Customs reform passes after ‘fiscal huachicol’ exchange

Reporting and context

A debate over changes to Mexico's Customs Law was overshadowed by a verbal slip from Morena lawmaker Claudia Rivera Vivanco, who asked the Chamber of Deputies whether members supported “fiscal huachicol,” a phrase referring to fuel-tax and customs fraud. Several lawmakers initially answered yes before one corrected the response. Infobae México reported that the chamber approved the reform in general terms by 334 votes to 119, with no abstentions.

The changes, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum's government, target the undervaluation of goods and fuel smuggling. The measure removes a fixed 50% undervaluation threshold for precautionary seizure and allows customs authorities to set the percentage through administrative rules. It also provides fines ranging from 50% to 100% of the commercial value of hydrocarbons and petroleum products when false, incomplete or inaccurate information is submitted. According to Infobae México, the reform is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

The exchange began circulating online after Rivera Vivanco asked first about fighting corruption and then about tax evasion, both of which drew affirmative responses. She later defended the bill and said the phrase was a mistake, while opposition lawmakers characterized the moment as an admission; Rivera Vivanco rejected that interpretation. Infobae México reported that the reform passed with support from Morena, PT and PVEM, while PRI, PAN and Movimiento Ciudadano voted against it. The characterization of the exchange remains attributed to the participants and the source's account.