By María José Gamba
In 2025, international trade across the Americas faces one of the most profound regulatory shifts in recent years: the Customs Law Reform. This initiative seeks to tighten oversight of imports and exports, with major implications for logistics networks, operational costs, and supply chain strategies.
While governments argue that the reform is necessary to combat under-invoicing and strengthen tax collection, experts warn that the measures are excessively strict, creating new bottlenecks in ports, customs checkpoints, and bonded warehouses. The result: rising costs, slower operations, and greater uncertainty for businesses engaged in global trade.
Key Changes in the 2025 Customs Law Reform
The reform introduces several critical modifications that reshape the way international trade is managed throughout the Americas:
1. Full liability for customs brokers
The reform establishes that customs brokers will hold 100% responsibility for customs declarations. If importers provide inaccurate information, only the broker will be held accountable.
This provision discourages brokers from handling high-risk shipments, leading to delays in supply chains and higher costs for importers.
2. Reduced storage time in bonded warehouses
Storage periods in Strategic Bonded Warehouses (SBWs) are being cut from two years to only one. This is a major setback for industries such as steel, copper, and automotive manufacturing, which often require extended timeframes for managing inventory.
3. New customs guarantee accounts
The reform introduces the requirement of customs guarantee accounts, adding more paperwork and potential delays before goods can be cleared. While aimed at increasing transparency in trade value, this measure complicates procedures and raises compliance costs.
4. Higher tariffs and operational costs
The Customs Law Reform coincides with tariff increases across more than 1,400 tariff codes, with hikes ranging from 30% to 50%. Products such as consumer goods and Chinese vehicles will see significantly higher import duties.
These changes directly impact supply chains and raise prices for the end consumer across the Americas.
Impact on Trade and Logistics in the Americas
The reform arrives at a time when global supply chains are already under pressure from nearshoring, stricter EU regulations, and a shifting geopolitical landscape. Its immediate consequences include:
Longer customs clearance times due to stricter checks.
Higher logistics and compliance costs for importers and exporters.
Reduced flexibility in supply chains.
Increased risks for customs brokers and logistics intermediaries.
Stronger impact on key industries such as automotive, metals, and consumer goods.
While the intention of fighting fraudulent practices is clear, the harshness of the measures threatens to slow down cross-border trade in the Americas.
Technology as a tool for compliance
One positive aspect of the reform is its emphasis on digitalization. A more robust electronic customs file will increase traceability and transparency. Technologies like disposable GPS tracking devices, advanced warehouse management systems, and automated customs platforms will play a key role in ensuring compliance.
However, this shift requires significant investment in technology and staff training, particularly for SMEs that depend on agile and cost-efficient trade processes.
Expert opinion
According to trade analyst Sergio Islas Arias, the underlying purpose of the reform is clear: to strengthen fiscal revenue and close loopholes in customs operations.
“Instead of enforcing existing laws and penalizing those who break them, authorities chose extreme measures. These changes will slow down trade and increase costs for everyone in the industry,” he explained.
What companies should do to adapt
For businesses across the Americas, adapting to the 2025 Customs Law Reform will require:
Strengthening documentation management with accurate sales contracts and international transfers.
Investing in digital tools that improve traceability and reduce the risk of compliance errors.
Partnering with trusted customs brokers and logistics providers to minimize risks.
Planning imports and exports more carefully, especially under the reduced storage timeframe.
Seeking strategic logistics partners who can streamline processes and reduce operational burdens.
Americas Forwarding: your strategic partner in logistics
In this new landscape, Americas Forwarding emerges as a trusted partner for businesses navigating regulatory change. With expertise in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and supply chain management, Americas Forwarding helps companies remain competitive and compliant in the face of tougher customs laws.
Our mission is to provide flexible, efficient, and secure logistics solutions that minimize risks, optimize costs, and maintain the continuity of international supply chains.