TRF4 overturns bid to suspend customs operations at Paranaguá and Antonina ports

The Federal Regional Court of the 4th Region (TRF4) overturned a request from the Federal Revenue Service, made nearly 13 years ago, that sought to suspend customs authorization — effectively halting operations at the Ports of Paranaguá and Antonina. The decision was published in early September. The enforcement agency had originally requested the measure due to noncompliance with security regulations in place at the time.

Federal Judge Rodrigo Kravetz ruled that suspending activities would cause a commercial collapse, given that the Port Authority is the second largest in Brazil, with a record annual throughput of 66.7 million tonnes, and has been named the best-managed port in the country for six consecutive years.

“Considering the importance of the Paraná ports, the Court was categorical in affirming that suspending operations would cause immeasurable and disproportionate damage,” said Marcus Freitas, Legal Director of Portos do Paraná.

According to TRF4, the Federal Revenue’s sanction violated the principle of proportionality, as it would paralyze essential public services, severely impact the national economy, and directly affect the community through lost wages, unpaid taxes, and disrupted supplier payments.

The Court also noted that the current management of the public company has complied with most legal requirements. “There is no need to suspend activities, as nearly 13 years have passed since the irregularities were first identified, and almost all of them have been resolved, with only the provision of access and information pending, according to judicial inspection and an agreement between the parties,” the ruling stated.

Investments in security

In 2022, the port authority inaugurated a port guard unit with a modern monitoring center, as well as new guardhouses at the vehicle yard and at the public liquid bulk pier. Portos do Paraná also upgraded its baggage scanners, replaced revolvers with semi-automatic weapons, purchased three new vehicles, and installed a new radio communication system. In 2025, two patrol boats were acquired — one for port guard operations and another for inspections — both currently under construction.

Security staff also undergo specialized training. In November last year, three groups of port guards completed firearms permit renewal courses, which included both theoretical and practical instruction. Following the program, guards gained access to state-of-the-art security equipment, reserved for use in extreme situations.

Beyond dockside patrols, port guards also oversee security outside customs areas. During the 2024/2025 cruise season, Portos do Paraná installed 20 surveillance cameras at the Mega Rocio Complex, where passengers pass through customs. The system is monitored 24 hours a day, with port guards coordinating directly with other security agencies in the event of suspicious activity. Footage is also shared with the Federal Revenue Service and the Federal Police.

Additional precautions include baggage screening. Before being taken on board, suitcases and backpacks pass through scanners, while sniffer dogs search for illicit items. The movement of baggage from the terminal to the pier is monitored by security staff to prevent any incidents.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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