If you import or export goods through Mexico, the way you file customs and trade procedures with Mexican authorities is changing. On October 24, 2026, Mexico began moving its customs processes from the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior Mexicana (VUCEM), or Mexican Foreign Trade Single Window, to a new platform, the Ventanilla Única de Trámites de Comercio Exterior (VUTCE). It is the biggest digital change to Mexico's foreign trade administration since VUCEM launched in 2011.
The good news is that, for now, the regulatory requirements and approval criteria for these procedures are not substantially changing. What is changing is the platform you use to manage them. Even so, the switch can cause delays if your teams, credentials and open procedures aren't ready. This post explains what's changing, when each agency moves and what to do now to keep your operations on track.
What's changing
The transition was established by a decree published May 4, 2026, and brings three main changes:
- One channel for key authorities: VUTCE will be the single channel for procedures with the Ministry of Economy (SE), the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM).
- New platform administrator: Management of the platform moves from SAT to the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT), which aims for more digitalization, simplification, and interoperability.
- A single trade file: The new Expediente Único de Comercio Exterior (EUCE), or Single Foreign Trade File, lets authorities share information with each other. This reduces duplicate documents and improves traceability.
Migration timeline
The migration happens in five stages, by government agency:
| Stage | Date | Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 24, 2026 | STPS, INBAL, PROFEPA, INAH, AMECAFÉ |
| 2 | October 31, 2026 | SEDENA (Defense), SENER, SEMARNAT |
| 3 | November 7, 2026 | AGACE, SADER |
| 4 | November 21, 2026 | COFEPRIS, ANAM |
| 5 | December 5, 2026 | Ministry of Economy |
Which platform should you use?
Once an agency has migrated, file all new procedures for that agency in VUTCE. Any procedure started before the agency's migration date should be completed in VUCEM.
Why it matters
Even without new regulatory requirements, the shift brings practical considerations for your operations:
- Electronic notifications carry legal weigh: Notifications issued through VUTCE are fully legally valid. If no one is monitoring them, you could miss deadlines or information requests from authorities.
- Access depends on valid credentials: Users will need a valid RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes, Mexico's federal taxpayer ID), a valid e.firma (electronic signature), and, when applicable, the authority to act on behalf of the company.
- Two platforms during the transition: Until December, companies will need to track which procedures belong in VUCEM and which in VUTCE, depending on each agency's migration date.
- Greater visibility for authorities: With a shared trade file, information you submit can be reused across agencies. That makes consistent documentation more important than ever.
Over time, the transition is expected to bring shorter processing times, more transparency, better coordination between authorities and less duplicate paperwork.
How to prepare
To keep operations moving during the transition, consider these steps:
- Validate e.firmas (electronic signatures) for your company, legal representatives and authorized users.
- Inventory active procedures to confirm which platform each one must be completed in.
- Train your teams in foreign trade, compliance, and logistics on the new platform.
- Set up controls to monitor electronic notifications and authority requests.
- Plan for adjustments in the first weeks after each agency migrates, and stay in close contact with your customs broker.
For questions about the platform, the authorities have set up support at:
800-286-3133
[email protected] and [email protected]
Looking ahead
The move from VUCEM to VUTCE is a strategic step in modernizing Mexico's foreign trade. It is meant to simplify processes, but companies that prepare early will be in the best position to keep operations running and meet their compliance obligations.
C.H. Robinson's customs team in Mexico will keep monitoring how VUTCE is implemented and support you through each stage. Contact our customs and trade specialists to review how this transition may affect your operations.
