Customs Training Lacking at AIFA, AICM: ANAM

Recent audits and industry feedback have brought to light operational deficiencies within the customs departments at Mexico City's International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). 

An internal audit conducted by the Internal Control Body (OIC) of the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) revealed that customs personnel at both airports lack adequate training, especially in managing bonded warehouses. The audit, conducted from Jan. 2 to Mar. 22, 2022, stressed the necessity for comprehensive training programs for customs staff. It recommended that customs officials at AICM and AIFA commit to ongoing training on procedures specific to bonded warehouses.

"The customs departments at Felipe Ángeles International Airport and Mexico City's International Airport must ensure their personnel undertake training related to the procedures in bonded warehouses," stated the audit.

The audit identified issues specific to AICM, noting a lack of clear processing guidelines for goods handed over to the Institute to Return Stolen Goods to the People (INDEP). Additionally, the bonded warehouses are operating at 20% over capacity. In response, the government has requested MX$2.8 billion (US$165.1 million) from the Treasury to construct new rental warehouses at AIFA.

The operational deficiencies at AIFA have tangible impacts on logistics and commerce. Miguel Ángel Landeros, president, Western Mexican Foreign Trade Council (COMCE), reported that due to the inexperience and inadequate criteria of customs personnel, two Air France flights recently departed AIFA without cargo. 

"Of five flights that have arrived, two had to leave empty because the aircraft must adhere to strict schedules and cannot wait. Imagine the losses this causes for exporters, both in time and cost, simply because the goods were not dispatched on time due to the lack of capacity and experience," Landeros told El Economista.

He further emphasized that the lack of expertise among customs personnel, many of whom come from military backgrounds without sufficient training in cargo handling, is resulting in a loss of competitiveness for Mexican importers and exporters.

Landeros has called for a strategic overhaul in government policies concerning customs operations, urging a "turning point" to enhance efficiency and reduce the adverse impact on businesses. He criticized the federal government's decision to shift cargo operations from AICM to AIFA, arguing that it was driven by political motives rather than operational efficiency.

"Landeros has called for a strategic overhaul in government policies concerning customs operations, urging a "turning point" to enhance efficiency and reduce the adverse impact on businesses. He criticized the federal government's decision to shift cargo operations from AICM to AIFA, arguing that it was driven by political motives rather than operational efficiency."

These public policies should never have been implemented because political interference in business matters disrupts their dynamics. President López Obrador's forceful relocation of cargo to AIFA has imposed significant costs on companies, and the military authorities now managing customs lack the necessary capacity, experience, and judgment," Landeros asserted.