Discusses the prevalence and reliability of express delivery firms within the country, time from large U.S. cities, and relevant customs procedures, including de minimis amounts
Last Published: 9/5/2019

U.S. express delivery service companies face significant challenges in the Brazilian market due to numerous barriers, including high import taxes, an automated express delivery clearance system that is not yet fully functional, and a lack of a de minimis exemption from tariffs for express delivery shipments. Brazil’s $50 de minimis exemption applies only to postal service shipments to individuals.

The Brazilian government charges a flat 60 percent duty for all goods imported through the Simplified Customs Clearance process used for express delivery shipments. This flat rate is higher than duties normally levied on goods arriving through regular mail, putting express delivery companies at a competitive disadvantage. The Simplified Customs Clearance process is applicable only to shipments having no commercial purpose; business-to-business and business-to-consumer shipments are not eligible for express clearance. Moreover, Brazilian Customs has established maximum value limits of $5,000 for exports and $3,000 for imports sent using express services. Express delivery companies may transport shipments of higher value, but such shipments are subject to a formal import and declaration process.

DHL, FedEx and UPS are the major U.S. companies in the market that ship documents, packages and freight shipments to Brazil. Other prominent vendors in the market include Atlas Transportes, Brasspress, Brazil Express Delivery Service, Direclog, Jadlog, Jamef, SF Express, TNT Express and Total Express. Average delivery time from large U.S. cities is two to five days, depending on the frequency of international flights.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.