Background and Relevance of Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum, the Chief Executive of Mexico City and representative of the Morena party, proposed a reform to the Customs Law. As the head of one of Mexico’s most influential political entities, her initiative carries significant weight in shaping the nation’s trade regulations.
Key Modifications to the Customs Law Proposed by Legislators
Extending Patent Duration for Customs Agents
One of the proposed changes by legislators is to extend the duration of customs agents’ patents from 10 to 20 years. This modification aims to provide greater certainty for agents and agencies, ensuring their continuous and professional exercise of duties in the best interest of their clients.
- Current Situation: The patent validity for customs agents is currently indefinite, ending only if the agent fulfills their obligations and avoids causes for termination, such as death.
- Proposed Change: Extending the patent duration to 20 years will offer more stability and predictability for customs agents.
Certifications and Financial Stability for Importers
Legislators also propose altering the certification requirements for maintaining active patents and introducing a more flexible payment method for importers’ contribution guarantees.
- Current Situation: Importers must maintain contribution guarantees through aduanal deposit accounts.
- Proposed Change: Allow importers to use a letter of credit instead of depositing money directly into financial institutions, promoting financial stability and enabling them to operate, grow, and continue investing.
Unaltered Provisions of the Customs Law Reform
- Creation of the Customs Council: The proposal to establish a deliberative council for granting, extending, and revoking customs agents’ patents, as well as agencies’ authorizations, remains unchanged.
- Council Composition: The council will be chaired by the Secretariat of Fiscal Affairs and composed of representatives from the Tax Administration Service (SAT), the National Customs Agency (ANAM), and the Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Secretariat.
- Unaltered Responsibility Exclusions: The proposal to exclude customs agents and agencies from liability remains untouched, along with the additions and precision adjustments to suspension, cancellation, or extinction causes of patents and authorizations.
- Strategic Fiscalization Measures: The proposed measures to support the fiscalization of strategic inspected premises and increase penalties for non-payment of taxes during importation or exportation remain unaltered.
- Digital Transformation Collaboration: The proposal to allow aduanal authorities to sign informatics and technology of information agreements with the Digital Transformation Agency for technological management and data analysis in customs remains intact.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main focus of the proposed Customs Law reform?
A: The reform aims to modernize and streamline Mexico’s customs procedures, enhancing efficiency and transparency while providing greater stability for customs agents and importers. - Q: Who proposed the original Customs Law reform, and why is it significant?
A: Claudia Sheinbaum, the Chief Executive of Mexico City and representative of the Morena party, proposed this reform. Given her political influence, her initiative holds considerable sway over Mexico’s trade regulations. - Q: What changes were made to the patent duration for customs agents?
A: The proposed change extends the patent duration from 10 to 20 years, offering more certainty and stability for customs agents. - Q: How do the proposed modifications benefit importers?
A: The reform allows importers to use a letter of credit instead of depositing money directly into financial institutions, promoting financial stability and enabling them to operate, grow, and continue investing. - Q: What remains unchanged in the Customs Law reform?
A: The creation of a Customs Council, its composition, unaltered responsibility exclusions for customs agents and agencies, strategic fiscalization measures, and collaboration with the Digital Transformation Agency remain unchanged.
