The history of MERCOSUR began on March 26, 1991, when Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay signed the Treaty of Asunción, initiating the main process of economic integration in South America. Since then, the bloc has faced challenges and achieved progress that has strengthened the evolution of regional integration.
This infographic, updated to 2026, traces a customs timeline with the most relevant events of more than three decades: from institutional consolidation and the creation of the Common External Tariff, through efforts to improve coordinated border management, with high public and private participation, to the digitization of customs processes and the signing of bi-regional agreements.
Although the MERCOSUR integration process is still under construction, the events discussed here reflect a progressive modernization in customs and trade matters. In a context marked by economic and technological changes and geopolitical challenges, regional and international cooperation and integration are becoming essential instruments for the progress of the member states.
Finally, it is reported that this information was compiled using official MERCOSUR data and material published in Customs News, in particular the customs timeline developed by Maria Elsa Colonel, who appreciates the valuable suggestions of Lic. Andrea Russo and Dr. Héctor Juárez Allende for this purpose.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
