Mexico Customs Law Change: More Cargo Seizures at the Border?

What happened

A Mexico customs law change is moving in Mexico's Congress. It could mean more cargo held at the border when the paperwork value looks too low.

FreightWaves reported the story on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. The proposal to change the Ley Aduanera (Mexico's Customs Law) was sent to the Chamber of Deputies on Sept. 8. It is part of the 2027 economic package.

The goal is to stop undervaluation. That means declaring goods for less than they are really worth, to pay less in duties and taxes.

Here is what the proposal does:

• It lowers the limit for an undervaluation violation from 50% to 20% for goods under certain customs regimes.
• It removes the 50% limit for precautionary seizures in some cases. A precautionary seizure means customs holds the cargo while it checks.
• It lets customs open a review when the declared value is lower than the value of the same or similar goods.
• It allows seizures when an inspection finds clear signs that the declared value is wrong.

To free held cargo, gaps under 20% could use a cash deposit or a customs guarantee account. Gaps of 20% or more would generally need a cash deposit.

A lawmaker, Roberto Albores Gleason, said more than 2,500 customs operations worth about $89.6 million now avoid seizure because of the 50% limit.

This week, a finance committee met with ANAM (Mexico's National Customs Agency) and industry groups. A committee vote was expected the following week. The law would take effect the day after it is published in Mexico's official gazette.

What it means for owner-operators

You do not set the value on the invoice. But you are the one sitting at the bridge when the load gets held.

Industry groups raised real worries. Mexico's auto industry group said seized parts could disrupt just-in-time plants. Bonded warehouses warned about congestion, storage costs and space. Importers, customs brokers and logistics companies may face much stricter paperwork rules.

For cross-border trucking, more reviews can mean more time at the port of entry. At Laredo, the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge carry most of the cargo. Delays there hit your hours and your next load.

The proposal is not law yet. Details can still change.

What to do next

• Ask your shipper and customs broker if the invoice value and the paperwork match before you pick up.
• Keep copies of every document for the load in the cab and on your phone.
• Plan extra time for southbound loads once the change takes effect.
• Keep your USDOT, MC and BOC-3 (the form that names your legal agent) current, so your own file is never the problem at the border.
• Watch for the final vote. We will share what changes.

Questions about your filings for cross-border work? Call TCZ Permits at 956-526-6727.