Canada and Uruguay signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) on June 25, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium, to strengthen trade security and combat illicit smuggling. The agreement was signed by Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and His Excellency Pablo Sader, Uruguayan Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and the Mission to the European Union.
Agreement Details and Scope
The CMAA aims to prevent illicit customs activities, including the smuggling of drugs, firearms, and other illegal goods. It will help protect the $317 million trade relationship between Canada and Uruguay by facilitating the sharing of customs information between the two countries.
The signing took place during the World Customs Organization’s Council meetings held from June 22 to 26, 2026. This agreement aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to modernize its 1999 Foreign Investment and Protection Agreement and negotiate a free trade agreement with the MERCOSUR trading bloc, of which Uruguay is a member.
Official Statements
Erin O’Gorman stated: “This agreement strengthens Canada and Uruguay’s commercial relationship and shared commitment to border security. We will continue working together to combat transnational organized crime while protecting the flow of legitimate trade, strengthening the safety and prosperity of our countries.”
His Excellency Pablo Sader added: “This Agreement reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between Uruguay and Canada, two like-minded countries committed to rules-based trade, effective border cooperation and the security of international supply chains. By strengthening the exchange of information and mutual assistance between our customs administrations, we are better equipped to combat illicit trade while facilitating legitimate commerce for the benefit of both our countries.”
Background and Impact
Canada and Uruguay share a strong bilateral relationship built on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The CBSA negotiates Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements with international partners to share customs information and coordinate more effectively to prevent and investigate customs violations, smuggling, and trade-related crimes.
Strong and coordinated partnerships between customs organizations are key to safeguarding economies, disrupting transnational crime, and protecting communities. This agreement will enhance cooperation between Canada and Uruguay in these areas.
