Export to Brazil - Fedex

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Brazil Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* Brazil Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* Brazil Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* Brazil Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* Brazil Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: Brasilia
Population: 190,010,647 (July 2007 est.)
Language: Portuguese
Weights and Measures: Metric System
Currency: The official currency is the Real (R) divided into 100 Centavos.
Time Zone GMT/UTC minus 3 hours in the east, northeast, south and southeast; GMT/UTC minus 4 hours in the west; and GMT/UTC minus 5 hours in the far west. Daylight savings time adjustment:+ 1 hour



Trade Group Member

Brazil is a member of a number of international economic organizations including the:

World Trade Organization. Established in 1995, the WTO has a membership of 140 countries. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters and importers conduct their business.

World Customs Organization. The WCO aids the national economic wealth and social protection of its members by promoting honest, transparent and predictable Customs. Established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council, the WCO is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. With 151 Member Governments, it is the only intergovernmental worldwide organization competent in Customs matters.

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The mission of OPCW is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the OPCW's vision of a world free of chemical weapons, and a world in which co-operation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered. In doing this, their ultimate aim is to contribute to international security and stability: general and complete disarmament; and global and economic development.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. CITES entered into force on 1975 and now has a membership of 152 countries. These countries act by banning commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered.

Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer is a landmark international agreement designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 and stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are to be phased out.

Mercosur. The Mercosur is an arrangement entered into by the Mercosur Member Countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) in 1991 to offer preferential tariff treatment to products originating from ASEAN states. Under the arrangement, a Mercosur-based importer will pay a lower tariff rate on a product if it originated from another Mercosur Member Country than if the same product was obtained from a non-Mercosur source.

Rio Group. The Rio group consists of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Its main objective is the Coordination of political and economic policies, the representation of Latin American countries in some multilateral organizations, and the reinforcement of highest-level political commitment to regional integration including elimination of nontariff barriers to reciprocal trade.

Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) or Asociaci€n Latinoamericana de Integraci€n (ALADI). The LAIA, established by the Montevideo Treaty of 1980 is yet another arrangement entered by its member countries
(Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela) for economic cooperation and preferential trade arrangement. Its main objective is the eventual creation of a Latin American common market through flexible tariff-cutting mechanisms; regional tariff and additional bilateral preferences; industrial cooperation; trade promotion, clearing, and credit schemes.




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many steps of the paperwork-handling process and expedite the movement of international shipments. Starting at the origin location, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes; importers' numbers, broker designations,corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which are linked computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests,querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes a selecting the shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at its destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments are transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process, and this allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.




Document Requirements
All Brazilian importers and exporters must be registered with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT). The inscription number on the Natural Person Register (CPF) or in the General Taxpayer Register of the Revenue Ministry (CGC), of the consignee must appear on the commercial invoice or other documentation for clearance.

Product registration in Brazil is a laborious task. Only companies with local operations have standing to apply for registration of medical products. Depending on the product, the registration may be valid from two to five years and can be renewed continuously for the same period.

Manufacturers must disclose to the local authorities, through their agents, the technical information of the product, e.g., components and parts of the medical devices. In the case of pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetics, one must inform the active and inactive ingredients. Instructions, directions, cautions, labels, brochures, and pertinent information about the products must be translated into Portuguese.

The product registration process often takes more than one year. Should the process take longer than three months, importers and producers are allowed to use a protocol number provided by the Brazilian authorities to distribute their products in Brazil. However, by doing so they assume the risk of product liability claims if their products are found to be unsafe by the Brazilian authorities.

Bills of Lading Ò No special regulations



Certificates of Origin Ò A Certificate of Origin is recommended to be provided for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions from some origin countries.



Commercial Invoices Ò Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies, companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction.



Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

*
Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;
*
Marked/mutilated samples - the words Ïmutilated samplesÓ or Ï marked samples, not for resaleÓ as applicable;
*
Software on CDÌs and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.



Air Waybill Ò An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consigneeÌs right to make entry.



Declaration of Antiquity Ò A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words Ï circa dateÓ followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.


Customs Valuation
On January 1, 1995, Brazil implemented the MERCOSUL Common Nomenclature, known as the NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do MERCOSUL), consistent with the Harmonized System (HS) for tariff classification.





Import Duties
Duty and Tax


Brazil and its MERCOSUL partners implemented the MERCOSUL common external tariff (CET) on January 1, 1995. The CET levels range between zero and 20 percent, with the exception of tariffs on telecommunications equipment, some capital goods, and products included on Brazil's national list of exceptions to the CET, such as shoes, automobiles and consumer electronics. For products covered by the CET, the maximum Brazilian tariff is now 22.5 percent; the most commonly applied tariff is 17 percent. Duties are levied ad valorem on the cost, insurance, and freight (C.I.F.) of the import.

Shipments by air valued between 51 USD and 3,000 USD are subject to a flat 60% duty and tax on the FOB value of the shipment regardless of the commodity. Medicaments for personal use are exempt from this duty and tax. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages cannot be shipped via air express service.

Brazil also assesses the following taxes and fees on imports over and above duty and tax:

Brokerage Fee --1% of C.I.F. value
Warehouse Tax --1% of the import duty
Fee for Handling Charges--varies according to value of product (from 20 USD to 100 USD)
Administration Commission--currently fixed at 50 USD
Additional Port Tax--two fees totaling 3 % of C.I.F. value
A Merchant Marine Renewal Tax (MMR) is assessed at 25 percent of ocean freight charges on imports by sea, payable by the importer. There is current legislation that proposes a reduction of the MMR tax to 10 percent.

Merchandise entering duty free includes newspapers, maps, books, and magazines. Passenger baggage, such as personal clothing, jewelry, consumption goods and other objects for the passenger's professional or domestic use, are exempt from duty and tax. Souvenirs with a value not exceeding 500 USD also enter duty free. Personal effects of individuals transferring residence to Brazil are duty free if accompanied by an authorization by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.

Antidumping
Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in Brazil at less than the normal price of goods in the manufacturerÌs home market (also called fair market value).


Excise Duties
Excise duties are payable on a number of commodities: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, minerals oils, and footwear, rubber, plastic, metals, raw hides & skins and some electric machinery and others.




Additional Duties
Brazil also assesses the following taxes and fees on imports over and above duty and tax:

Brokerage Fee --1% of c.i.f. value
Warehouse Tax --1% of the import duty
Fee for Handling Charges--varies according to value of product (from 20 USD to 100 USD)
Administration Commission--currently fixed at 50 USD
Additional Port Tax--two fees totaling 3 % of c.i.f. value
A Merchant Marine Renewal Tax (MMR) is assessed at 25 percent of ocean freight charges on imports by sea, payable by the importer. There is current legislation that proposes a reduction of the MMR tax to 10 percent.

Merchandise entering duty free includes newspapers, maps, books, and magazines. Passenger baggage, such as personal clothing, jewelry, consumption goods and other objects for the passenger's professional or domestic use, are exempt from duty and tax. Souvenirs with a value not exceeding 500 USD also enter duty free. Personal effects of individuals transferring residence to Brazil are duty free if accompanied by an authorization by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.


Import Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT)


In addition to the import duty, tax and fess, the following value added taxes are generally applied on imports:

Industrial Products Tax ("Imposto Sobre Produtos Industrializados", or IPI) and the Merchandise Circulation Tax ("Imposto Sobre Circula¡Ño de Mercadorias eServi¡os de Qualquer Natureza", or ICMS.)

The Industrial Products Tax (IPI) is a federal tax levied on most domestic and imported manufactured products. It is assessed at the point of sale by the manufacturer or processor in the case of domestically produced goods, and at the point of customs clearance in the case of imports. The tax rate varies by product and is based on the product's c.i.f. value plus duties; it normally ranges from 0 to 20 percent. In general, a relatively low tariff rate carries a lower IPI tax rate and a relatively high tariff rate carries a correspondingly higher IPI rate. As with value-added taxes in Europe, IPI taxes on products embodying several stages of processing can be adjusted to compensate for IPI taxes paid at each stage. The IPI is assessed on the c.i.f. value plus duty.

The Merchandise Circulation Tax (ICMS) is a state government value-added tax applicable to both imports and domestic products. The ICMS tax on imports is assessed ad valorem on the c.i.f. value, plus duties, plus IPI. Effectively, the tax is paid only on the value-added, as the cost of the tax is generally passed on to the buyer in the price charged for the merchandise. The ICMS tax due to the state government is based on taxes collected on sales, minus those paid in purchasing raw materials and intermediate goods. The ICMS tax is levied on both intrastate and interstate transactions and is assessed on every transfer or movement of merchandise. The rate varies among states, with the predominant rate currently 18 percent. The ICMS is calculated on the c.i.f. plus duty plus IPI.

Customs Fees
It is essential that shippers prepare documents completely and carefully. Failure to make a separate declaration on the invoice of the net weight and value of drums, or other containers that have been used in shipping the merchandise, may subject Brazilian importers to heavy fines.

Once a product gets held at customs in Brazil, in most cases, Brazilian Customs will assess very high penalties -- usually 100 percent of the tax normally charged for the product. Brazilian Customs also frequently seize those shipments deemed to have inappropriate documentation. Brazilian Customs has broad discretion in determining fines or penalties for irregular shipments.

When goods requiring import license are imported without a license, there is a fine of up to 100 percent of the c.i.f. value of the merchandise. When a commercial invoice is absent, the fine is equal to the customs duty. If the original commercial invoice is not available for presentation at customs, the importer can sign a guaranty of responsibility that it will be presented within 120 days. Failure to present the invoice before expiration of the guaranty of responsibility could result in a fine equal to the customs duty.

For under-invoicing, over-invoicing, or otherwise misrepresenting the value of an import, there is a fine of up to 100 percent of the excess or deficiency. If the value declared by the importer is judged to be false, there will be a fine of at least 50 percent of the difference between the duty declared by the importer and that verified. If the appraised value exceeds the invoice value by more than 10 percent, there is a fine of 100 percent of the value of misrepresentation; the fine is 50 percent if the value of misrepresentation is between 5 and 10 percent. There is no fine in cases of error in weight or quantity, but rules are strict.

Exchange Controls
None

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the WTO website at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm.




Consular Fees
Brazil does not require legalization of export shipping documents. Consular authentication of documents are not required.


All Brazilian importers must be registered with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT). In January 1997, the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX) implemented a computerized trade documentation system (SISCOMEX) to handle import licensing, and a wide variety of products were subject to non-automatic licensing. There are fees assessed per import statement submitted through SISCOMEX, and importers must comply with onerous registration guidelines, including a minimum capital requirement, to register with SECEX (the Foreign Trade Secretariat). Complete information on requirements for importing into Brazil is available only through SISCOMEX, which is only available to registered importers. Beginning in October 1998, Brazil issued a series of administrative measures that required additional sanitary/phytosanitary (SPS), quality and safety approvals from various government entities for products subject to non-automatic licenses. These products include, among others, weapons, pharmaceuticals, textiles, radioactive materials, etc. Such shipments are included in this new system but will require an import license (Licen¡a de Importa¡Ño), which needs special approval from different government agencies. Imports of software, hardware and electronic equipment do not need prior approval from the government. For shipments that require an import license, a Brazilian importer must follow the steps outlined below:

1. The importer files an application for an import permit (Guia de Importa¡Ño) for a specific transaction, accompanied by a foreign supplier's pro forma invoice for the product(s) to be imported and back-up information.

2. The importer classifies the product according to the Common Mercosul Code.

3. The importer starts completing the computerized SISCOMEX process of the Brazilian Customs, which informs if an import authorization, an import registration and whether an automatic or non-automatic import license is required.

4. Once the application is approved by SECEX, the importer notifies the supplier to ship the product(s) and to send all shipment documents and commercial invoices along with the exporter's statement, certified by any chamber of commerce or Brazilian consulate located in the U.S., that the prices quoted are those prevailing for goods for export. Only those products now requiring an Import Declaration can be shipped before issuance of the Declaration, but must be received before customs entry. For those products requiring Import Licenses, shipment cannot take place until the license has been issued. Otherwise, the importer will face penalties.

5. Importers arrange for a licensed customs broker to clear the goods and pay customs duties and other taxes (typically, the Industrial Products Tax (IPI) and Merchandise Circulation Tax (ICMS) and customs charges.

6. A copy of the import license (Guia de importa¡Ño) and the paid customs declaration are sent to the importer's exchange broker, typically a bank, for closing the foreign exchange transaction.

It is customary for an importer to retain an expediter (despachante) to assist in moving the import request through the approval process with SECEX and the customs authority.

All shipments to Brazil are subject to duty and tax regardless of commodity, shipper, consignee or value. Shipments arriving in Brazil must have the commodity value properly declared. Shipments without a value will be held by customs and will require special clearance procedures Duties and taxes must be paid even if the shipment is returned to the sender.

Commercial shipments or a shipment with a value over 3,000 USD must be cleared through the consignee's broker and duties and taxes paid.

For FedEx shippers, Commercial shipments can only enter Brazil via International Priority Freight or Broker Select Option services with an Import Permit, license, or exemption arranged by the consignee or consignee's broker prior to the arrival of the shipment. It is advisable to send the required documentation to the clearance point prior to shipment to ensure that it is correct.
All shipment weighing over 150 pounds must be customs cleared by the consignee or the consignee's designated broker and must utilize either International Priority Freight or International Express Freight service (not International Priority).

A commercial shipment is any shipment that is imported for resale, requires an Import Permit, is consigned to a company and exceeds $500 USD, or consigned to an individual and exceeds $3,000 USD.

Registration Requirements


All Brazilian importers and exporters must be registered with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT). The inscription number on the Natural Person Register (CPF) or in the General Taxpayer Register of the Revenue Ministry (CGC), of the consignee must appear on the commercial invoice or other documentation for clearance.

Product registration in Brazil is a laborious task. Only companies with local operations have standing to apply for registration of medical products. Depending on the product, the registration may be valid from two to five years and can be renewed continuously for the same period.

Manufacturers must disclose to the local authorities, through their agents, the technical information of the product, e.g., components and parts of the medical devices. In the case of pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetics, one must inform the active and inactive ingredients. Instructions, directions, cautions, labels, brochures, and pertinent information about the products must be translated into Portuguese.

The product registration process often takes more than one year. Should the process take longer than three months, importers and producers are allowed to use a protocol number provided by the Brazilian authorities to distribute their products in Brazil. However, by doing so they assume the risk of product liability claims if their products are found to be unsafe by the Brazilian authorities. For further information on frequently asked questions please see http://www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/principal/Ingles/faq.htm

Tariff Classification


On January 1, 1995, Brazil implemented the MERCOSUL Common Nomenclature, known as the NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do MERCOSUL), consistent with the Harmonized System (HS) for tariff classification.

Inspection


In order to authorize clearance, customs may require a physical inspection of the incoming merchandise. In this case the Import Declaration remains open and the shipment is not cleared until the inspection is completed and all requirements are fulfilled. Upon payment of the import tariff, state tax (ICMS), Industrial Tax (IPI) and port taxes, the customs broker closes the import declaration (DI) and the product is cleared.




Brazil Import Prohibitions

The following commodities are prohibited into Brazil:

* Pleasure boats valued above 3,500 USD.

* Beef derived from cattle administered growth stimulants.

* Fresh poultry meat and poultry products coming from U.S.

* Color prints for the theatrical and television market.

* Dangerous Goods as defined by IATA (Intl. Air Transport Association)






General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Brazil Restrictions

Cash, completed (filled out) traveler's cheques and checks.

Dangerous goods as defined by IATA.




Special Import Provisions

Merchandise entering Brazil duty free includes newspapers, maps, books, and magazines.

Personal Effects
Passenger baggage, such as personal clothing, jewelry, consumption goods and other objects for the passenger's professional or domestic use, are duty free. Souvenirs with a value not exceeding 500 USD also enter duty free. Personal effects of individuals transferring residence to Brazil are duty free if accompanied by an authorization by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin. Unaccompanied baggage may not enter duty free. In fact, the percentage of tax is over that of specific legislation for baggage.

Samples
Only documents are exempted of taxes, not considering books and magazines protected by the constitution (Art. 150). All samples must be clearly marked as such on the accompanying documentation. Samples may be subject to duty and tax.

Gifts
Brazil does not make allowances for shipments to be cleared as "Gifts". All documentation requirements that would normally apply to commercial shipments are required and any duties, import fees or taxes will be assessed if applicable.



Standards

Labeling, Marking Requirements


The Brazilian Customer Protection code, in effect since September 12, 1990, requires that product labeling provide the consumer with correct, clear, precise, and easily readable information about the product's quality, quantity, composition, price, guarantee, shelf life, origin, and risks to the consumer's health and safety. Imported products should bear a Portuguese translation of this information. Since metric units are the official measuring system, products should be labeled in metric units or show a metric equivalent.

Technical Regulations


In regulated sectors, the appropriate agencies impose their own requirements, ranging from registration of products and laboratories to mandatory certification with the 3rd party testing done in country.

Brazil has in place a number of regulations that are being reinforced. Most newly published rules mandate to safety requirements with evidence of compliance often, but not exclusively, through mandatory product certification. With renovated regulations, it is expected that enforcement will increase.

Legal framework. Federal law established in 1973 the National System of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality, SINMETRO, with involvement from public and private organizations. ABNT, the Brazilian for Technical Standards (Associa¡ao Brasilera de Normas T»cnicas), is the recognized standards organization. INMETRO, a government entity, is the national accreditation body, is responsible for all aspects of metrology and is the operating arm of CONMETRO, the national committee that oversees the work of SINMETRO.

Voluntary Standards


National voluntary standards in all sectors are developed by the Brazilian for Technical Standards (Associa¡ao Brasilera de Normas T»cnicas, ABNT). In some areas, ABNT bases its standards on those of ISO and IEC and on occasion on U.S. standards. ABNT is also a certification organization for both products and systems.

In Brazil, many standards are voluntary. The buyer and seller share responsibility in determining what product standard is applicable. Products conforming to US standards may be fully acceptable. However, products that meet European requirements may be preferred. This preference may be expressed in procurement specifications or in customary design and construction practices.

Testing and Product Certification


There is no legal mandate to date to retest non-regulated products that have been approved in their country of origin. For non-regulated products, some marks and product certification from other countries may be accepted.

For regulated products, on the other hand, the relevant government agency generally requires that the entities that engage in mandatory certification (regulated products) must be accredited by INMETRO. Testing laboratories must similarly be accredited. Testing must generally be performed in country unless the needed capability does not exist in Brazil.

Standards and Regulations in MERCOSUR


Brazil, as an active MERCOSUR member, participates in the development of both MERCOSUR standards and regulations. MERCOSUR standards are developed by a committee where the private sector standards institutes of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are represented. The MERCOSUR Standards Association has an Executive Secretariat located in Sao Paulo. Most of the voluntary standards published deal with steel products and cement and concrete. Several hundred additional standards are at different stages of preparation or in the work plan with many in the electrical safety area.

For information on Brazilian and MERCOSUR standards, contact:

ABNT - Associa¡Ño Brasileira de Normas T»cnicas
Av. Treze de Maio 13 - 27 Andar
20003 900 Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Brazil
Phone: (55-21) 210-3122
Fax: (55-21) 240-8249
Website: http://www.abnt.org.br

Asociacion Mercosur de Normalizacion
Av. Mario de Andrade 664
01154-060 Sao Paulo - SP (Brazil)
Phone: (55-11) 823-9846/42
Fax: (55-11) 823-9689
E-mail: secexecmn@target.com.br


INMETRO - Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normaliza¡Ño e Qualidade Industrial
Rua Santa Alexandrina 416, Rio Comprido
20261-232 Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Brazil
Phone: (55-21) 502-1009
Fax: (55-21) 502-6542
Website: http://www.inmetro.gov.br





General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process
All Brazilian importers and exporters must be registered with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT). The inscription number on the Natural Person Register (CPF) or in the General Taxpayer Register of the Revenue Ministry (CGC), of the consignee must appear on the commercial invoice or other documentation for clearance. Exporting from Brazil requires:

1. Export Compliance;

2. Knowledge of your commodity;

3. Proper documentation including permits, licenses and related certificate of origins;

4. Pre-shipment requirements from the destination country.

Furthermore, all export transactions of a commercial value must be registered with the computerized trade documentation system (SISCOMEX). Export documentation requirements vary depending on the value of the goods, destination of the shipment and if the goods are controlled, prohibited or regulated. Goods that must be reported require a bill of lading/air waybill, an export declaration, a commercial or a pro-forma invoice, as well as any export permits, certificate, licenses required for controlled, prohibited or regulated goods. All controlled, regulated commodities require an export permit regardless of the value. It is extremely important that all documents tendered for export clearance processing are accurate in every way. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in lengthy delays in customs processing and may result in warehousing and other customs fees.

There are no reporting requirements for all non-dutiable shipments (documents).


Document Requirements
All Brazilian importers and exporters must be registered with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MICT). The inscription number on the Natural Person Register (CPF) or in the General Taxpayer Register of the Revenue Ministry (CGC), of the consignee must appear on the commercial invoice or other documentation for clearance.

Product registration in Brazil is a laborious task. Only companies with local operations have standing to apply for registration of medical products. Depending on the product, the registration may be valid from two to five years and can be renewed continuously for the same period.

Manufacturers must disclose to the local authorities, through their agents, the technical information of the product, e.g., components and parts of the medical devices. In the case of pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetics, one must inform the active and inactive ingredients. Instructions, directions, cautions, labels, brochures, and pertinent information about the products must be translated into Portuguese.

The product registration process often takes more than one year. Should the process take longer than three months, importers and producers are allowed to use a protocol number provided by the Brazilian authorities to distribute their products in Brazil. However, by doing so they assume the risk of product liability claims if their products are found to be unsafe by the Brazilian authorities.

Bills of Lading Ò No special regulations



Certificates of Origin Ò A Certificate of Origin is recommended to be provided for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions from some origin countries.



Commercial Invoices Ò Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments relating to commercial transactions between companies and companies, companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction.



Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

*
Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender;
*
Marked/mutilated samples - the words Ïmutilated samplesÓ or Ï marked samples, not for resaleÓ as applicable;
*
Software on CDÌs and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.



Air Waybill Ò An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) is required as evidence of the consigneeÌs right to make entry.



Declaration of Antiquity Ò A declaration must be shown on the invoice for goods over 100 years old. The statement must include the words Ï circa dateÓ followed by the year of manufacture whether known or estimated.








Brazil Export Prohibitions

Export controls are imposed on Brazilian exporters by the government can take the form of prohibitions such as blockades, embargoes, boycotts, and sanctions or they can take the form of export licensing and permit requirements for controlled commodities. Export controls may be product specific, technology specific or country specific.

The Customs Department holds the list of commodities and areas that are under control and/or require an export license. Contact the Industry, Trade and Tourism Department or utilize their web site http://www.desenvolvimento.gov.br/sitio/inicial/index.php to determine if the goods being exported or the shipping destination is under control.

Examples of goods subject to export licensing controls:

1. Agricultural products; i.e. grains, cheeses

2. Dual-use goods; i.e. software, computers, machines and machine parts

3. Biological reagents

4. Artwork

5. Antiques

6. CITES endangered species flora and fauna




General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Brazil Restrictions

Cash, completed (filled out) traveler's cheques and checks.

Dangerous goods as defined by IATA.


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Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX-MICT)Secretaria de Comercio Exterior
Esplanada dos Ministerios
Bloco J, 8 floor, Sala 812
70056-900 Brasilia, DF

* Issues import and export licenses and permits for restricted commodities
* Regulates export laws
* Promotes export trade
* Monitors trade compliance
* Enforces trade restrictions

Ministry of Agriculture
Minist»rio da Agricultura, Pecu?ria e Abastecimento
Esplanada dos Minist»rios Bloco D
CEP: 70043-000 - BrasÃlia - DF Enhance the quality of life by supporting production of agriculture:

* ensuring a safe, affordable, nutritious, and accessible food supply
* caring for agricultural, forest, and range lands
* supporting sound development of rural communities
* providing economic opportunities for farm and rural residents
* expanding global markets for agricultural and forest products and services
* and working to reduce hunger.

Minist»rio das Comunica¡?es (MC)
[Ministry of Communications]
Esplanada dos Ministerios - Bloco R, 8th floor
70044-900 Brasilia, DF

* The Ministry of Communications is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
CITES is an international agreement among governments. Its goal is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not pose a threat to their survival.
Minist»rio da Defesa (MD)
[Ministry of Defence]

* Regulates arms and ammunitions
* Controls trade of munitions
* Controls trade of dual-use goods

Minist»rio da Sa?de (MS)
[Ministry of Health]
Esplanada dos Ministerios - Bloco G
Sobreloja DF 70058-900

* Develops health policy
* Enforces health regulation
* Consumer protection and food policy

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Esplanada dos Ministerios
Palacio do Itamaraty
70170-900 Brasilia, DF

* Responsible for International Trade Agreement compliance-Internal economic information on Brazil
* Regulates trade laws and compliance
* Issues Brazilian laws and regulations

Minist»rio do Meio Ambiente (MMA)
[Ministry for Environment]
Esplanada dos Ministerios - Bloco B
Sobreloja DF 70058-900

* Main issuing agency for environmental laws and protection

Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normaliza¡Ño e Qualidade Industrial (INMETRO)
Santa Alexandrina St, 416
Rio Comprido - Rio de Janeiro-RJ -
Zip Code: 20261-232

* In charge of coordinating the establishment of standards