The most developed state of the federation is also the largest consumer of contraband products and an important pole of distribution of these goods to the rest of the country. In 2016 alone, São Paulo lost R $ 3,13 billion in tax evasion and the most affected sectors are tobacco, auto parts, electronics, clothing items, beverages and fuels.

Faced with this serious problem of public interest that affects the lives of millions of Paulistanos, the State Parliamentary Front to Combat Smuggling was launched in late June. Led by state deputy Jorge Caruso (PMDB), the new front already has the participation of about 40 deputies. This initiative by state legislators aims to:
- Define and present proposals for legislation that contribute to the effective fight against smuggling and counterfeiting in the State;
- To charge public authorities, in all their instances, for the execution of firm and immediate actions to reduce the problem of smuggling, counterfeiting and its negative impacts on society;
- Take the discussion on smuggling and counterfeiting to the whole of society through debates and public hearings;
- Investigate other ways that can be taken so that the country is no longer a victim of these crimes.
For deputy Jorge Caruso, the creation of the Front demonstrates the commitment of the São Paulo legislature to face this serious crime. “Smuggling is an activity dominated by gangs like the PCC. These criminals use the profits generated by smuggling to finance other crimes such as drug and arms trafficking ”
Only tax evasion caused by cigarette smuggling in the state of São Paulo reached R $ 2,68 billion last year. This is the smuggling champion product and, currently, 45% of the cigarettes sold in São Paulo are smuggled. The best-selling brand, Eight, is manufactured in Paraguay and sold illegally in our cities. Rhodolpho Ramazzini, director of the Brazilian Association to Combat Counterfeiting (ABCF), believes that in recent years the authorities have stepped up efforts to combat smuggling , but believes that this is still not enough. "We need more integration between the different spheres of power, and the creation of the State Parliamentary Front is another step in that direction"

Bill of Law

As the first act of the Parliamentary Front, deputy Jorge Caruso announced the State Day to Combat Smuggling. The goal is that every year, on August 3, paulistanos can debate issues related to smuggling from different perspectives: economic, social, health, security, among others.

Movement in Defense of the Brazilian Legal Market

Created in 2014, the Movement is led by ABCF, by Brazilian Institute of Competition Ethics (ETCO) and the National Forum Against Piracy and Illegality (FNCP) and has more than 70 entities and associations from different productive sectors affected by illegality in Brazil.