US-Australia Customs Deal: What It Means for Immigration
The US and Australia just made it easier to share information about customs crimes — and ICE is one of the agencies in charge. Signed on June 25, 2026, in Brussels, the new agreement lets both governments exchange evidence and assist each other in investigations involving drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism. If you travel between the two countries or have unresolved customs issues, this deal could affect you.
A New Agreement Signed in Brussels
On June 25, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) — a formal deal between two countries to share information and work together on customs enforcement — with Australia. The signing took place in Brussels, Belgium. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott said the agreement lays the groundwork for stronger security cooperation between the two nations.
Once the agreement enters into force, the US and Australia will be able to share information and assist each other in customs-related investigations. This includes cases involving drug trafficking, money laundering, duty evasion (avoiding paying taxes on imported goods), and terrorism-related activities. The two countries will also be able to share evidence used in court proceedings involving suspected violations of customs laws.
Immigration Policy Checklist — Free
DACA, TPS, Executive Orders: what to monitor
CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are the two US agencies responsible for putting this agreement into practice. The deal is part of a broader US effort to work with partner countries to secure borders against transnational criminal organizations and other threats. Australia joins a growing list of countries that have signed similar agreements with the United States.
Why This Matters for Immigrants and Travelers
For people traveling between the US and Australia — or sending goods between the two countries — this agreement means both governments will have more tools to detect and investigate customs violations. Information shared under this deal can be used in judicial proceedings, meaning evidence gathered in Australia could potentially be used in US courts, and vice versa. Travelers and importers who have unresolved customs issues in either country should be aware that authorities may now have access to a wider pool of information.
What to Do
- If you travel frequently between the US and Australia, make sure all your customs declarations are accurate and complete every time you enter either country.
- If you are an importer or exporter, lawyers recommend reviewing your compliance practices to ensure you are not at risk of duty evasion or other customs violations that could now be investigated jointly.
- If you have a pending immigration court hearing or removal proceedings and you have a history of customs issues in Australia or the US, tell your immigration lawyer right away — this new information-sharing framework may be relevant to your case.
- If you are unsure how this agreement affects your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney who can review your travel and customs history.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
This type of mutual assistance agreement expands the information available to ICE and CBP during immigration enforcement actions — if you have a customs-related issue in Australia, US authorities may now be able to access that record. Anyone in removal proceedings or with a pending immigration court hearing should disclose any foreign customs history to their attorney before it surfaces through official channels. Consult an immigration attorney to assess how this agreement may affect your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this agreement affect my green card application or visa?
It could. If you have a history of customs violations — such as undeclared goods or duty evasion — in Australia or the US, that information may now be more easily shared between the two governments. USCIS and immigration judges can consider customs-related offenses when reviewing applications. Talk to an immigration lawyer if you have any concerns.
Can evidence from Australia be used against me in a US immigration court?
Yes, potentially. The agreement allows both countries to share information and evidence for use in judicial proceedings, including cases involving customs law violations. If you are in removal proceedings or have an immigration court hearing scheduled, your attorney needs to know about any customs issues you have had in Australia.
Is this agreement already in effect?
Not yet. The agreement was signed on June 25, 2026, but it still needs to formally enter into force. The exact date when it takes effect has not been announced. Once it does, both countries can begin sharing information and providing mutual assistance under its terms.
Which US agencies are responsible for this agreement?
CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) and ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are the two implementing agencies for the United States under this agreement.