U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the bilateral pact will let the two countries share information and assist each other in investigating customs-related crimes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it has signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Australia, a bilateral pact aimed at strengthening trade and security cooperation between the two countries.
According to CBP, the agreement was signed on June 25, 2026, in Brussels. The agency said the agreement, known as a CMAA, allows both countries to prevent, detect, and investigate customs-related crimes, support judicial proceedings, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel through more efficient enforcement.
“By formalizing this partnership, we are laying the groundwork for more effective security cooperation with Australia,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, who said the agreement would help safeguard borders, uphold the integrity of international trade, and address emerging threats.
CBP said that once in force, the agreement will let the United States and Australia exchange information and provide mutual assistance on customs offenses. The agency said such agreements provide a legal framework for sharing information and evidence to help enforce customs laws in areas including duty evasion, trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism-related activity. According to CBP, it and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are the implementing agencies for the United States.
