Written by On 17 March 2026, Brazil’s Federal Revenue Department issued RFB Ordinance 663/2026, establishing a pilot project for the exchange of information on cargo risk management as part of customs cooperation between the Federal Revenue Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the Container Security Initiative.
The measure is intended to strengthen international customs cooperation, improve risk management in international trade, and enhance the security and integrity of the global logistics chain. In its initial phase, the exchange of information will take place through encrypted electronic communications, with more specific technological solutions potentially being assessed at a later stage.
The initiative is being implemented under the Agreement between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of the United States of America on Mutual Assistance between their Customs Administrations.
Although the Ordinance is expressly experimental and does not create obligations beyond those already in force, it points to deeper Brazil-U.S. operational cooperation in customs enforcement and cargo security.
Why this matters
Why importers and exporters should pay attention
Even though the pilot does not impose new substantive obligations, it signals closer real-time cooperation between Brazilian and U.S. customs authorities in cargo risk analysis. That may translate into more informed targeting, increased scrutiny of higher-risk shipments and a greater premium on accurate trade data and internal compliance controls.
- more coordinated risk profiling of shipments;
- greater importance of accurate customs declarations and supporting documentation; and
- potential operational benefits for traders with strong compliance systems and transparent supply chains.
It is reasonable to expect that these information exchanges will broaden over time as Brazil and the United States deepen operational cooperation in customs risk management.
Questions about Brazil-U.S. customs cooperation?
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Brazil Brazilian customs Brazilian Federal Revenue Department Container Security Initiative Customs U.S. customs U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
Last modified: 4 April 2026
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