Brazil tests palm biometric identification at Paraguay border

The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) is launching a pilot project to test palm biometric identification technology at the Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade) between Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. The testing phase is scheduled for October, with official operations potentially beginning in November.

Currently, the system is limited to pedestrians entering Brazil from Paraguay. The technology records biometric characteristics of the palm to track the frequency of crossings. In this initial phase, the biometrics are not linked to the individual's CPF (taxpayer registry), meaning the system can recognize repeat passages without automatically associating them with a specific civil identity.

This initiative is part of a broader strategic plan for 2026–2028 to transform Foz do Iguaçu into a national reference for customs innovation. The goal is to use technology and risk analysis to increase automation, improve remote monitoring, and concentrate inspections on suspicious operations while streamlining regular traffic flows.