FORM 6-K
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                            Report of Foreign Issuer
                        Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
                    under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                           For the month of July 2003

                        Commission File Number 001-11005

                             ARACRUZ CELLULOSE S.A.

                 (Translation of Registrant's name into English)

                 Rua Lauro Muller 116-21(degree) Andar, Botafogo
                        Rio de Janeiro, 22299-900 Brazil
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

                            Form 20-F  X  Form 40-F
                                      ---           ---

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in
paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                                   Yes     No  X
                                       ---    ---

     If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                      .
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                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                        ARACRUZ CELULOSE S.A.
                                             (Registrant)

Date:  July 9, 2003                     By:       /s/ Carlos Augusto Lira Aguiar
                                                  ------------------------------
                                         Name:        Carlos Augusto Lira Aguiar
                                         Title:       Chief Executive Officer







                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                  -------------

99.1. Notice regarding the Acquisition of all Shares of Capital Stock of Riocell
S.A. by the Company