Complete Guide to Importing Vehicles from China to Brazil

Overview

Brazil is the largest automotive market in South America and one of the most complex for vehicle imports. Chinese brands including BYD, GWM, and Chery have established manufacturing operations.

Import Regulations

Import Licensing

Vehicle imports require an Import License (LI) issued by DECEX.

Standards & Certification

All vehicles must obtain INMETRO certification, IBAMA approval, and DENATRAN homologation. Must comply with PROCONVE L7 (Euro 6 equivalent) emission standards.

Customs Duties & Taxes

Import Duty (II): 35% of CIF value

Industrialized Products Tax (IPI): 7-25%

ICMS (State Tax): 12-18%

PIS/COFINS: 11.75% combined

Brazil's effective tax rate can exceed 100% of CIF value.

Example Calculation

For a 1.5L vehicle with CIF value of $18,000:

• Import Duty (35%): $6,300
• IPI (13%): $3,159
• PIS/COFINS (11.75%): $3,226
• ICMS (18%): $7,363
• Total estimated duties: ~$20,048

Required Documents

1. Bill of Lading
2. Commercial Invoice (in Portuguese)
3. Packing List
4. Certificate of Origin
5. Import License (LI)
6. INMETRO Conformity Certificate
7. IBAMA Environmental License
8. Customs Declaration via SISCOMEX

Ports of Entry

• Santos (São Paulo): Largest port in Latin America
• Paranaguá (Paraná): Major alternative
• Rio de Janeiro

Standard clearance takes 15-30 business days.

Tips for Brazilian Importers

• Extremely high duties — total cost can be 2x the CIF value
• INMETRO certification is mandatory and time-consuming
• Chinese EVs have an advantage with lower IPI rates
• Budget 100-120% above CIF for total landed cost

ChinaAutoGlobal Support

Our South America team provides INMETRO certification guidance, IBAMA approval assistance, port clearance support, Portuguese-speaking customer service, and EV import specialization. Contact our South America desk.