Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 9/5/2019

U.S. exporters and Brazilian importers must register with the Foreign Trade Secretariat (SECEX), a branch of the former MDIC – now a branch of the Ministry of Economy. Depending on the product, Brazilian authorities may require more documentation. For instance, the Ministry of Health controls all products that may affect the human body, including pharmaceuticals, vitamins, cosmetics and medical equipment/devices. Such products can only be imported and sold in Brazil if the foreign company establishes a local Brazilian manufacturing unit or local office, or the foreign company appoints a Brazilian distributor who is authorized by the Brazilian authorities to import and distribute medical products. Such products must be registered with ANVISA.

The entry of several imported products to Brazil is subject to permission issued by the respective Brazilian authorities that regulate the entry and commercialization of these goods. Goods that require an import license require approval from one or more of 16 authorities, composed mainly of ministries or regulatory agencies. Usually, these licenses must be requested by a branch of the Ministry of Economy  before the shipment, but in certain cases they can be obtained after the shipment of goods, but prior to customs clearance.

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.