Brazilian Senate Ratifies Key International Agreements to Boost Maritime Operations and Criminal Justice Cooperation
The Brazilian Senate ratified updates to the International Maritime Traffic Facilitation Convention and a mutual legal assistance treaty with the UAE to improve maritime operations and cross-border criminal justice collaboration.
- • Senate ratified updated International Maritime Traffic Facilitation Convention to streamline port operations worldwide.
- • The convention emphasizes reducing operational delays and encourages electronic integration among port authorities.
- • Senate approved mutual legal assistance treaty with UAE, facilitating cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
- • Senators Efraim Filho and Sergio Moro highlighted the agreements’ importance for legal modernization and combating transnational crime.
Key details
On October 22, 2025, the Brazilian Senate ratified two significant international agreements: an updated maritime traffic facilitation convention and a mutual legal assistance treaty with the United Arab Emirates.
The Senate approved the updated International Maritime Traffic Facilitation Convention (PDL 480/2023), aimed at simplifying and standardizing procedures for ships entering and leaving ports worldwide. This treaty, originally effective since 1967 and last updated in 2009 by the International Maritime Organization, introduces new obligations such as reducing delays in port operations and encourages the use of electronic information systems to integrate port, customs, and health authorities. Rapporteur Senator Efraim Filho highlighted that the update strengthens Brazil’s maritime legal framework, lowers logistical costs, and boosts the sector’s attractiveness to investment, ultimately enhancing regulatory predictability and integration into international trade flows.
Additionally, the Senate ratified the mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters between Brazil and the UAE, signed in 2019 and pending promulgation. This agreement facilitates cooperation in criminal investigations and prosecutions between both nations. Senator Sergio Moro endorsed the treaty within the Foreign Relations Committee, emphasizing its role in enhancing Brazil's ability to combat transnational crime in line with international best practices.
These measures reflect Brazil's commitment to aligning its legal and regulatory environment with global standards, promoting both efficient maritime commerce and international judicial cooperation in criminal matters.