On 19 November 2025, Colombia reinforced its legal framework to combat smuggling and the facilitation of smuggling, emphasizing risks, prevention, and corporate accountability.
The measures target unauthorized import/export practices and concealment of goods, with penalties escalating for goods exceeding statutory thresholds. Companies face heightened criminal liability for executives and representatives, even if goods are later regularized, alongside intensified enforcement by DIAN and the Prosecutor’s Office.
The framework underscores obligations for traceability, documentation, and internal compliance controls, while promoting employee training and reporting mechanisms. These actions aim to safeguard tax collection, fair competition, and economic integrity, signalling a strategic push toward stricter customs compliance and corporate governance.

On 22 November 2025, Brazil’s National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (CONAR) introduced new rules to combat greenwashing in advertising. The changes cover biodiversity, climate change, and waste disposal, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to environmental protection.
Two new articles encourage responsible socio-environmental communication and set guidelines for sustainability claims and technical terminology.
Advertisers must provide detailed data on emissions, carbon offsets, and product life cycles, along with specific deadlines and action plans for environmental goals. These changes aim to ensure transparency and prevent misleading sustainability claims.

On 8 October 2025, Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) issued a binding precedent on the criminal offense of pollution under Article 54. The ruling, delivered through Special Appeal under the system of repetitive appeals, clarifies that the offense is of a formal nature and constitutes an abstract danger crime. It establishes that potential harm to human health is sufficient for liability, without requiring proof of actual harm or technical expertise. Evidence may be provided through any suitable means. This precedent simplifies prosecution and will guide lower courts nationwide, reinforcing environmental compliance obligations.

On 26 October 2025, the United States and Vietnam concluded a framework agreement aimed at establishing reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade relations. The final commitments are expected to be signed and ratified by both parties before the end of 2025.
This framework introduces comprehensive commitments across digital trade, services and investment, intellectual property, labor, environment, customs and trade facilitation, regulatory practices, and state-owned enterprise conduct. It includes reciprocal tariff arrangements, preferential market access for US exports, and the removal of technical barriers affecting US goods. These developments reflect a strategic effort to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while aligning regulatory standards and market access terms.