Freight Forwarding United States → Brazil
Export freight from the USA to Brazil's major ports. Navigate Brazil's complex import process — SISCOMEX, RADAR registration, Drawback — with expert guidance from Suaid Global.
Origin & Destination Ports
Primary gateways our partner network uses on this corridor. We can route through alternates for capacity, weather, or cost.
Origin Ports — United States
- Port of Miami
- Port of Houston
- Port of New York/New Jersey
Destination Ports — Brazil
- Port of Santos
- Port of Paranaguá
- Port of Rio de Janeiro
Regulatory Snapshot
Snapshot of clearance and duty rules. For your specific HS code, request a personalized assessment.
Customs clearance
Exports from the USA to Brazil require: US Export Declaration (AES/EEI) via AES Direct for shipments over $2,500 or requiring an export license. Brazilian customs requires: SISCOMEX (Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior) electronic filing, RADAR registration (mandatory for all Brazilian importers — must be obtained before first import), Licença de Importação (LI) for controlled and regulated goods, Declaração de Importação (DI) for formal import clearance, and LPCO (License, Permit, Certificate, Other) for regulated goods (ANVISA for pharma/medical, IBAMA for environmental, MAPA for agricultural). All documents must be in Portuguese. Brazil requires pro-forma invoice for RADAR verification. NF-e (Nota Fiscal Eletrônica) is issued upon Brazilian customs clearance.
Tariff & duties
Brazil's import tax structure is complex and cumulative. The effective import cost includes: II (Imposto de Importação — import duty): typically 20–35% for manufactured goods, higher for some protected sectors; IPI (Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados): 0–15%+; PIS/COFINS (federal contribution taxes): 9.25%; ICMS (state value-added tax): typically 12–18%; plus AFRMM (shipping surcharge) of 25% on freight. The calculation is cascading — each tax is applied to the sum of previous amounts. Total effective import cost for many goods can range from 60% to over 100% of the FOB value. Brazil has no FTA with the USA. Mercosur–US FTA discussions ongoing but no agreement in force.
Quick facts
- Brazilian Customs Expertise
Brazil's import process is among the world's most complex. We manage SISCOMEX filing, RADAR registration, Licença de Importação (LI), and all required federal agency certifications for US exporters to Brazil.
- Brazilian Tax Cascade Explained
Brazil's effective import tariff includes II (import duty) + IPI + PIS + COFINS + ICMS, creating a cumulative tax burden often ranging from 60% to over 100% of the CIF value. We calculate your full landed cost before shipment.
- US–Brazil Trade Support
Suaid Global bridges both markets with offices serving both US exporters and Brazilian importers. Our bilingual team manages all documentation in English and Portuguese for seamless cross-border coordination.
- What we move on this lane
Aircraft Parts & Engines, Petroleum Products, Machinery & Equipment, Chemicals, Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals, Electronics & IT Hardware
Related Shipping Routes
Frequently asked questions about United States → Brazil
How much does it cost to import goods into Brazil from the USA?
Brazil's import tax burden is one of the world's highest. The cumulative effective rate combines: II (import duty, typically 20–35%), IPI (up to 15%), PIS/COFINS (9.25%), and ICMS (12–18%) in a cascading calculation where each tax is applied to the amount including previous taxes. For a typical manufactured good with II=20%, the total effective burden can reach 60–80% of CIF value. High-tariff goods (cars, electronics) can exceed 100%. Suaid Global provides pre-shipment landed cost calculations.
What is RADAR registration and why do I need it?
RADAR (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is Brazil's mandatory customs operator registration managed by Receita Federal (Brazilian Federal Revenue). Every company importing into Brazil must have RADAR registration before making their first import. Without RADAR, no import declaration can be filed. Obtaining RADAR requires submitting company documentation to Receita Federal and can take several weeks. Suaid Global's Brazilian partners assist US exporters' Brazilian buyers with RADAR registration.
What is SISCOMEX?
SISCOMEX (Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior) is Brazil's integrated foreign trade system — the electronic platform where all Brazilian import and export declarations are filed. The Declaração de Importação (DI) is submitted through SISCOMEX. Only licensed Brazilian customs brokers (despachantes aduaneiros) can file in SISCOMEX. Suaid Global partners with licensed Brazilian customs brokers to manage all SISCOMEX filings for US goods entering Brazil.
How long does shipping from the USA to Brazil take?
Ocean freight from the USA to Brazil takes 14–25 days. Miami to Santos: approximately 14–18 days on direct services. Houston to Santos: 16–22 days. New York to Santos: 18–25 days. Air freight from Miami or New York to São Paulo (Guarulhos Airport) takes 2–4 days. Brazilian customs clearance adds additional time — typically 5–15 days depending on the goods, RADAR status, and whether an LI is required.
What US goods are commonly exported to Brazil?
The USA's top exports to Brazil include: aircraft and parts (Boeing aircraft, aircraft engines — Brazil is a major aviation market), petroleum products and natural gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals and chemical products, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, electronics and IT hardware, and agricultural products (wheat, cotton). Brazil is consistently among the top 15 US export markets.
What is the Drawback regime in Brazil?
The Drawback is a Brazilian customs incentive that allows manufacturing exporters to import raw materials, components, or packaging duty-free (or with duty suspension/exemption) when those inputs will be incorporated into goods that are then exported. For US exporters selling inputs to Brazilian manufacturers that export their finished products, Drawback can significantly reduce the buyer's import cost. Suaid Global advises on Drawback eligibility and documentation requirements.
Do I need an export license to ship goods from the USA to Brazil?
Most US exports to Brazil do not require an export license and can be shipped under NLR (No License Required). However, dual-use goods controlled under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) — including certain electronics, chemicals, and technology — may require a BIS export license. Military or defense-related goods require State Department ITAR licenses. Goods with specific end-use or end-user concerns in Brazil may be subject to additional review. Suaid Global's export compliance team screens all shipments for license requirements.
Do you offer LCL (less than container load) from USA to Brazil?
Yes. We run weekly LCL consolidation from Miami and Houston to Santos with door-to-door handling. Ideal for shipments under 15 CBM with transit times of 20–30 days. Our consolidation schedules cover the major US gateways and all Brazilian entry points.
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