Port of Paranaguá Highlights Strict Cargo Inspections, While Businesses Raise Concerns Over Transparency

In recent days, Portos do Paraná announced a historic record in vehicle movement at the Truck Holding Area (Pátio de Triagem) of the Port of Paranaguá. Between January and April, 181,651 trucks passed through the triage area, surpassing the previous record of 175,280 vehicles set during the same period in 2020.

According to the state-owned company, the increase was primarily driven by soybean (5,495,034 tons) and soybean meal (2,407,836 tons) shipments, mostly originating from the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso.

The Truck Holding Area aims to remove excess traffic from port access roads, organize truck entry scheduling, and ensure the quality of export cargo.

Strict Inspections

According to Portos do Paraná, one of the main factors behind the record movement was the strict inspection protocol for cargo. This control process, the company claims, ensures product quality and reinforces international market confidence.

“Beyond the logistical advantages, we have a strict analytical system that guarantees clients their cargo will arrive safely and free from contaminants,” said Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of Portos do Paraná.

The inspection process follows new regulations implemented in 2024, resulting from a partnership between the port authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). The official grading is carried out by the firm BV, which is audited by the Institute for Rural Development (IDR). The inspection itself is coordinated by the Association of Terminals of the Paranaguá Export Corridor (ATEXP).

Technicians conduct a visual screening of samples taken directly from the trucks to detect contaminants such as stones, sand, and twigs. A portion of the material is sent to laboratories for analysis. From January to April, 1,850 trucks had their cargo rejected for not meeting the required minimum standards. In the same period of 2024, 2,613 trucks were rejected — a nearly 30% drop.

Portos do Paraná attributes this decrease to tighter quality control, which discourages attempts to adulterate cargo. It also claims the new method is well-regarded by the port community.

“The new regulations introduced by the port authority are very positive, bringing more safety to the export corridor’s operations. These measures prevent criminal practices and ensure product quality, strengthening the Port of Paranaguá’s international credibility,” stated Rodrigo Buffara Farah Coelho, manager of the Cotriguaçu Terminal – Central Cooperative.

Criticism From the Logistics Sector

Despite the positive assessment by the port authority, logistics companies interviewed by JB Litoral raised concerns. Complaints include a lack of transparency in soybean meal reports, unclear justifications for cargo rejections, and sudden suspension of shipment quotas without prior notice.

“You operate with a quota for 20 or 30 days, and then suddenly it’s suspended without warning. That generates costs for truck idling, daily charges, and delayed shipments,” reported one business owner, who requested anonymity. He added that many clients now prefer the ports of São Francisco do Sul (173 km away) or Santos (426 km away).

Another major complaint is the prohibition of external audits during inspections, which were previously allowed.

“Clients are no longer provided with a sample for counter-analysis,” he said.

The same businessman also questioned the non-compliance with MAPA Ordinance No. 795/1993, which allows up to 0.5% sand in soybean meal, taking into account industrial processing.

“If the inspection is visual, how can they guarantee the percentage exceeds the tolerance threshold?” he questioned.

A grain trader manager also reported losses due to delays and extra costs after shipments, which were allegedly within standards, were rejected. He noted his company is considering shifting operations to another port.

Sure! Here’s the English translation:

Check below the main goods exported via the Port of Paranaguá during the first five months of 2025. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Top 5 Exported Products via Port of Paranaguá – Tons – 2025

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Disputes and Truck Drivers Held at the Terminal

In January, a shipment of 2,700 tons of soybean meal, valued at R$6 million, was rejected due to contamination with sand. The cargo from Queiroz Agro (Alto Araguaia, MT) was discarded at the Eco Technological Industrial Complex (CIETec) in Paranaguá. The company contested the port’s decision, claiming it followed Anec 71 standards, which define export quality for grains.

More than 50 truck drivers were held at the terminal for over a week while awaiting a resolution.

Procedure in Case of Suspected Adulteration

According to Gabriel Vieira, Operations Director at Portos do Paraná, when there are suspicions of adulteration — such as the presence of sand or sawdust — federal inspection agencies are notified.

“When cargo is rejected for containing adulterants or other elements that do not comply with classification standards, disposal becomes mandatory. The dumping must take place outside the port, at locations authorized by federal authorities,” Vieira said.

Portos do Paraná regulations state that truck drivers may only return to the terminal with new cargo after presenting proof of disposal. Between January and April, 59 trucks were sent to landfills to dispose of rejected products.

Fernando Augusto Mendes, Head of the Plant-Based Product Inspection Service in Paraná (SIPOV/PR), emphasized the risks associated with exporting adulterated cargo.

“Loading would be halted, leading to costs and operational disruptions. The terminal’s stock quality could be compromised, and loading operations suspended, resulting in significant losses,” he added.

Source: Jornal Impresso Brasil

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