In recent years, China-Brazil trade exchanges are getting closer and closer, and more and more Chinese enterprises are casting their eyes on the largest market in South America. However, Brazil's customs policy is complex and changeable, so that many export enterprises "stepped on the pit" again and again. Today, we will comprehensively analyze the key considerations for shipping exports to Brazil, to help you avoid the minefield, smooth customs clearance!
First, the bill of lading production: details determine success or failure
Brazilian Customs on the bill of lading requirements can be called "harsh", any small mistake may lead to delays in customs clearance or even goods are detained.
Complete freight information must be shown
Brazilian Customs requires that all charges (both prepaid and collect) must be clearly listed on the bill of lading.
Vague statements such as "Freight as per agreement" will be rejected.
Special Note: All imports into Brazil are subject to freight tax.
Only original bill of lading will be accepted
Sea waybill, EFT bill of lading, Duy bill of lading, negotiable bill of lading (to order) will not be accepted.
Electric discharge bill of lading will be regarded as tax evasion, almost all South American countries prohibit electric discharge operation.
Bill of lading fill in the golden rule
Ensure that the container number and seal number are 100% accurate.
Weight must be shown in metric units
Cargo description must truly reflect the actual goods (including the exact number of pieces / packages)
Company information must be true and complete
The consignee/notifier address must be in Brazil.
It is strictly forbidden to state the value of the goods in the description of the goods
Important numbers must not be omitted
CNPJ (Brazilian company tax number)/CPF (personal tax number)
NCM code (Brazilian customs code, equivalent to our HS code).
Special reminder: NCM code at least need to fill in the first 4 digits, FAK and GD can not be used as cargo description.
Second, the use of box strategy: careful cost savings
Exemption period should be applied before it is too late!
Brazil customs clearance usually takes 21-30 days
Apply for destination exemption period to shipping company in advance to avoid high demurrage charges.
It is recommended to apply for 21-30 days exemption period.
Be cautious of using NOR containers (Cold Substitute Dry Containers)
Although the sea freight is lower, but the hiding cost is high:
Useless period is usually only 4 days (21-30 days for normal containers)
Demurrage up to $170-260/day (normal container about $50-100/day)
The shipping company generally does not accept the application for extension of the exemption period for NOR containers.
Customs clearance process: step by step
Brazilian customs clearance is known as "one of the world's most complex customs clearance system", it is important to understand the process.
Step 1: Declare 48 hours in advance
48 hours before the arrival of goods, MBL, HBL information must be entered into the Brazilian customs system (SISCARGA).
Special note: If the ship first stops at Rio de Janeiro and then goes to Santos, the entry must be completed 48 hours before arrival in Rio.
Step 2: Verification of information
Upon arrival at the port, the terminal will check the information in the shipping company's system against the information entered in SISCARGA.
If the information does not match, you will have to pay US$2,800 to correct the information!
Step 3: Payment of Taxes and Fees
Obtain LIBERATION NO. and then make import declaration.
The main taxes include:
Import duty (II)
Industrial Products Inland Revenue (IPI)
Goods and Services Tax (ICMS)
Social Integration Levy (PIS)
Social Security Financing Tax (COFINS)
Tax rates are determined based on the NCM code of the goods
Step 4: Obtain D.I NO.
Apply for an import declaration number (D.I NO.) in the SISCOMEX system with proof of payment of taxes and fees.
Step 5: Clearance channel
There are four possible channels for Brazilian customs clearance:
Green channel: all documents are in order and the goods will be released directly.
Yellow channel: verification of documents
Red channel: verification of documents and random inspection of goods
Gray channel: the longest possible wait 3-6 months
Step 6: Pick up the goods
After customs clearance
Pay all fees to shipping company and terminal
Reserve a trailer to pick up the goods
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
