On March 19, 2026, the Federal Government enacted Provisional Measure No. 1,343/2026, introducing far‑reaching changes to the oversight and enforcement of the Minimum Freight Floor in Brazil. The new measure converts ANTT’s technical guidelines into immediately applicable legal obligations, with the stated aim of eliminating the contracting of freight services below the regulated amount.
What changes in practice for carriers and shippers?
The core feature of the Provisional Measure is the mandatory use of the CIOT (Transport Operation Identification Code) for all freight operations. The system will now refuse to issue the code if the freight amount is below the minimum floor, thereby preventing the operation in advance at its point of origin.
Key points of attention:
- Automated enforcement: the CIOT must now be mandatorily linked to the MDF-e, enabling immediate data cross‑checking between ANTT and the Federal Revenue Service.
- Strict sanctions for carriers: the accumulation of violations (more than 3 within a 6‑month period) may result in the precautionary suspension of the RNTRC for up to 30 days. In cases of serious repeat offenses, the registration may be cancelled, preventing the carrier from operating for up to 2 years.
- High‑value fines for contracting parties: for those hiring the service, fines now range from BRL 1 million to BRL 10 million per irregular operation.
- Extended liability: penalties now reach the entire chain, including parties that advertise irregular freight offers. The Provisional Measure even contemplates piercing the corporate veil to reach shareholders in cases of structured abuse
Compliance and legal certainty
Provisional Measure 1,343/2026 indicates that enforcement has shifted from being predominantly road‑based to becoming digital and systemic. For companies in the sector, revisiting their contracts and promptly adapting their electronic invoicing and document‑issuance systems is essential to avoid financial losses and potential disruption of operations.