Brazil Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK
Brazil’s customs regulations are enforced by the Receita Federal do Brasil (Federal Revenue Service) under the Ministry of Economy. Importing goods from the UK requires compliance with the Siscomex (Foreign Trade System), strict tax regimes, and additional oversight from agencies like Anvisa (health) and MAPA (agriculture). Post-Brexit, no UK-Brazil free trade agreement exists, so standard tariffs apply.
1. Customs Clearance Process
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Siscomex Registration: Importers need a RADAR license (Siscomex access) for formal entries; small shipments may use simplified processes.
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Declaration: Via Siscomex (Import Declaration, DI) for goods over USD 3,000 or Simplified Declaration (DS) for less.
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Inspection: Physical checks are common, especially for high-value or regulated items.
2. Required Documentation
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Commercial Invoice: Details goods, value, and parties (in Portuguese or English with translation available).
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Packing List: Lists contents, weight, and quantity (preferably in Portuguese).
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Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Proves transport and ownership; must include freight costs.
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Certificate of Origin: Optional but may reduce scrutiny if UK origin is clear.
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Import License (LI): Required pre-shipment for restricted goods (e.g., electronics, chemicals).
3. Duties and Taxes
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Duty-Free Threshold: Personal postal items under USD 50 (CIF) are exempt if sent between individuals and not for resale (via Correios). Above USD 50, full taxes apply.
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Import Duty (II): 10-35% (often 60% total with taxes) based on HS codes and CIF value.
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ICMS: State VAT, 17-25% (e.g., 18% in São Paulo), applied on CIF + duty.
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IPI: Federal tax (0-20%) on manufactured goods, depending on category.
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PIS/COFINS: Additional fees (up to 9.25%) on some imports.
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Simplified Regime: For shipments under USD 3,000, a flat 60% tax (CIF) covers duty + ICMS, payable by the recipient.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
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Prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, used consumer goods (e.g., clothing, electronics), and asbestos.
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Restricted:
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Food/medicines: Anvisa approval (e.g., no fresh meat; packaged goods need registration).
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Plants/animals: MAPA permits for biosecurity (e.g., seeds, wood).
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Electronics: Anatel certification for telecom devices.
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Weapons: Army approval only.
5. HS Codes and Valuation
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HS Codes: Brazil uses the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM); e.g., a cotton shirt might be 6205.20. Check Receita Federal’s database.
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Valuation: CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). Under-declaring triggers fines or seizure.
6. Additional Considerations
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Currency Controls: Brazil’s forex restrictions may delay tax payments; prepayment via couriers is ideal.
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Correios Limit: Postal shipments over USD 10,000 require formal clearance, not simplified tax.
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De Minimis: No broad duty-free threshold beyond USD 50 for personal mail.
7. Practical Tips
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Prepay Taxes: Couriers like DHL or FedEx offer this to avoid delays at customs.
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Customs Broker: Essential for shipments over USD 3,000 or restricted goods.
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Tracking: Use Siscomex or courier systems for updates.
Simplifying Brazil Customs with Send2Hub
Shipping to Brazil? Send2Hub makes Receita Federal’s rules manageable. Personal items under USD 50 dodge taxes via Correios, but above that, expect 60% duty (CIF) plus 17-25% ICMS—payable by recipients unless prepaid. You’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and we’ll ensure your HS codes match Brazil’s NCM system. Restricted goods like food (Anvisa) or plants (MAPA) need permits, while narcotics and used items are banned—we’ll keep you compliant.
Our team guides you through Siscomex declarations and flags Brazil’s high tax regime, so there are no surprises. Prepay taxes with us, track your shipment live, and let us handle the complexity. Ship from the UK to Brazil with Send2Hub—customs sorted, delivery assured!