Import Regulations - Brazil

Australian economic engagement with Brazil has grown continuously since the mid-1990s, most notably in the agribusiness, mining and services sectors.

Import tariffs
All goods exported to Brazil are taxed by an import tax (unless otherwise specifically exempting the good from such payment). The key points to note about the import tax include: it is levied on the customs value; the customs value is usually assessed grounded on the transaction value and that coincides with the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value; the import tax rate is selective and depends on the good's tariff classification.

Products manufactured or exported to Brazil are classified under the Mercosul Common Nomenclature classifications. It is important to check the sub-classifications as there is a wide variety of import tax rates. Firms called "despachantes" provide a valuable service by doing this check.

The majority of duties is ad valorem, grounded on the GATT Valuation Code (approximately CIF value) (Incoterms 2000).

It is important to note that Brazil authorities require specific labels for toxic and food products that need to be addressed when exporting.

Non-tariff import barriers
Import restrictions: free unless otherwise informed by SISCOMEX in the "Tratamento Administrativo" section. SISCOMEX (online system to register exporters and importers, supported by the SECEX - Foreign Trade Department, Federal Tax Department, and Central Bank of Brazil).

Pre-import licence goods have up to sixty days to proceed with the shipment. Merchandise must be on board the carrier before expiration date of import licence. A number of imports are subject to quota or to specific requirements.

Documentation requirements: commercial invoice; bill of lading; certificate of origin - if a product is eligible to specific multilateral agreements.