International trade compliance

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
Party to the International Coffee Agreement

International Economic Cooperation

Brazil is a member of the following international economic organisations: IMF, Mercosur, ICC, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), WTO, among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Brazil click here. International organisation membership of Brazil is also outlined here.

Party of the ATA Convention on Temporary Admissions and Use of the Carnets

No

As a Reminder, the ATA is a System Allowing the Free Movement of Goods Across Frontiers and Their Temporary Admission Into a Customs Territory With Relief From Duties and Taxes. The Goods Are Covered By a Single Document Known as the ATA Carnet That is Secured By an International Guarantee System.

Party of the TIR Convention

No

As a Reminder, the TIR Convention and its Transit Regime Contribute to the Facilitation of International Transport, Especially International Road Transport, Not Only in Europe and the Middle East, But Also in Other Parts of the World, Such as Africa and Latin America.

Accompanying Documents For Imports

- single administrative document (SAD)
- commercial invoice (in triplicate, preferably in Portuguese, with a detailed description of the goods, the country of purchase, origin and provenance, tariff details, registration number in the importer's register of commerce and the classification number of the goods)
- phytosanitary or health certificate;
- free sale certificate for cosmetics;
- radioactive non-contamination certificate;
- certificate of analysis and origin for wines, consular declaration for other types of alcoholic beverages;
- transport documents and packing list.

To go further, check out our service Shipping Documents.

Free-trade zones

There are currently 24 Free-Trade Zones and Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Brazil, with only one completely operational (the Manhaus Free-Trade Zone). Other important Zones are the ones of Macapa, Tabatinga, Guajara-Mirim, Boa Vista and Bonfim.

For Further Information

Customs Department
The WTO website on Brazil's commercial policy

Non Tariff Barriers

A large number of imported products are subject to a prior license application to the SECEX (Secretariat for Foreign Trade), which is the only organisation authorised to issue this license. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of shipment of the goods (sometimes from the date of the license application). This period cannot be extended and is often insufficient. A new license application must then be made. For textiles, regulations are even stricter: the license is only issued if payment is carried out within 30 days following the date of the B/L (importers have to prove that they have effectively paid within the 30 days).

All imports must be accompanied at least by 2 copies of the commercial invoice and the B/L. In the case of non-compliance with the legal requirements of the country, customs officials have the right to impose large fines (commonly, up to 100% of the usual duties). It is advisable in any case to work with a very good Brazilian Customs broker, who stays up to date on Customs regulations.

One must consult the numerous sanitary regulations before undertaking any imports.

Since Brazil has launched the Brasil Maior (Greater Brazil) plan, a rise in trade protection has been observed.

Sectors or Products For Which Commercial Disagreements Have Been Registered With the WTO

Petrol, agricultural dumping, cotton, citrus fruit, heavy industry, patents (with the United States); aeronautical construction (with Canada); coffee, poultry, sugar, heavy industry (with the European Union). Brazil is often attacked for its import restrictions and on its side makes complaints about the agricultural subsidies in the OECD countries.

Assessment of Commercial Policy

Brazil and the WTO
Barriers to exchanges, inventoried by the EU
Sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, inventoried by the EU