Brazil is a country of stunning beauty and vast proportions. It boasts:
The world's longest beach - more than seven kilometres
The most famous and elaborate carnival festival worldwide
Control of 58% of the world's largest tropical rainforest - the Amazon, whose main river discharges more water than any other worldwide
Brazil is also a heavy-hitter in Latin America. With 209 million people and the largest economy of its neighbours, it commands 42% of the business-to-consumer e-commerce in the region.
Its on-line retail growth was 16% in 2019 and has increased steadily since 2012. With numbers like that, Brazil is brimming with opportunity.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Brazil through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Brazil. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Brazil
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Fortaleza, FO, BR
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
BrasÍlia, BR, BR
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Salvador, SA, BR
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Brazil before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
NOTE: From January 1, 2020, the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service will require that the recipient of international orders and shipments
have ONE of the following identification numbers on the parcel:
Natural Persons Register (CPF)
National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ)
Passport number
If this information is not provided, the shipment may be banned from entering Brazil or returned to the sender.
If you ship documents to Brazil through the postal system, they do not have to be declared providing they consist of:
Postcards, letters, and other printed matter
Periodicals, books, and newspapers
Printed matter without any monetary or fiscal significance
A courier shipment of documents from Canada to Brazil is allowed duty-free if the parcel contains 5 or fewer documents.
A shipment cannot contain commercial quantities of material.
Common document shipments and their restrictions are shown below.
Advertising literature, catalogues, and price lists
Airline tickets
Blueprints, bids, and proposals
Cash letters
CD Roms (if blank they require an invoice; if they contain data, the content determines whether they are documents or not)
Charts and graphs
Company annual reports, intercompany mail and newsletters
There are no gift exemptions when shipping gifts to Brazil from Canada. Duties and taxes will be incurred.
Often however, parcels with a total value of less than $50 USD (about $65 CDN) have entered Brazil without being taxed.
When taxes are charged they are calculated at the rate of 60% of the customs value (the sum of the value of goods plus freight charges plus insurance).
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
As a rule of thumb, parcels sent from a private individual abroad to another private individual in Brazil with items that have a total value below $50 USD are exempt from paying taxes.
There are several articles indicating that it isn't unusual for these shipments to be taxed regardless of value.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
If a gift is sent from a business in Canada to one in Brazil, taxes will be charged.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift sent to an individual care of a business address in Brazil will also incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
No information regarding multiple gifts in one shipment is available at this time.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects shipped from Canada to Brazil will not be taxed providing several conditions are followed:
The unaccompanied baggage arrives no earlier than 3 months from your arrival in Brazil or up to 6 months after your arrival
The goods comprise of used clothing, shoes, personal belongings, books, periodicals, and leaflets
Returning goods are of national or nationalized nature
Moving Temporarily
No information regarding moving temporarily to Brazil is available at this time.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Brazil or are a Brazilian national returning after being in Canada for more than 1 year,
your goods will be exempt from duties and taxes. Here are some examples of new and used goods that can be shipped include:
Household goods and furniture
Machines and tools
Instruments, machinery, and apparatus required for a profession, craft, or art endeavour
Personal Effects Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate "Personal Effects" on the Commercial Invoice
(see sample)
List of goods in shipment - include description, quantity, and estimated value of each item
For machinery, equipment, and instruments - include make, model, and year of manufacture as well as the estimated value of each
Atestado de Residência no Exterior (Certificate of Residence Abroad) - Click
here
for the form.
The fee when submitting this form is $22.50 CDN and MUST be done with a money order or certified cheque paid to 'Embassy of Brazil - Ottawa'.
Notarized copy of the proof of residence in Brazil.
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Brazilian authorities control the entry of various food items into the country to prevent pests and diseases that may cause harm to its citizens and agricultural industries.
Do Not Ship
Any artisanal products containing animal ingredients, regardless of the quantity
You May Ship
Any of the following may enter Brazil without restrictions:
Salted and roasted almonds
Juices
Vegetable oils
Vinegar of various types
Jellies and preserves
Industrially prepared products that have been pasteurized, sterilized, fermented, cooked, parboiled, polished, ground, oven-dried, and toasted
Food, Chocolate, and Candies Checklist
Ensure that your food products comply with the checklist above
Clearly indicate "Food" on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
(see sample)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
NOTE:
Commercial products with animal ingredients, including candies, must be labelled in one of English,
Portuguese, French, or Spanish to be allowed entry into Brazil.
Also, products must be sealed and contained in their original packaging.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples of goods for display at trade fairs and other exhibitions are allowed entry into Brazil without payment of duties and taxes
providing the samples have no commercial value. Temporary admission of samples is done to promote products and encourage orders.
It may also be done to showcase products at trade shows.
In order to qualify for duty-free exemption, the following conditions must be met:
The items are declared as "Commercial Sample" on the commercial invoice
(see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as "commercial sample"
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
No information regarding shipping advertising material to Brazil is available at this time.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment sent to Brazil for repairs is considered to be a temporary import and therefore will not incur duties or taxes from Brazilian customs.
The good is allowed to stay in Brazil for up to 12 months, but an extension to 5 years may be allowed if approved by the authorities.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Brazil and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to Brazil for repairs and is no longer under warranty.
GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Brazil
Equipment for repair can be sent to Brazil without paying duties and taxes to Brazilian customs under the country's special customs regime of temporary admission for inward processing.
The equipment is to be re-exported to Canada when the repairs are complete.
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to Brazil, ensure to do the following:
Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Brazil
Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.
Repair Checklist
Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following:
'REPAIR & RETURN' and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods can be temporarily imported into Brazil without payment of duties and taxes for a period of up to 6 months.
This can be automatically extended 6 months for a total of 12 months.
An application can be made to have the admission extended to 5 years.
For goods involved with exhibitions and fairs, equestrian sporting events, and circus shows, the time limit is 60 days after the end of the event.
Goods and materials that are allowed temporary admission include:
Educational, scientific, technical, industrial, commercial, sporting, or political
Animals for fairs, exhibitions, training, work, or herding
Samples for commercial promotion
Equipment needed for producing audiovisual works
Equipment required to assemble, repair, or maintain other equipment and goods
Goods to be tested, approved, and for the development of prototypes or other products
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Brazil, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details
below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty and tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. CI + an ATA Carnet
This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet,
it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however,
contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 12 months in Brazil, though an application can be made to extend the stay up to 5 years
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import' including the return date. This must be written in the General Description section.
See example
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of temporary nature)
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
If you are shipping a consignment of sold goods to Brazil with a total value of $3,000 USD or less (about $3,900 CDN), it will be charged an import tax of 60%.
This is governed by Brazil's Regime de Tributação Simplificada (RTS) - Simplified Taxation Regime.
For shipments above $3,000 USD, we recommend using the services of a Brazilian customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Carmen Miranda Avenida Rui Barbosa S/N Parque em frente ao número 560 - Flamengo Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22250-020 Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2334-4293
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Brazil. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Brazil, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Goods that are prohibited are not allowed to enter Brazil whereas those that are restricted may enter, but with limitations to quantity or other requirements.
Prohibited Items
Beverages and cigarettes made in Brazil and only intended for sale abroad
Branded cigarettes not sold in Canada
Firearms, including toys, replicas, and guns using compressed air
Import duties and taxes on shipments from Canada to Brazil are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value,
Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Brazil imposes several different duties and taxes on imports. They are summarised in the table
below
.
The major restriction for an individual importing goods into Brazil is that the maximum value of goods is $3,000 USD (about $3,900 CDN).
If you are a Canadian company shipping goods, you can hire the services of the Brazilian post office to pay the taxes owing on your shipment,
completing the documentation, and delivering the parcel to the receiver.
Thresholds
A shipment sent by international post has a de minimis value of $50 USD (about $65 CDN).
This means a shipment of $50 USD or less will be exempt from import tax providing both the sender and recipient are individuals.
Medicines for humans imported for the use of an individual will be exempt from import tax up to the value of $10,000 USD (about $13,000 CDN).
(A prescription may be required to prove the individual requires the medication.)
Currency
Real (BRL)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$50 USD (about $65 CDN)
Duty Calculation Method
Duty Rate
CIF
60%
ICMS TAX (VAT)
17 - 20% (varies for each Brazilian state)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$50 USD
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Brazilian Duties & Taxes
Name
Description
Rate
Import Duty
Applied to all goods
60%
ICMS Value Added Tax (VAT)
A state tax applied to goods,
communication,
and transportation services
17 - 20%
(depends on which state the shipment is destined for)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Brazil from Canada can take between 3-8 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
