Foz do Iguaçu bus route changes spark protests amid smuggling crackdown

New bus routes in Foz do Iguaçu, designed to facilitate customs inspections by the Receita Federal, have led to a reported reduction in smuggling. The updated itineraries require interstate buses to pass through Avenida Paraná for mandatory customs control before continuing their journeys.

On August 19, 2026, transport workers, including drivers and app-based motorists, held protests in front of the Receita Federal headquarters. Demonstrators expressed concerns regarding operational impacts, the increased rigor of inspections, and the need for greater transparency in seizures and a review of land-based purchase quotas.

The Receita Federal defended the measures, stating they are part of a plan to combat the irregular transport of goods, which has compromised terminal operations and local security. The agency noted that the decision was made following dialogue with various municipal, state, and federal bodies, receiving support from local tourism and commercial associations such as ACIFI and the Municipal Tourism Council.