What state in Brazil published a new normative instruction in January 2026 on the cancellation and suspension of CAR registrations?

In January 2026, the Brazilian state of Pará published a new normative instruction regarding the cancellation and suspension of Rural Environmental Registry, or CAR, registrations. This significant move by Pará's State Secretariat for the Environment, Climate, and Sustainability (SEMAS) aimed to streamline and clarify the administrative procedures for managing these crucial environmental records. The instruction, specifically Normative Instruction No. 1/2026, outlines the conditions under which a CAR registration can be permanently canceled or temporarily suspended within the state's jurisdiction.

The Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) is a digital, nationwide electronic public record for rural properties and possessions in Brazil, established under the country's Forest Code. Its primary purpose is to integrate environmental information about rural properties, helping to monitor and manage natural resources, combat deforestation, and support environmental and economic planning. By providing a comprehensive overview of land use, including areas of native vegetation, permanent preservation areas, and legal reserves, the CAR system is a vital tool for ensuring landowners comply with environmental laws and for protecting Brazil's rich biodiversity.

Pará's updated regulations are particularly important given the state's location within the Amazon rainforest, an area frequently at the forefront of environmental concerns. The new instruction defines specific scenarios for the definitive cancellation of a CAR, such as duplicate registrations, the unification of properties, changes to urban land use, judicial decisions, or instances of false or omitted information. Furthermore, it details conditions for precautionary and temporary suspension, which can occur due to evidence of irregularities, failure to comply with notifications, significant overlapping with other registered areas, or ongoing land disputes. During a suspension, the registration loses its legal effect. This proactive approach by Pará underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental governance and promote sustainable land management practices in a region critical to global ecological balance.