Customs Reform Causes Millions in Losses for Quintana Roo Importers

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A sweeping reform of Mexico’s customs law has caused losses of up to 100 million pesos per customs agent and forced the closure of five companies operating in Quintana Roo during the first half of the year, industry representatives said.

A sector spokesperson said some shipping containers have had to return to their countries of origin because of difficulties entering Mexico, reflecting the direct impact of the new regulations on logistics operations.

The official attributed the disruptions to a learning curve associated with the reform but noted that processing times at customs have doubled, complicating both imports and exports by land and sea.

Procedures to register importers and exporters have become significantly stricter, with increased documentation requirements such as valid contracts and property deeds for clients’ business premises, the spokesperson added.

The implementation of an electronic value declaration, in effect since June, has further complicated matters by requiring full traceability of funds and products through the Tax Administration Service (SAT) online portal.

Any omissions in these processes can result in severe fines and legal consequences, raising uncertainty among foreign trade participants and adding pressure on the sector’s operations, the representative warned.