Overview
- The Chamber of Deputies approved the reform this week, removing the existing 50% undervaluation threshold and allowing customs to set the percentage that triggers precautionary seizures.
- The law would limit when importers can replace a seizure with a customs-guarantee account by creating a 20% cutoff that forces cash deposits for larger valuation gaps.
- A new sanctions regime targets hydrocarbons and petrol goods with fines equal to 50%–100% of commercial value for specified documentation and declaration offenses.
- Opposition lawmakers, business groups and accounting specialists warn the changes give broad administrative discretion, risk arbitrary holds on shipments and could hurt small and medium importers and supply chains.
- The reform, sent to the Senate after approval in the lower chamber, was proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum to boost tax collection and fight fiscal fuel fraud but faces legal and international law concerns.