Cargo declared as eucalyptus concealed 13 tonnes of a protected species in Santos
Brazil's Federal Revenue Service intercepted an attempted illegal export of protected native timber on August 25, 2026. The cargo had been declared as sawn Eucalyptus grandis timber, but an Ibama expert examination identified the species Dalbergia decipularis.
Brazil's Federal Revenue Service prevented the illegal departure of 13 tonnes of protected timber through the Port of Santos on August 25, 2026. The cargo contained specimens of Dalbergia decipularis, a native Brazilian species known as sebastião-de-arruda and listed in Appendix II of CITES, the international convention that regulates trade in threatened species.
The irregularity was identified during an intelligence operation. In the Single Export Declaration (DU-E), the shipment was described as sawn Eucalyptus grandis timber. The description, however, did not match the contents found by the inspectors.
Ibama provided technical support for the operation and conducted the expert examination that identified and characterized the timber. After confirming the violation, the environmental agency issued a notice of infraction to the exporting company and seized the cargo.
The inspection also benefited from the contribution of the LEAP Program, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The initiative trains public officials to recognize and investigate crimes against fauna and flora, while also encouraging cooperation among institutions.
Source
- Federal Revenue Service: [Federal Revenue Service at the Port of Santos foils attempt to export protected timber](https://www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2026/agosto/receita-federal-no-porto-de-santos-frusta-a-tentativa-de-exportacao-de-madeira-protegida)