It is essential to have all customs documents filled out correctly and completely. One must also have a capable and proven customs broker for the Brazilian market. Products can and often do get delayed for various reasons, including minor errors or omissions in paperwork. Products held can be assessed high fees and Brazilian Customs frequently seizes shipments that appear to have inaccurate documentation. Customs has the right to apply fines and penalties at its discretion. For specific information on customs regulations in Brazil, please contact the appropriate sector specialist
The GOB established a computerized information system to monitor imports and to facilitate customs clearance known as the Foreign Trade Integrated System (SISCOMEX), which has reduced the amount of paperwork previously required for importing into Brazil. Brazilian importers must be registered in the SECEX Export and Import Registry and receive a password given by Customs to operate the SISCOMEX. The SISCOMEX online registry creates electronic import documents and transmits information to a central computer.
SISCOMEX has been improved by the Foreign Trade Single Window (SW) Program, which is a tool for centralizing and allowing for electronic submission of import and export documentation. The Single Window program reduces the customs clearance of maritime shipments to less than ten days, benefiting more than 40,000 importers.
In September 2023 the two governments signed an Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement, enabling products from trusted traders to clear customs in the two countries in an expedited manner.
Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to notify the WTO of proposed technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures that could affect trade. NOTIFYUS is a free, web-based e-mail registration service that captures and makes available for review and comment key information on draft regulations and conformity assessment procedures. Users receive customized e-mail alerts when new notifications are added by selected countries and industry sector(s) of interest and can also request full texts of regulations. This service and its associated website are managed and operated by the USA WTO TBT Inquiry Point housed within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Brazil has a strong regulatory regime, strict rules regarding standards, and an active cohort of standards organizations. INMETRO is the operating arm of Brazil’s standards regime, led by the National Council of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (CONMETRO). The council is formed by a group of eight ministries and five governmental agencies. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also has Brazil-related standards information via its Standards Portal.