More than $3.6 million worth of goods and services cross our country’s borders every minute. Meanwhile, in 2025, Mexico City received 190,477 tons of various goods and products; Guadalajara handled 140,190 tons; and Monterrey, 41,182 tons.
By 2035, global trade could reach $86 trillion, and to handle this volume and pace, Mexico must have smart customs—that is, modern customs systems that use digital technologies to streamline international trade, improve security, and optimize the control of goods.
What features should they have?
Digitization of procedures and use of technology: use of electronic documents instead of paper, online declarations, and digital exchange of information between companies and authorities. Additionally, use of Blockchain to ensure data integrity, big data for analysis, and the Internet of Things for monitoring goods.
Data-driven risk management: early identification of suspicious transactions, more efficient inspections, and reduced physical examination of low-risk goods.
Non-intrusive inspection technologies: scanners, sensors, and automated monitoring systems that allow for cargo inspection without opening containers.
Traceability and transparency: real-time tracking of goods, digital recording of all operations, and greater control over the logistics chain.
Interoperability: integration among customs, ports, airports, companies, and other authorities, and rapid, secure information exchange.
With the aim of strengthening customs control, reducing tax evasion, modernizing foreign trade transactions, and curbing corruption, the Reform of the Mexican Customs Law came into effect last January. This reform introduces various changes and imposes new obligations on importers, carriers, and customs brokers. In addition, among the government’s efforts in the country, the following stand out:
- Implementing measures and improvements to collect 1.5 trillion pesos by 2026.
- Strategic partnerships with educational institutions to develop training, research, and technological innovation programs applied to the customs system.
- Development of priority projects including docks, roads, breakwaters, yards, customs facilities, treatment plants, and logistics centers in Veracruz, Lázaro Cárdenas, Dos Bocas, Altamira, Ensenada, Guaymas, Tuxpan, Salina Cruz, Manzanillo, Tampico, Chiapas, Progreso, Topolobampo, and Huatulco, among others.
ED Forwarding, a member of the PSA Group and a partner of the RADAR customs agency, holds eight of its own licenses and maintains a presence at Mexico’s major customs offices to offer its clients comprehensive logistics solutions.
