The Brazilian solution was simple: they had the coast guard equivalent ammend their rule so that, besides the locally aproved PFDs, CE or USCG approved PFDs are acceptable for use in Brazilian waters respecting the same limitations imposed by the approving authority.
Part of the reasoning to convince them was that foreign boats visiting a country must comply only with the safety rules of their country of origin, so foreign aproved PFDs (as well as even more important safety equipment) are already worn legally in many vessels. Why would it be ilegal in local vessels?
While this line of reasoning is valid for any country, it clearly isn't enough. I don't know what would work in the US, maybe globalization, perhaps reciprocity to EU regulations (if it is the case) or something else.
