Transit Time Guide
Shipping from Portugal to Brazil
3–5 days flight time, but Brazilian customs is one of the most complex in the world — allow extra time.
3–5 days flight time, but Brazilian customs is one of the most complex in the world — allow extra time.
Shipping from Portugal to Brazil is a popular route given the strong cultural and business ties between the two countries. Flight time is 9–11 hours, meaning express parcels arrive in 3–5 business days. However, Brazil has one of the most complex customs regimes in the world — operated by Receita Federal (Brazilian IRS). Almost all international parcels over R$50 (~€8) are subject to Brazilian import tax (60% on declared value for personal imports, plus ICMS state tax). The recipient must provide their CPF (individual) or CNPJ (business) tax number for customs clearance. Delays at Brazilian customs of 1–4 weeks are common for parcels that require additional documentation.
| Carrier | Economy | Express | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | — | 3–5 days | Express Worldwide. Best customs support for Brazil. |
| FedEx | 7–10 days | 3–5 days | International Priority or International Economy. |
| UPS | 7–12 days | 3–6 days | Worldwide Express or Worldwide Expedited. |
| DPD | — | — | DPD does not offer direct Brazil service. |
| GLS | — | — | GLS does not offer direct Brazil service. |
Times are business days. Customs clearance time (if applicable) is additional and variable.
Brazil has a complex import system (SISCOMEX). Key rules: (1) All parcels require the recipient's CPF (individuals) or CNPJ (businesses) — without this, parcels are returned. (2) Personal imports are taxed at 60% of declared value (imposto de importação simplificado) — this is collected from the recipient on delivery. (3) Commercial imports require import licences (LI) for many product categories. (4) Gifts are theoretically duty-free up to $50 USD but are frequently assessed anyway. (5) ICMS state tax (18–25%) applies on top of federal import tax. Brazil regularly holds parcels for 1–4 weeks during peak periods — factor this into delivery promises.
Always collect the recipient's CPF (individual) or CNPJ (business) number before booking — parcels without it are returned to sender at your cost.
Be very accurate on declared values — Receita Federal cross-checks values and applies import tax accordingly. Undervaluing is customs fraud in Brazil.
DHL Express has the best Brazil customs support among couriers — their local team actively helps resolve clearance issues.
Warn your Brazilian recipient about the 60% import tax so they are prepared to pay on delivery — uninformed recipients refuse delivery when taxes are higher than expected.
For regular shipments to Brazil, consider a local Brazilian partner or fulfilment centre to avoid repeated customs complexity.
Express services (DHL Express, FedEx International Priority): 3–5 business days flight time, plus Brazilian customs clearance which typically adds 3–10 business days. Economy services (FedEx International Economy, UPS Expedited): 7–12 business days plus customs. Total door-to-door time is often 10–20 business days.
Personal imports to Brazil are taxed at 60% of the declared value (imposto de importação simplificado), plus ICMS state tax (18–25%). So a €100 parcel could attract R$60 + ICMS in taxes for the recipient. There is technically a duty-free allowance of $50 USD for gifts, but it is inconsistently applied.
CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is the Brazilian individual taxpayer identification number — equivalent to a NIF in Portugal. All international parcels to Brazil must include the recipient's CPF (for individuals) or CNPJ (for companies). Without this, Brazilian customs will hold the parcel and it will typically be returned to sender.
Some commercially packaged shelf-stable foods can be shipped to Brazil, but Brazilian ANVISA (food and drug authority) regulates food imports strictly. Fresh produce and meat are prohibited. Processed foods may require ANVISA registration. Olive oil, wine and tinned products face fewer restrictions but still require correct customs declaration.
While the flight takes 9–11 hours, Brazilian customs clearance is the bottleneck. Receita Federal processes millions of international parcels through SISCOMEX and all shipments above R$50 value require customs assessment. During peak periods (Christmas, Black Friday), clearance can take 3–6 weeks. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx) have faster clearance through their own customs teams but cannot avoid the Receita Federal system.
DHL Express offers Saturday delivery in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília for express shipments. Saturday delivery is not available in all Brazilian states and must be requested at booking. FedEx has limited Saturday options in major Brazilian metros. Check availability at Cargosender checkout.
DHL, FedEx and UPS in Brazil make two delivery attempts and contact the recipient by phone — a working Brazilian mobile number is essential. After failed attempts, the parcel is held at the carrier's local depot. Brazilian couriers frequently call recipients to coordinate delivery, especially for parcels with customs duties owing.
DHL Express guarantees the air transport portion (3–5 days) but Brazilian customs clearance is outside carrier control. No carrier can guarantee total door-to-door delivery time to Brazil — Receita Federal processing is unpredictable. For time-sensitive exports to Brazil, always communicate expected customs delays to your recipient.
Yes — DHL, FedEx and UPS provide tracking to Brazil including the customs clearance phase. Once a parcel clears Receita Federal, domestic tracking via Correios (Brazilian post, used for some last-mile) or the express carrier's own network shows delivery progress. Express carriers provide better visibility than postal services.
DHL Express: 70 kg maximum per parcel, girth 300 cm, single dimension 120 cm. Brazil also has specific size limits for simplified customs clearance — very large parcels may require formal import processing (Bill of Entry), adding time and cost. Confirm Brazil-specific limits with Cargosender before booking oversized items.
No — carrier transit times are air transport only. Brazilian Receita Federal customs clearance adds 3–15 business days for most shipments. During peak periods (Christmas, Black Friday, Carnival), clearance can take 4–6 weeks. Total door-to-door time from Portugal to Brazil is typically 10–25 business days.
Yes — all international air express carriers charge fuel surcharges (typically 15–25% of the base rate), adjusted monthly. These surcharges are included in Cargosender's quoted total price — no hidden extras.
Brazil has strict import controls on hazardous materials. DG shipments require IATA-compliant packaging and labelling, advance carrier approval, and may require specific Brazilian IBAMA, ANVISA or ANTT permits. Certain chemicals, batteries and pressurised goods face additional import restrictions. Contact Cargosender before attempting to ship DG to Brazil.
Book online at Cargosender.com — compare DHL Express, FedEx and UPS rates for your parcel weight, select your service and confirm your collection date. Before booking, ensure you have the recipient's CPF or CNPJ number to include on the commercial invoice — without it, Brazilian customs will return the parcel.
If your parcel is held by Receita Federal, contact the carrier's Brazil customs team. DHL Express has a dedicated Brazil customs brokerage team that can actively assist with document requests. Ensure the CPF/CNPJ is on the invoice and all values are accurately declared. If clearance ultimately fails, the carrier will return the parcel to Portugal at your cost. File loss claims within 21 days of shipment.
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