewed?” Cendejas asked.

The president of the Northeast Council acknowledged that the reform’s goal is to increase revenue and combat smuggling , especially following cases of fuel theft , but warned that the approach is excessive.

“For a 100-meter vessel to arrive, at least six actors are involved, including: the shipping company, the carrier, the authority, the customs office, and the customs broker. You can’t blame just one,” he emphasized.

In his view, overregulation and bureaucracy contradict Mexico’s commitments to customs efficiency and transparency under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) .

“We need an agile, noble, and lean customs system that increases productivity. This reform goes in the opposite direction,” he emphasized.

Given this new scenario, which will undoubtedly affect importers and exporters, Javier Cendejas recommended that companies strengthen their compliance systems and jointly audit all non-tariff records and regulations with their customs broker . This includes more rigorously verifying documents issued by authorities, as well as certificates of origin or quality.

In addition, he suggested standardizing CFDI and supporting documentation , agreeing on risk matrices with customs agents , budgeting for an additional cost margin , and training operational teams to comply with the new requirements.

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SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCÍA, NL – In a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, transformations in supply chains, and growing technological demands, the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL) 2025 opened its Monterrey edition as a strategic forum to outline the future of the sector in Mexico . The industry’s voice was heard from the start, with messages that combined realism and a long-term vision.

Osiel Cruz, CEO of Grupo T21, emphasized that the sector is undergoing a process of continuous adaptation in the face of a challenging scenario. “We have no choice but to gradually adapt to the circumstances and challenges and continue to navigate them in this very complex context in Mexico,” he stated. Referring to the current trade situation, he emphasized that Mexico maintains its position as an export powerhouse, with structural strengths such as its geographic location and productive leadership.

The new phase of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), he added, will set the pace for supply chains in the coming months. “I think we should expect very good news at the ETYL, and we’ll hear some of it here,” he anticipated.

Along the same lines, Leonardo Gómez, executive president of the National Association of Private Transportation (ANTP) , highlighted the importance of Monterrey as a logistics epicenter. “Monterrey is a city synonymous with work, innovation, and logistics development for Mexico,” he stated. He emphasized that ETYL has established itself as a space for exchanging ideas and building alliances during a time of relocation, technological transformation, and environmental pressure . “If anything characterizes this sector, it is its optimism in its ability to adapt and reinvent itself and continue moving forward responsibly for the future.”

For his part, Jorge Casares, CEO of Trayecto , focused on the value of strategic information to address issues such as overregulation and operational uncertainty. “ We are fortunate to have a country with resilient people who go out to fight every day and are accustomed to navigating uncertainty ,” he stated, acknowledging T21’s contribution in generating in-depth analysis for the industry.

Thus, ETYL 2025 kicked off with a clear message: the transportation and logistics sector is not only facing changes, but is actively preparing to lead them , coordinating efforts between companies, associations, and specialized media.

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The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE) Northeast Chapter warned that Mexico’s foreign trade will face three key challenges in the coming months: the reform of the Customs Law, U.S. tariffs, and the implementation of the Electronic Declaration of Value.

In this regard, the organization emphasized that the region will play a central role in defending the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) heading into 2026.

“The USMCA defends itself by proposing. From the Northeast, we will bring evidence and solutions by industry. Our goal is clear: more certainty, workable rules, and smart customs for nearshoring ,” the agency stated in a statement.

Regarding the legislative initiative to reform the Customs Law , the Comce recognized the need to combat smuggling, but warned that the proposal ” expands the joint liability of customs agents without exclusions and adds causes for suspension or cancellation of patents .”

“We understand the objective: to close the door on smuggling. This year, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) opened 109 criminal cases for damages amounting to nearly 23 billion pesos and canceled dozens of patents. But the solution must balance control and competitiveness,” the agency stated.

In this regard, he called for the establishment of ” clear rules, proportionality, and due process , so that the flow of goods in Colombia, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Matamoros is not hindered. Strong customs, yes; bureaucratic customs, no.”

Regarding the 30% tariff announced by the United States, Comce noted that it did not go into effect on August 1st thanks to a 90-day extension, but warned that “the risk will reappear in November.”

The most exposed sectors are “ metals and some auto parts outside the rules of origin, as well as trucks, furniture, medical equipment and machinery .

“Our position is firm: neither a trade war nor naiveté. We will use consultations and, if necessary, the USMCA panel, while the industry secures rules of origin to maintain its preference,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, he recalled that the E2 format was published on August 1st in the Mexican Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCEM) , making the Electronic Declaration of Value mandatory starting December 9th, 2025.

The agency explained that this measure will involve “a breakdown of prices, adjustments, royalties, assistance, Incoterms, supplier relationships, and support services .” Therefore, it recommended that companies “update contracts, document adjustments, and create a customs clearance form. Those who arrive prepared will ship faster and reduce the risk of tax credits.”

At a press conference, Comce insisted: “December 9th is NOT negotiable. Whoever arrives with complete dossiers will be able to process their case more quickly and with less risk. Our recommendation to our partners: no improvisations starting today.”

USMCA heading towards 2026

In preparation for the review of the agreement, the organization reported that the Ministry of Economy has opened consultations with approximately 30 sectors.

“The process will be more open than the traditional ‘Cuarto de Junto,'” he said.

From the northeast, Comce proposed including topics such as electromobility and batteries, certainty in the labor market, digital and artificial intelligence disciplines, semiconductors, and customs facilitation with real border interoperability on the agenda.

Comce Noreste closed its statement with a call for strategy and unity: ” Smart customs with professional customs agents using E-MAVAL, a negotiation and collection strategy for tariffs, and technical preparation for the USMCA . The Northeast is playing a serious role in ensuring that Mexico remains North America’s strategic partner.”

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With a weight that represents almost half of the national exports , the northeast of Mexico, which includes the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango and Chihuahua, has become a key driver of shipments abroad, however, the challenges of infrastructure, security and regulation limit its potential, warned Luis Javier Cendejas Meneses , president of the Mexican Council of Foreign Trade of the Northeast (Comce Noreste) .

“Today, the region is strategic because it accounts for 45% of the country’s exports, but we continue to face bottlenecks that don’t match the level of competitiveness demanded by the markets,” he said in an interview with T21.

For the business leader, the international situation is marked by a climate of uncertainty . The upcoming revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) aims to become a renegotiation , in a global environment where tariffs and geopolitical tensions, led by the United States, are resurfacing.

“Thirty-nine million jobs directly depend on this agreement. Mexico needs technical negotiators with proven experience, because we can’t leave room for whims,” ​​he stressed.

The president of Comce Noreste was emphatic in stating that “ Mexico doesn’t need more factories, it needs world-class logistics ,” as well as modernizing customs.

“In Singapore, a container crosses in 15 minutes; in Mexico, at ports like Manzanillo, it can take up to 15 days,” he explained.

Although Texas has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure on the border with Nuevo Laredo , expanding its roads, the Mexican side has maintained unexpanded infrastructure for three decades.

“The asymmetry is evident. Without efficient logistics, export potential is slowed,” he warned.

In addition to logistical challenges, road safety and the vulnerability of supply chains to suppliers linked to illicit activities represent a growing risk.

“It’s a very fine line: if a company buys from a supplier linked to organized crime, the entire chain can be compromised. We need clear rules, traceability, and anticipation, not improvisation,” he emphasized.

In this regard, Cendejas outlined three priorities for foreign trade , the pillars that will guide his administration at the Northeast Council.

The first of these is representation and lobbying to voice the needs of exporters before agencies and authorities.

On the other hand, training to prepare companies on critical topics such as certificates of origin, value-added rules, and regulatory compliance.

And finally, quality networking to boost business collaboration based on statistics, hard data, and best practices.

Javier Cendejas also called for a shift from reaction to prevention , with advance plans for tariffs, disruptions, and operational risks.

“We can’t rely on improvisation. Companies are already showing how to plan for scenarios A, B, and C. Mexico needs that long-term vision,” he noted.

Mexico’s northeastern region is moving toward a strategic modernization of its logistics infrastructure . Cendejas highlighted that in Nuevo León, Colombia’s customs office has received significant investment, while the 41-kilometer highway connecting the border, considered a “rough diamond,” is being polished to ensure a more efficient flow of goods.

He also stated that multimodal service is becoming established as an option to complement road transport.

“The use of trains and the construction of new bridges seek to alleviate pressure on current land transportation capacity, optimizing time and costs for exporters and importers,” said Cendejas.

A key element in these expectations is the development of inland customs , especially that of Monterrey, located at the Interport.

This bonded facility will allow the dispatch of strategic cargo from ports through controlled customs regimes, a recent system that, according to Cendejas, is still underutilized due to the authorities’ caution and bureaucracy.

“The correct implementation of this regime could maximize the efficiency of the regional logistics chain,” he said.

On the other hand, air and land connectivity has recently been strengthened with events such as the Jalisco-Nuevo León axis meeting, which promoted technological and industrial exchange between the two states.

The investment generated by these initiatives, along with the promotion of major projects linked to global events such as the 2026 World Cup, promises to directly benefit foreign trade, streamlining export and import processes without affecting competitiveness and security.

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El cargo The Northeast, an exporting powerhouse with logistical challenges apareció primero en T21.

Luis Javier Cendejas Meneses, a senior executive at Dicex , an integrator of services for international trade, assumed the presidency of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) Northeast chapter yesterday , with the goal of strengthening it, making it more united and influential .

“My commitment is to build a stronger, more articulate, and more generous Northeast Council, where large companies have a voice, where SMEs find support, where academia has a place, and where the authorities see us as a reliable technical partner,” he stated during his speech.

Comce Noreste was founded in 1962 and this year, 2025, marks 63 years since its inception in promoting regional foreign trade, supporting domestic and foreign companies in their import, export, and logistics activities.

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