Mexico Announces the creation of new National Customs Agency

In July 2021, the Government of Mexico announced the creation of a new National Customs Agency (ANAM) under Mexico’s Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). Previously, customs related functions were overseen by Mexico’s Tax Administrative Service (SAT), equivalent to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

With this change, the Mexican government is seeking to make foreign trade procedures more efficient, to avoid contraband, to reduce opportunities for corruption, and to increase the review of shipments that are entering to Mexico. These amendments will also permit the possible use of personnel currently or previously belonging to the Mexican military to be employed by ANAM, to include filling positions as administrators of customs operations at certain ports.

This decree does not take effect immediately.  Further legislative reforms are required and SHCP has 180 calendar days to draft implementing regulations to execute this change. 

For the time being, foreign trade operations will continue to be handled by Mexican Customs via SAT.  However, additional legal, administrative, and operational changes are expected as this reorganization is implemented.  U.S. exporters should remain in close contact with their Mexican clients, partners, and customs broker to avoid any possible delays in their exports to Mexico.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico can assist U.S. exporters in resolving customs-related issues.  

For more information, please contact Commercial Assistant Manuel Velazquez via the “Ask Manny” hotline at Manuel.Velazquez@trade.gov.