To become a customs broker (agente aduanal) in Mexico, you must obtain a license (patente) granted by the SAT (Tax Administration Service) under Article 159 of Mexico's Customs Law. Requirements include: being a Mexican citizen by birth, holding a professional degree, having no felony convictions, at least 3 years of customs experience, passing both a knowledge exam and a psychometric exam administered by the SAT, and demonstrating financial solvency. The license authorizes you to represent importers and exporters before customs for merchandise clearance.
A bachelor's degree is required. The most common fields among customs brokers are: International Trade, International Business, Law, Business Administration, Public Accounting, and International Relations. There is no single mandatory degree, but the SAT may establish specific knowledge area requirements. Additionally, a graduate degree or specialized certifications (such as those from CAAAREM) can strengthen your profile.
The licensing process involves significant costs: preparation courses ($1,750 - $4,650 USD), exam fees, bond or guarantee to the SAT (variable), and infrastructure investment to start operations. Once operating, the broker must pay CAAAREM dues and maintain current certifications. Total startup investment can exceed $29,000 USD.
Since the 2018 reforms to the Customs Law, two figures coexist: the customs broker (individual with a personal license) and the customs agency (legal entity with collective authorization). A customs agency can be formed by one or more licensed brokers and operates under a collective authorization. Both are empowered to perform customs clearance. The regulatory trend points toward greater institutionalization of the service through agencies.
Whether you are a practicing customs broker or working toward your license, Camtom is the platform that helps you operate more efficiently. Our AI automatically classifies products under the TIGIE, generates electronic documentation (including the MVE mandatory from June 2026), and verifies regulatory compliance. Over 100 customs agencies already use Camtom to reduce time and errors in their operations.
Are you a customs broker or aspiring to become one? Try Camtom for free and discover how technology transforms customs clearance.
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