The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) is holding a unique exhibition called "Expo Contrabando" at the Brazilian customs post in Foz do Iguaçu, aimed at guiding tourists crossing the Puente Internacional de la Amistad, which connects Ciudad del Este to Foz do Iguaçu. The exhibit features products that are either banned or subject to restrictions for entry into Brazilian territory, all seized at the border.
Among the items on display are medications not registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), electronic cigarettes, counterfeit goods, pesticides, weight-loss drugs, firearms, ammunition, and tires. The Federal Revenue Service emphasizes that the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the risks these products pose to public health and safety, as well as to warn about the legal consequences of smuggling.
Since February 2026, the Federal Revenue Service has implemented a new inspection system on the Brazilian side of the Puente de la Amistad to combat so-called "ant smuggling" (contrabando hormiga), which consists of frequently transporting small quantities of goods to evade inspection. The controls verify compliance with the purchase limit of up to 500 US dollars per person, cross-reference traveler data to analyze crossing frequency, and monitor whether the products being transported are repeated.
Using these criteria, the Revenue Service seeks to distinguish goods for personal use from those intended for commercial purposes, strengthening enforcement at the main crossing point between Paraguay and Brazil. The recommendation is that travelers check in advance the legality of products purchased in Ciudad del Este and comply with the limits established by Brazilian legislation to avoid problems at the border.