In global trade, Brazil, as one of the largest economies in South America, attracts many Chinese companies to export their goods. However, shipping to Brazil by sea involves complicated processes and strict regulatory requirements, and a little carelessness may lead to delays in customs clearance, additional costs or even cargo detention.
This article will analyze in detail the whole process of shipping to Brazil by sea, including cargo preparation, transportation arrangements, customs declaration and inspection, ocean transportation, customs clearance and delivery in Brazil, etc., to help foreign traders, cross-border e-commerce sellers and logistics practitioners to efficiently complete the transportation task.
I. Cargo Preparation Stage: Ensure Compliance and Avoid Customs Clearance Risks
1. Clarify Cargo Information
Before shipping, it is important to be clear about the details of the cargo such as the name, quantity, weight, volume, material, and usage. For example:
If it is clothing, you need to provide the style, fabric composition, size, number of pieces;
If it is electronic products, need to confirm whether it meets the Brazilian INMETRO certification;
In the case of food, cosmetics, etc., compliance with ANVISA (Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency) regulations is required.
⚠️ Note: Brazilian Customs is strict about imported goods, and any discrepancies in the declaration may result in fines or return shipment.
2. Product Compliance Check
Brazil has strict standards for imported goods, common requirements include:
Electronic products: need to comply with Brazilian electrical safety standards (e.g. INMETRO certification);
Toys: need to pass INMETRO testing;
Food and pharmaceuticals: ANVISA approval is required;
Textiles: ingredient labeling (in Portuguese) is required.
✅ Suggestion: Consult a professional freight forwarder or Brazilian import agent in advance to ensure product compliance.
3. Packaging and Labeling
Packaging Requirements: Use moisture-proof and pressure-resistant packaging materials, fragile products need to be strengthened protection;
Marking requirements: the outer box should be marked with the name of the goods, weight, destination, mark (Marks), some goods need to be labeled in Portuguese.
Second, the stage of transportation arrangements: choose the appropriate logistics solutions
1. Select freight forwarders or shipping companies
Recommended choice: freight forwarders with experience in Brazilian special line, familiar with Brazilian customs policy;
Recommended shipping companies: MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, etc., with stable routes and more shipping schedules.
2. Booking & Lifting
Provide cargo information, port of origin (e.g. Shanghai/Shenzhen), port of destination (e.g. Santos/Rio de Janeiro);
Freight forwarder arranges pick-up (container), optional:
FCL (Full Container): suitable for large cargo volume;
LCL (Less than Container Load): suitable for small quantity of goods.
3. Loading & Transportation to Port
Towing company picks up the empty container and loads it at the warehouse, or the consignor delivers it to the forwarder's warehouse;
⚠️ Note: Cargo should be delivered to the port before customs clearance to avoid delay.
Customs declaration and inspection stage: China export declaration
1. Preparation of customs declaration information
Commercial Invoice (Commercial Invoice)
Packing List
Sales Contract
Customs declaration power of attorney
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Some commodities need commodity inspection (such as wood products, food)
2. Customs Audit & Release
Customs may randomly inspect the goods to confirm the consistency of the declared information;
Payment of taxes and fees (if applicable), the goods can be loaded on the ship for shipment.
Marine transportation stage: real-time tracking of cargo dynamics
Marine transportation time: about 35-50 days from China to major Brazilian ports (e.g. Santos);
Cargo tracking: check the ship's position and estimated time of arrival (ETA) through the official website of the shipping company or the forwarding system.
V. Brazil Customs Clearance Stage: a key link, deciding whether the goods can enter the country smoothly
1. Submission of Customs Clearance Documents
Before the arrival of the goods at the port, the Brazilian importer or his agent needs to submit:
Import Declaration (DI, Declaração de Importação)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Commercial Invoice, Packing List
Certificate of origin (if applicable)
2. Customs Audit & Inspection
Brazilian Customs may conduct random inspections, especially for high value or sensitive goods;
Inadequate documentation or discrepancies in declarations may result in demurrage or fines. 3.
3. Payment of Duties and Taxes
Brazilian import duties are high, with rates for common categories:
Electronics: 10%-20
Clothing: 35 percent
Toys: 20%-35
Total Taxes = Customs (II) + VAT (ICMS) + Other fees.
4. Customs Release & Pickup
After customs clearance, arrange truck or rail transportation to final destination;
The consignee inspects and signs for the goods.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
