Once entered into force, the CMAA will allow the US and Australia to exchange information and provide mutual assistance on customs offences, thus strengthening the collaboration between the two countries.
US Customs and Border Protection, on behalf of the US, in a release on 25 June 2026, announced that it signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Australia in Brussels, Belgium.
The CMAA is a bilateral agreement that enables both countries to prevent, detect, and investigate customs-related crimes, support judicial proceedings, enhance cooperation, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel through more efficient enforcement actions.
“By formalising this partnership, we are laying the groundwork for more effective security cooperation with Australia,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “This agreement will help us safeguard our borders, uphold the integrity of international trade, and address emerging threats together.”
Once entered into force, the CMAA will allow the US and Australia to exchange information and provide mutual assistance on customs offences, thus strengthening the collaboration between the two countries.
CMAAs also allow for the sharing of information that is used to assist governments in judicial proceedings involving suspected violations of customs laws. They provide the legal framework for the exchange of information and evidence to assist countries in the enforcement of customs laws, including duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money-laundering, and terrorism-related activities. CBP and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement are the implementing agencies for the US.
