Brazil Import Regulations

General Information & Importers

• • Drive Orientation: Left-hand drive vehicles are permitted.
• • Who Can Import: Importers must navigate a complex multi-step process including administrative, fiscal, operational, and payment stages.
• • Temporary Import: Tourists from non-Mercosul countries are allowed a 90-day stay (renewable once) via a Simplified Import Declaration.
• • Special Vehicles: Bulletproof, medical, or agricultural vehicles (tractors) require additional specific authorizations from respective agencies.

Shipping & Logistics

• • Age Restriction: No specific age limit for imported vehicles.
• • Destination Port: Hamilton.
• • Shipment Time: 37–46 days via container.
• • Vessel Schedule: Weekly container schedule.

Duties, Taxes & Estimated Costs

• • Import Duty: 35% of the vehicle's value.
• • IPI (Industrialized Products Tax): 25%.
• • ICMS (State Tax): 18%.
• • PIS/COFINS/Other Taxes: 12%.
• • Additional Costs: Agent fees (~$1,000), harbor taxes (~$3,000), and freight (~$6,000).
• • Estimated Total: The approximate total cost often reaches ~115% of the original car price.

Key Regulatory Authorities

• • DECEX: Foreign Trade Operations Department.
• • SISCOMEX: Integrated Foreign Trade System.
• • IBAMA: Brazilian Environmental Agency.
• • DENATRAN: National Traffic Department.
• • RFB: Federal Revenue Service.

Required Documentation & Notes

• • Valid Driving License and Passport.
• • Vehicle ownership documents (logbook or registration).
• • Proof of insurance valid within Brazil.
• • For hire cars: A contract specifically allowing import to Brazil.
• • Must obtain an Import License and LCVM (Certificate of National Transport Law Compliance) before the vehicle is shipped.