This page uses cookies to improve the user experience on our website. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the collection and use of the information to ensure the best browsing experience. To find out more, read out our Privacy Policy.

Accept
Import taxes in Brazil | Impostos de importação
Import taxes in Brazil | Impostos de importação

How are import taxes calculated in Brazil? A guide for e-commerce in 2023

Published on 09/25/2023 - Updated on 09/26/2023

In 2023, Brazil changed its import tax regulations. Understand how to navigate this new system and easily sell online to Brazil.

As Latin America’s largest e-commerce market, Brazil is ripe for cross-border merchants aiming to expand internationally and increase revenue. According to the Webshoppers report, 68% of online shoppers in Brazil purchase from cross-border websites, and 40% have purchased two to three times in the first half of 2023 from e-commerce stores abroad.

With new import tax regulations in place, cross-border merchants selling goods to Brazil must keep pace with the new scenario in order to thrive in the region’s e-commerce market. We’ve rounded up the most important information you need to sell online goods in Brazil. Check it out!  

 

Import Tax in Brazil: Then vs. Now

In the previous model, items up to US$50 sent between individuals were exempt from taxation. If a commercial purpose were proven, the merchandise would be taxed at 60%. Meanwhile, goods valued between US$500 and US$3,000 were subject to a 60% import tax plus the ICMS (Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services).

However, the Brazilian government has recently issued new tax regulations. Starting from August 1, 2023, the federal government will not impose taxes on imported goods valued at up to US$50. However, all online purchases arriving in Brazil, including items up to US$50, will be subject to the ICMS at a rate of 17%. Purchases between US$50 and US$3,000 will also be subject to an additional 60% tax.

These regulations apply to businesses participating in the Remessa Conforme program.  

 

Comparative Table

  Then Now
Products up to US$50  Exemption for parcels between individuals  Federal exemption for any parcel + 17% ICMS
Products above US$ 50 60% tax if a commercial purpose is proven 60% import tax + 17% ICMS
 Products between US$ 500 and US$ 3mil   60% import tax + state’s ICMS 60% import tax + 17% ICMS
Fonte: Agência Brasil/ Ministério da Fazenda

 

What is Remessa Conforme?

The Remessa Conforme is a tax compliance program launched by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) on August 1, 20203. The program aims to warrant cross-border merchants selling online to Brazil from tax and customs advantages – such as exemption from import taxes for purchases up to USD 50. Companies like Shein and Shopee have already asked to join the program.

*Latest update in September 2023.

Paula Martins is a journalist specializing in Marketing. Her areas of expertise include payment methods, digital payments, and e-commerce. Currently, ... View profile

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Comments

  • Rodrigo Zarth 8 de August de 2022

    Dear Sirs,

    Nowadays, products under the total value of USD 100 are not taxed in Brazil, Decreto-Lei n.º 1.804/80, artigo 2º, II.

    Thank you in advance.

    Rodrigo Zarth

  • Rodrigo Zarth 9 de August de 2022

    Os tribunais entendem que não deve-se taxar compras cujo destinatário seja uma pessoa física, caso o valor total (objeto + postagem) seja inferior a $100.00.

    Se o objeto for retido pela receita, deve-se entrar em contato com a ouvidoria dos correios.

    Caso não seja liberado, deve-se entrar com ação no Juizado Especial Cívil, e o responsável por reter o objeto poderá ser acionado por infringir o Art 33 da Lei 13.869/2019.

    Obrigado.

    Rodrigo Zarth
    Técnico Judiciário Federal