🇧🇷 Shipping to Brazil from the USA

Navigate Brazil's 60% import tax and notoriously slow customs process

De Minimis

$50 USD

Remessa Conforme only

Import Tax

60%

Plus other fees!

Delivery Time

15-60 days

Yes, really

Best Carrier

FedEx/DHL

Avoid Correios!

🚨 Extreme Taxes & Delays: Brazil has 60% import tax on most items, plus ICMS (state tax) of 17-19%, plus handling fees. Correios (postal service) can hold packages for 30-60 days in customs. Total costs often exceed 100% of item value. This is one of the world's most challenging shipping destinations!

Shipping Rates to Brazil

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time*
USPS First-Class $19.50 N/A N/A N/A 30-60 days
USPS Priority Mail $41.50 $72.50 $108.50 $178.50 20-45 days
USPS Priority Express $64.95 $128.95 $198.95 $338.95 10-20 days
UPS Expedited $85.00 $135.00 $215.00 $365.00 7-14 days
FedEx International Priority $88.00 $142.00 $232.00 $392.00 5-10 days
DHL Express $82.00 $128.00 $208.00 $358.00 5-10 days

* Correios (USPS) packages often stuck in customs for 30-60 days!

Brazil Customs & Import Information

  • Import tax: 60% flat rate on most items
  • ICMS: 17-19% state tax (on top of import tax)
  • Handling fee: R$15-250 depending on carrier
  • De minimis: $50 (Remessa Conforme program only)
  • CPF required: Brazilian tax ID number
  • Customs clearance: 2-60 days (not a typo)
  • Receita Federal: Very strict inspection
  • Payment: Online before release

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited:

  • Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
  • Weapons and replicas
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Used clothing (commercial)
  • Certain medications
  • Some electronics (ANATEL approval)

Restricted:

  • Food products (ANVISA approval)
  • Cosmetics (registration required)
  • Supplements (heavily regulated)
  • Electronics (certification needed)
  • Books/media (censorship review)

How Brazilian Import Charges Work (Prepare for Shock)

Example Calculations:

Item Value Shipping Import Tax (60%) ICMS (18%) Handling Total Charges
$100 $30 $78 $37.44 $15 $130.44
$200 $40 $144 $69.12 $15 $228.12
$500 $60 $336 $161.28 $15 $512.28

Note: A $100 item costs the recipient $230+ total. A $500 item costs $1,012+. ICMS calculated on (value + shipping + import tax).

Survival Guide for Brazil Shipping

  1. NEVER use Correios/USPS: Packages sit in customs for 30-60 days
  2. Warn about taxes: Recipients pay 90-100% in taxes/fees
  3. Include CPF number: Brazilian tax ID required for clearance
  4. Use Remessa Conforme: For items under $50 to reduce taxes
  5. Express only: FedEx/DHL clear customs in days, not months
  6. Track religiously: Packages often get "lost" in Correios
  7. Declare accurately: Under-declaring leads to seizure
  8. Avoid electronics: Need ANATEL certification
  9. Christmas = chaos: November-January adds 30+ days
  10. Consider alternatives: Ship to Miami forwarding services

Brazilian Regional Considerations

City/Region Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
São Paulo 15-40 days Main customs hub, very busy FedEx/DHL only
Rio de Janeiro 15-40 days Second hub, high theft risk DHL/FedEx
Curitiba 20-45 days Main Correios hub (avoid!) FedEx/DHL
Brasília 20-45 days Capital, decent service FedEx/UPS
Salvador/Northeast 25-50 days Slower processing DHL
Amazon Region 30-60 days Very remote, limited service Correios only
Rural Areas 30-90 days Correios monopoly No choice

Frequently Asked Questions - Brazil Shipping

Why is Brazil shipping so difficult?

Brazil has protectionist policies with 60% import tax plus state taxes, totaling 90-100% extra costs. Correios is notoriously inefficient, holding packages for months. Corruption and theft are also concerns.

What is Remessa Conforme?

A program allowing packages under $50 from participating retailers to pay reduced 17% tax instead of 60%. Must be enrolled merchants - not available for all shipments.

Why does Correios take so long?

Correios processes international mail through Curitiba hub which is severely backlogged. Packages sit for weeks awaiting inspection. Express carriers have separate, faster channels.

Can I avoid the 60% tax?

Only through Remessa Conforme ($50 limit) or by marking as gift under $50 (risky if inspected). Everything else pays 60% plus ICMS. No exceptions.

Should I ship to Brazil at all?

Only if necessary. Many Brazilians use mail forwarding services in Miami or ask travelers to bring items. The tax and delay situation is among the world's worst.

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