Shipping from Europe to Brazil
Ship parcels and freight from Europe to Brazil — navigate SISCOMEX customs, Remessa Conforme for B2C e-commerce, and Brazil's complex import duty structure.
Brazil is one of the most complex shipping destinations in the world — high import duties (60%+ on many consumer goods), an intricate tax system (ICMS, IPI, PIS/COFINS), mandatory importer registration for commercial imports, and historically slow customs processing. However, the Remessa Conforme programme (launched 2023) has transformed B2C e-commerce shipping — enabling faster customs clearance for certified overseas sellers at 20% flat tax on imports up to USD$50 (duty-free) and regular rates above. Commercial B2B shipments still face full SISCOMEX clearance. Brazil's market of 215 million consumers and growing middle class make it worth navigating despite the complexity.
Customs Process for Brazil
Required Shipping Documents
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice (in Portuguese) | Mandatory | Full declared value, HS code (NCM code in Brazil), description, recipient CPF/CNPJ. Portuguese translation recommended. |
| Recipient CPF/CNPJ on label | Mandatory | Individual's CPF (11-digit tax number) or company CNPJ (14-digit) must appear on parcel address label. |
| Packing List | Conditional | Required for commercial B2B shipments. |
| Import Licence (LI) | Conditional | Required for certain product categories before commercial importation — obtained in SISCOMEX by Brazilian importer. |
| ANVISA Registration | Conditional | Health products, cosmetics, food, medical devices. Registration must be completed before import. |
| INMETRO Certificate | Conditional | Electronic products require INMETRO product certification for Brazilian market. Obtained before first import. |
| DI (Import Declaration) | Conditional | Formal import declaration filed in SISCOMEX by Brazilian customs broker for commercial imports. |
Import Duty & Tax Rates
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B2C under USD 50 (Remessa Conforme) | 0% duty + 20% tax | Duty-free but 20% IBOF tax applies. Remessa Conforme programme for registered overseas sellers. |
| B2C USD 50–3,000 (Remessa Conforme) | 20% flat tax | Simplified 20% flat import tax. Significantly lower than former 60% rate. |
| Consumer goods (non-RC channels) | 60% + ICMS | Standard Simplified Import Tax (IS) for B2C parcels outside Remessa Conforme: 60% on declared value. |
| Commercial B2B imports | II + IPI + PIS + COFINS + ICMS | Multiple taxes stack — effective total tax burden typically 40–80% depending on product category and NCM code. |
| Electronics (INMETRO certified) | ~35–50% total | Import duty (II) 0–35% + IPI + ICMS. Varies widely by NCM code. INMETRO cert required. |
| Clothing (B2B) | 35–55% total | High duty category. Fashion imports for Brazilian commercial distributors face heavy tax burden. |
Best Carriers to Brazil
| Carrier | Service | Transit | Tracking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Worldwide Express | 3–5 days | ✓ | Best EU–Brazil carrier. DHL Brazil has the strongest customs clearance and widest Brazilian network. |
| FedEx | International Priority | 3–5 days | ✓ | Good EU–Brazil service. FedEx has improving Brazil customs clearance capability. |
| UPS | Worldwide Express | 4–6 days | ✓ | Solid B2B Brazil delivery. UPS works with Brazilian customs brokers for complex clearance. |
| Correios (via partner) | Economy tracked | 15–45 days | ✓ | Brazil's postal service — used for economy parcel delivery. Very slow customs clearance. High loss rate. |
| Mercado Envios | Marketplace only | Varies | ✓ | For sellers on Mercado Livre (Brazil's largest marketplace) — integrated shipping solution. |
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Expert Tips for Shipping to Brazil
- ▸Always include the recipient's CPF (for individuals) or CNPJ (for companies) on the shipping label and commercial invoice — this is mandatory in Brazil and shipments without a valid CPF/CNPJ are held indefinitely at Brazilian customs.
- ▸For B2C e-commerce selling to Brazilian consumers, register your platform with Brazil's Remessa Conforme programme (via Receita Federal). This allows your customers to benefit from the simplified 20% tax rate instead of the 60% standard rate — dramatically improving conversion and reducing cart abandonment for Brazilian consumers.
- ▸Do not undervalue packages to Brazil — Brazilian customs and Receita Federal actively cross-check declared values against market prices. Undervaluation is treated as customs fraud. Many European sellers have been blacklisted by Brazilian customs for systematic undervaluation. Declare full commercial value always.
- ▸Electronics destined for commercial sale in Brazil require INMETRO product certification — this must be obtained before your first shipment, not at the border. INMETRO certification for electronic products typically takes 3–6 months and requires a Brazilian laboratory test. Plan well in advance.
- ▸For B2B commercial exports to Brazil, your Brazilian buyer must have RADAR access (customs operator registration with Receita Federal) and should appoint a licensed despachante aduaneiro (customs broker). The Brazilian customs clearance process for commercial imports typically takes 5–30 business days even with express courier services — the courier transit is fast, but Brazilian customs can be slow.
- ▸DHL Express Brazil is the most capable carrier for complex Brazil customs clearance — DHL has the largest Brazilian network and the most experienced customs team for EU-Brazil routes. Always use DHL for high-value or complex shipments to Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Remessa Conforme and how does it affect e-commerce shipping to Brazil?
Remessa Conforme (Conforming Remittance) is Brazil's international e-commerce import programme launched in 2023. Certified overseas sellers (registered with Receita Federal, Brazil's tax authority) benefit from: (1) B2C imports under USD 50 — duty-free but 20% IBOF tax applies. (2) Imports USD 50–3,000 — flat 20% tax (vs the old 60% rate). Non-certified platforms: standard 60% Simplified Import Tax applies. Registration is via Receita Federal's Habilitação programme. For EU sellers targeting the Brazilian B2C market, Remessa Conforme registration is essential.
What is the CPF requirement for shipping to Brazil?
Every parcel to an individual recipient in Brazil must include the recipient's CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas — individual taxpayer ID, 11 digits) on the shipping label and commercial invoice. For company recipients, the CNPJ (14-digit company registration number) is used instead. Brazilian customs will hold any parcel without a valid CPF/CNPJ indefinitely. Always ask your Brazilian customer for their CPF at checkout — it is standard practice for international e-commerce in Brazil.
How high are import duties in Brazil?
Brazil has some of the world's highest import duties on consumer goods. B2C parcels outside the Remessa Conforme programme: 60% Simplified Import Tax on the declared value. B2B commercial imports: stacked taxes (II import duty + IPI excise + PIS + COFINS + ICMS state tax) typically result in 40–80% total tax burden depending on the product's NCM (Brazilian HS code). Under Remessa Conforme for registered sellers: 20% flat tax on B2C goods. The complexity of Brazil's tax system makes professional customs broker support essential for commercial B2B imports.
Does INMETRO certification apply to EU electronics exported to Brazil?
Yes — electronic products for commercial sale in Brazil require INMETRO (Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia) product certification. This is Brazil's mandatory product conformity certification scheme for electronics, similar to CE marking in the EU. Certification must be obtained before the first commercial shipment — it cannot be resolved at customs. The process requires testing at a Brazilian-accredited laboratory and typically takes 3–6 months. Personal use electronics (single items, gift parcels) may be cleared without INMETRO certification, but commercial quantities will be seized.
How long does shipping from Europe to Brazil take?
Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS): courier transit 3–5 days to Brazilian destination. However, Brazilian customs clearance for commercial B2B shipments typically adds 5–30 business days. For B2C Remessa Conforme parcels: customs clearance is faster (1–5 business days). Total door-to-door time: B2C Remessa Conforme 5–10 business days; B2B commercial 2–6 weeks. Economy postal services (to Correios): 15–45 business days with high risk of customs delays.
Which carrier is best for shipping from Europe to Brazil?
DHL Express is the clear leader for EU–Brazil — DHL Brazil has the widest domestic network, the most experienced customs clearance team and the most direct routing from European gateways. For Remessa Conforme B2C, DHL and FedEx both have efficient clearance processes. For B2B commercial imports, DHL's Brazil customs brokerage team is the most reliable. Avoid Correios (Brazil Post) for important shipments — clearance times are unpredictable and parcel loss rates are high.
Related Guides
Get Shipping Quotes to Brazil
Compare DHL, UPS, FedEx and more — instant quotes for your shipment to Brazil.
Compare Rates Now