Exporting Goods from the USA to Brazil
There are a number of goods that are not allowed entry into Brazil or are otherwise placed under the restricted item category. These include several essential products like coins and jewelries.
In general, however, the more basic goods can still be shipped to Brazil but not without incurring the expected customs taxes. To avoid this, the overall value of the merchandise should remain within the Brazilian customs quota exemption. Currently, this is about $500 for air and sea shipments and around $300 for land delivery.
Additionally, customs exemption can apply to personal and professional properties that have been in the country of origin for over a year and are already being used. Once these are brought to Brazil, expect no customs duties to be charged against them. Good examples of these items are newspapers, books, clothes, hygienic products, footwear and make-up.
Products and items not belonging to any of the categories cited above will be charged the corresponding Brazil customs duties. They will also be allowed entry to Brazil but under restricted conditions. Some of these include products that are intended to be resold either in retail or wholesale in the Brazilian market.
Interestingly, motor vehicles in all its varied forms, along with aircrafts and water vessels, cannot be brought into Brazil even if these are declared as personal items by the owner. Nevertheless, exceptions can still be made. The consignee simply has to avail of the temporary admission plan offered by Brazilian customs. Under this scheme, items like a motor vehicle will be allowed entry into Brazil so long as these are declared as personal or professional belongings of the consignee. In addition, the consignee has to certify that he/she will not sell the said product while residing in Brazil.
Other than that, an itemized list of the vehicle details will also need to be prepared. When applicable, the list should include the make and model of the car, the motor number, the serial number, the name of the manufacturer, and the current car value expressed in US dollars. This has to be written in Portuguese, but if not, Brazil customs will ask a Public Translator to make the needed change.
If the temporary admission request is approved, the vehicle in question can remain on Brazilian soil for a specified period of time with all customs taxes suspended. For convenience, however, under Brazilian customs laws, a vehicle is automatically placed under the temporary admission plan if it is determined that this is owned by a non-resident and foreign visitor.
Still, it should be noted that in general, admission for motor vehicles will be allowed only if these are six months old and below. The engine size and capacity will also be a critical factor when deciding if the car will be admitted. A license secured from the Brazilian Transport Control Department will also be requested once entry is allowed.
It is a different matter altogether if a motorcycle will be shipped to Brazil. At present, the country has very strict guidelines when it comes to the entry of this vehicle type. In general, Brazil prohibits the importation of motorcycles that are over 100cc.