Moving to Brazil, Shipping Household Goods to Brazil

This information is prepared by IntlMOVE for IntlMOVE’s customers moving to Brazil and Shipping Household Goods or Personal Effects from USA to Brazil.

If you are moving to Brazil and plan to ship your household goods and personal effects, there are customs regulations in Brazil you need to consider.
Below are Brazil’s rules and regulations regarding the importation of used household goods and personal belongings.

*NOTE:  ALL REGULATIONS MAY VARY ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMER’S NATIONALITY/ OR IMMIGRATION STATUS

IMPORTANT NOTICE CONCERNING WOODEN CONTAINERS:

In an attempt to protect Brazilian crops/fauna/flora from what is known in the USA as the Chinese Bug (Anoplophora Glabripennis) the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has imposed severe restrictions that are effective immediately on the entry of pallets/wooden airvans/liftvans/crates etc.

• Wooden units must have a fumigation certificate issued by the applicable official government agency in the origin country
• Wood must be certified it has been treated with heat, fumigation or other type of previously agreed upon chemical product
• Fumigation should be completed not more than 15 days prior to shipment
• If wooden crates/units/pieces arrive in Brazil without the certificate the goods will either be incinerated at the importers expense or be treated if possible in Brazil
• Recommendation is to completely refrain from using wood for packing purposes in all shipments to Brazil, advise to:
  • Loosepack all items in metal containers for surface shipments
  • Use tri-wall air containers for air shipments
  • Use mirror cartons rather than crates for paintings, glass or mirrors
• In the event it becomes necessary to ship liftvans or crate fragile items the certificate must accompany the cargo

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MOVING TO BRAZIL AND SHIPPING HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS TO BRAZIL

• Passport (original), Visa stamped
• Residence Visa
• Brazil I.D. card
• Household goods and personal effects Inventory in Portuguese (two originals)
  • Household goods and personal effects Inventory must be itemized in detail; brand names, make, model and serial numbers of all electrical items must be noted
  • Also need to show the estimated value of the item in U.S. dollars
  • Must be legalized by the Brazilian Consulate for temporary visa holders
  • Pets must be listed on the household goods and personal effects inventory
  • Two separate household goods and personal effects inventories first showing used household goods and personal effects items and the second “new” items (items less that six (6) months old)
• Certificate of Residence issued by the Brazilian Consulate at origin for returning citizens
• Proof of revenue abroad
• Proof of residence abroad for over one year
• Airline ticket
• Work Contract and Customs Bond are required for Customers holding a temporary visa
• Household goods must be re-exported upon expiration of the contract for holders of a temporary visa
• “Termo de Responsibilidade” (guarantee)
• Power of Attorney forms provided by the Destination Agent
• Letter authorizing Destination Agent to clear household goods and personal effects shipment

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS FOR MOVING TO BRAZIL AND SHIPPING HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO BRAZIL

• Household goods and personal effects may be imported duty and tax free provided they have been OWNED and USED for at least six (6) months and are not for re-sale
• ONLY two household goods and personal effects shipments permitted, one air and one sea
• Household goods and personal effects shipments should arrive in Brazil no earlier than three months before or no later than six months after customer’s arrival
• Household goods and personal effects shipments 100% inspected
• Clearance cannot begin until all documents are received
• Household goods and personal effects shipment must embark from the country of customer’s residence
• Immigrants must register with the Brazilian Federal Police within 30 days of arrival

**It is strongly advised not to import any household goods items that are new as they will be subject to high duties and fines

DUTIABLE AND RESTRICTED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS  ITEMS

• New houshold goods and personal effects articles sent as unaccompanied baggage will be subject to payment of duties.   The duties will be 50% of the value of the goods.  Customer will have to present the invoice.
• Household goods and personal effects Items not corresponding to inventory are subject to very high duties/fines
• Duplicate household goods items (such as electrical appliances) assessed very high duty
• Wedding trousseaux, inheritance items, new furniture, tins of food and alcohol are all subject to high customs duties
• Presents, souvenirs, computers and carpets are all duty-free if part of the household goods shipment
• Computers need special entry permit from SEI (list model, serial number and accessories)
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Appliances and bicycles
• Photo, audio and video equipment

PROHIBITED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS ITEMS

• Arms, ammunition and dangerous objects (firearms and weapons require special license)
• Narcotics, medicines and drugs
• Plants

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Not allowed except for members of foreign diplomatic corps

PETS

• Cats and dogs require a Health and Vaccination Certificate from the point of origin and are subject to veterinarian examination at the port of entry
• Other animals are subject to consultation with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture prior to departure from the country of origin and are also subject to inspection

NOTE – Customs regulations in Brazil are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Brazil and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, IntlMove cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.