Customs Regulations For Shipping Household Goods to Brazil

You may be able to save on taxes and duties if you provide detailed and clear information regarding your household goods and personal effects. You should be clear on whether you plan to stay permanently or temporarily. You should also be concise on where the household goods and personal effects were picked up and their ownership and length of usage. You have to show evidence that the household goods and personal effects were boarded from your residence.

Your household goods and personal effects can be imported duty and tax free if you can show proof of ownership, that they have been used for at least six months and are not for re-sale. A receipt or document showing acquisition date might be acceptable in determining the ownership and length of time the item has been in use. Avoid shipping new goods as they may be subjected to high duties and taxes. Two shipments are allowed, one by air and the other by sea. The goods should arrive in Brazil within three months before or six months after your arrival. All goods are inspected and validated against the documents. The customs clearance process cannot start until all the documents have been submitted.

New household goods and personal effects shipped as unaccompanied baggage will be subjected to payment of duties. The duties can reach as high as 50% of the valued goods, based on the invoice. If you plan to send your items by air and by sea, it is advisable to accompany the shipment where the goods are highly valued to save on duties and tax. Household goods and personal effects that do not match the inventory list may be subjected to very high duties and fines. If you ship more than one item of the same type of appliance, the duplicate appliances will be subjected to a very high duty. Other items that may be subjected to high customs duties are wedding trousseaux, inheritance items, tins of food, alcohol, tobacco, and photo, audio and video equipment. Computers require a special entry permit. 

Some items are prohibited and can only be allowed with special approval and licenses. Some of these prohibited items are arms, ammunition, dangerous objects, narcotics, drugs, and plants. Animals require additional certifications, such as the health and vaccination certificate. There are prescribed time frames and deadlines which are strictly followed. Depending on the animal, there may be other health and safety requirements.

You can also carry in items on your person but to a limited extent in terms of quantity and amount. If your additional purchased articles exceed 500 US Dollars, you may have to pay duties and taxes on the excess. Aside from currency, there are other items that you are allowed to carry onboard subject to a limited quantity.

Customs regulations in Brazil may change from time to time. Be open and transparent on the goods you plan to import. Always inquire on the current rules and double check with your local embassy or consulate.