DHL BRAZIL FACT SHEETOVERVIEWAs the world’s fifth largest country and sixth largest economy
with GDP per head that’s greater than its BRIC counterparts,
India and China, Brazil is simply too big a market to ignore.

Country Facts

Its membership as a BRIC nation along with Brazil, Russia,
India and China, and its inclusion in UKTI’s list of highgrowth markets highlights its growing economic status andpotential for further growth, which should be of interest toevery British exporter andM E Ximporter.
ICO
With a growing middle class increasingly demanding
high quality products, and a government that is working
BELIZEto increase privatisation and deregulation, opportunities
NDURASG U AT E M A L A
abound for British businesses in Brazil.
And asH Othecountry
E L S A LV A D O R
takes centre stage for the 2014 World Cup
and 2016
SummerNICARAGUA
Olympics, the construction sector in particular is booming.

Currency

Brazilian realGDP$2.394 trillion (2012 est.)

Area

8,514,877 sq km

Population

201 million

Capital CityBrasilia

Ethnic Groups

White 53.7%, Mulatto (mixed white andblack) 38.5%, Black 6.2%, Other (includes
Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%,
Unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)

Languages

Portuguese (official and most widelyspoken language)
Source: CIA World Factbook

C O S TA R I C A

VENEZUELAUKTI work closely with the British Embassy in Brazil andits consulates to support British businesses in Brazil and thegovernment aims to double trade with the country by 2015.

PA N A M A

G U YA N A
FRENCHGUIANA

COLOMBIA

Sources: GOV.UK, UKTI, CIA World Factbook

KEY
Capital City
Major City
DHL Gateway

ECUADORDHL FACTS
Gateways into the country:

3

Number of Service Centres:

23

Locations:111

DHL Delivery Zone:

10Fleet:SURINAME

RecifeBRAZILPERU

440 vehicles
Brasilia

BOLIVIA
Vitoria

Viracopos

CHILE

PA R A G U AY

Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo

Porto Alegre

ARGENTINAU R U G U AYDHL Brazil Fact Sheet

TRADE INFORMATIONESSENTIAL CUSTOMS INFORMATION

Exports from Brazil

Imports into Brazil

US$242.6 billion(2012 est.)

US$223.2 billion(2012 est.)Export commodities:
Transport equipment,
iron ore, soybeans,footwear, coffee, autos

Import commodities:
Machinery, electrical andtransport equipment,chemical products,oil, automotive parts,electronics

Top Export Destinations:
US, China, Germany,
Argentina, Italy, Mexico

Top Import Origins:
US, China, Germany,Italy, Mexico, Hong KongSource: DHL, CIA World Factbook

Customs requirements for Brazil can seem complex, but it’s
just a matter of knowing what’s expected of you and avoiding
the common pitfalls.
DHL can assist you with getting everything right. You canspeak to your Account Manager or contact Customer Services
on 0844 248 0844 for advice.
DHL electronically transfers essential customs documentation
during transit, obtaining customs approval for many
shipments prior to their arrival in Brazil. It means that
potential problems can often be highlighted and correctedduring transit, speeding up the whole process.
The Commercial Invoice must be declared in US Dollars, andboth the air waybill and invoice must be typed in English.

UK to Brazil Transit Times
The times provided for dutiable shipments are based on thetime expected for customs in Brazil to clear the shipment –this is dependent on the value of the shipment.

Shipment Types
There are two types of shipments recognised by Brazilian
authorities: Informal and Formal. All commercial shipments(for sale) regardless of value must be imported as Formalshipments.

Sao Paulo

Non-Dutiable: 2 days

Dutiable: 2 days

Rio de Janeiro

Non-Dutiable: 2 days

Dutiable: 2 days

Brasilia

Non-Dutiable: 2 days

Dutiable: 2 days

Vitoria

Non-Dutiable: 2 days

Dutiable: 2 days

Informal Entry Clearance

Porto Alegre

Non-Dutiable: 2 days

Dutiable: 2 days

What Can Be Imported Via Informal Entry 1,2Recife

Non-Dutiable: 5 days

Dutiable: 6 days

Import clearance for shipments with a CIP/CIF value up to
US $2,999 – not for resale• Books, periodicals, etc.
• Samples• Finished goods not for resale

PROHIBITED ITEMSThe list below is in addition
to DHL’s standard list ofprohibited items.
• Animals, fish, birds, (live)• Antiques• Asbestos• Dangerous goods,hazardous orcombustible materials• Firearms, and parts of• Gambling devices• Ivory• Pornography• Precious metals andstones• Milk and milk products
made in China

Documentation Required• Waybill (must have the importer’s CNPJ/TAX ID)• Commercial invoice
Customs Process• It is not necessary to hire a customs broker• Shipments are cleared on the same day of its arrival
Taxes and Fees
• Import duty: 60% of the shipment’s value• ICMS tax: (a state value-added tax on services andcirculation of goods) average of 18%
1
2

Will be dutiable.
In case of a legal entity, foreign exchange closing is allowed to pay the exporter.

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DHL Brazil Fact Sheet

Formal Entry Clearance

Brazilian law requires a Customs broker to assist with formal
customs clearance. DHL can provide this service for you.
All shipments sent to Brazil for clearance under Formal Entry
must have the original documentation (Invoice and PackingList) securely attached. Four original sets of blue-ink-signed
Commercial Invoices and 2 copies of the Packing List are
required by the Brazilian Customs Authority. A Pro-forma
Invoice will not be accepted.
What Can Be Imported Via Formal Entry?

• Materials for resale or with foreign exchange cover,regardless of declared value• Items with declared CIP/CIF value over US $2,999.01• Donations (only for organizations registered with thegovernment)• Materials that require an import license, such as alcoholic
beverages and tobacco• Unaccompanied luggage
The complete list is on Siscomex in the Mercosur Common
Nomenclature (NCM).
Documentation Required3• Waybill must have the consignee’s CNPJ/CPF TAX ID• Valid CNPJ/CPF TAX ID: must be registered by FederalCustoms Service• Commercial invoice and packing list: original copy signed inblue ink• Prior import license: should be approved before sending theshipment (for specific products). This license is only necessary
if required by the NCM• The Brazilian International Trade Secretariat (SECEX) will
confirm which products require a prior import license (Guiade Importa). DHL can also assist with this, please contact
your Account Manager.
• Valid CPF/CNPJ TAX ID: the document must be duly
registered by Federal Customs Service• The commercial invoice should also include the terms of sale(Incoterms®) and country of origin• Brazillian customs also require the receiver of the goods inBrazil to be registered with Customs (RADAR)

Terms Explained
Brazil operates a version of the Harmonized System (HS)commodity codes, the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM).
The appropriate NCM term can be determined at
http://www.brasilglobalnet.gov.br/ClassificacaoNCM/Pesquisa/frmPesqNCMFull.aspx?tipoPesquisa=1.
Accurate and precise descriptions must be provided
CPF: Cadastro de Pessoa Fisica (CPF) – (Private individuals)
CNPJ: Cadastro Nacional Pessoa Juridica (CNPJ) – (Businesses)
CIP/CIF: cost of goods + international freight + international
insurance.
NCM: Mercosur Common Nomenclature
For more information
If you need support with your export documentation or advice
on trade to/from Brazil, help is available.
Contact your local Chambers of Commerce officewww.britishchambers.org.uk
Your local UKTI is available to support with all aspects ofinternational trade www.ukti.gov.uk
DHL Customer Services is also available on 0844 248 0844
Visit www.dhlguide.co.uk for international trade informationand to read our blog
Follow us on Twitter @dhlexpressuk to keep up to date withall the latest developments in international trade

Duties and Taxes• Import duty: based on the goods’ tax classification (NCM)• ICMS: average of 18%• IPI (manufactured products): based on the goods’ taxclassification (NCM)• COFINS: 7.65% of the declared value• PIS: 1.65% of the declared value
3Fines may be applied by the Federal Customs Service for noncompliant

Valid from: 06/2014

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