The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) published new regulations on customs brokers.

As part of the “General Foreign Trade Rules for 2025 and its Annex 13”, the SHCP eliminated the possibility for customs brokers to appoint the agents that were in effect at the time of the death, permanent disability or retirement of the agent whose patent will be obtained to carry out the customs clearance.}

Regulations on customs brokers

The SHCP repealed the authorization to operate as a substitute customs broker. This measure applies in cases of voluntary withdrawal of another agent.

The customs broker is not a public official. Instead, he/she is part of the private sector. Their job is to support the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM). Among its functions are the control of the entry and exit of goods and the supervision of the correct payment of duties and countervailing duties.

In addition, new regulations on customs agents were published on December 30, 2024 in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF). These regulations will enter into force on January 1, 2025 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.

On the other hand, Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy, announced at the end of 2024 that the federal government has already cancelled seven patents to customs agents. He also confirmed that another 40 agents are under investigation.