As an important market in international trade, Brazil's maritime customs clearance policy is extremely strict, especially for the transportation of sensitive goods. In order to ensure that your goods can arrive in Brazil and successful customs clearance, the following is a detailed Brazilian maritime customs clearance strategy.
I. Bill of Lading Requirements
Freight details:
Brazilian Customs requires that all charges (including prepaid and collect charges) and their details must be clearly listed on the bill of lading, and vague words such as “Freight as per agreement” are not allowed to appear. This is because all goods imported into Brazil must be subject to freight tax.
Original Bill of Lading:
Brazilian Customs Clearance does not accept any form of B/L that is not an original B/L such as Telegraphic Release B/L, Duy B/L, Negotiable B/L (to order), etc. Only original B/Ls can be used for customs clearance. Only the original bill of lading can be used for customs clearance, otherwise it will be recognized as tax evasion by Brazilian Customs.
Fill in the bill of lading:
Container number, seal number: make sure this information is accurate.
Weight: Only show the weight correctly in metric system.
Cargo description: must correctly reflect the goods contained in the container (including the number of pieces/packages).
Company Information: The company information on the bill of lading must be true and complete.
Consignee/notifier address: must be in Brazil.
Cargo Value Statement: Cargo value statement is not allowed at the cargo description.
CNJP/CPF/NCM:
CNJP/CPF/NCM must be shown on the bill of lading, CNJP and CPF are the identification number (tax number) of Brazilian companies and individuals, and NCM is the identification number of the goods (equivalent to our HS code).
II. Notes on the use of boxes
Exemption period application:
Brazil customs clearance time is long, in order to avoid high demurrage fees (demurrage fees), before shipment to the shipping company in advance to apply for the destination port exemption period, the general length of 21-30 days.
Be careful with NOR containers:
Although NOR box (cold substitute dry container) is relatively cheap in sea freight, but the demurrage fee of refrigerated box in Brazil is much higher than that of ordinary box, and the exemption period is shorter.
Customs clearance process
Information entry:
48 hours before the arrival of the goods, the agent needs to input the basic information of the goods into the Brazilian Customs Information System (SISCARGA). If the information does not match, you need to pay high change fee.
Cargo arrival:
TERMINAL staff notifies the agent of the arrival of the cargo and verifies the information. If the information is correct, TERMINAL will send LIBERATION NO. to CUSTOM BROKER for IMPORT DECLARATION.
Tax Type and Rate:
Check the tax type and rate according to the NCM NO. (Customs Code) of the goods.
Apply for D.I NO:
After paying all taxes, go to SISCOMEX (Brazilian Customs Clearance System) to apply for a D.I NO. (DECLERAÇÃO DE IMPORTAÇÃO) with the proof of payment.
Customs Clearance Channel:
Check the customs clearance channel according to D.I NO. and provide relevant documents for direct release or wait for verification.
Verification and spot check:
If there is a discrepancy between the goods and the documents, it may lead to the customs clearance as a gray situation, and you need to wait for 3-6 months for verification and spot check.
Customs clearance completed:
After paying the shipping company's port of destination fee and TERMINAL's STORAGE fee, make an appointment to pick up the goods by trailer.
Other Notes
CFS cargo is not accepted:
CFS (Container Freight Station) cargo is not accepted in Brazil.
Exchange rate risk:
Especially in the months before and after the presidential election, the exchange rate risk changes. It is recommended that the contract lock the range of exchange rate fluctuation to avoid credit under T/T payment method.
Positive clearance method:
Due to the very strict customs clearance policy in Brazil, it is recommended to import goods by means of positive clearance.
