Shipping from China to Brazil 2025: The Complete Survival Guide
Noel Murphy
Logistics Expert & Ecommerce Consultant
2025-10-28
Navigate Brazil's complex customs, CPF/CNPJ requirements, and frequent strikes. Learn exact delivery times, duty calculations, and how to avoid the nightmare delays that sink most importers.
Let me be brutally honest: shipping to Brazil from China is one of the most frustrating logistics challenges you'll ever face. I've seen sellers lose thousands of pounds in storage fees, watch their goods rot in Correios warehouses during strikes, and deal with surprise tax bills that wipe out their entire profit margin. Brazil's import system is deliberately complex, and 2025 has brought even more headaches with customs strikes dragging on since November 2024.
But here's the thing—once you understand the system, Brazil is a massive opportunity. With 215 million people and a growing middle class hungry for Chinese products, the market potential is enormous. After shipping to Brazil for over a decade through our Shenzhen facility, I'm going to show you exactly how to navigate this market successfully whilst avoiding the traps that catch 90% of first-time importers.
🚨 Critical Reality Check: Brazil Shipping in 2025
❌ The Challenges
- • Customs strikes since Nov 2024 (ongoing)
- • Import duties 60-85% of shipment value
- • CPF/CNPJ requirements (tax IDs mandatory)
- • Correios delays 15-30 days common
- • Complex documentation requirements
- • High risk of storage fees
✅ Why It's Worth It
- • 215M population market
- • Growing middle class (rising income)
- • High demand for Chinese products
- • Premium pricing accepted (3-4x China cost)
- • Limited local competition
- • Express carriers bypass delays
Section 1: Realistic Delivery Times (The Truth)
Forget the optimistic timelines you see on carrier websites. Here's what shipping from China to Brazil actually takes in 2025, factoring in the customs strike that's been dragging on since November 26, 2024:
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Customs Clearance | Total Time (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 3-5 days | 2-7 days | 5-12 days ⚡ |
| FedEx Priority | 4-6 days | 3-10 days | 7-16 days |
| Air Freight | 5-8 days | 7-15 days | 12-23 days |
| EMS (Correios) | 10-15 days | 10-25 days | 20-40 days ⚠️ |
| China Post | 15-25 days | 15-30 days | 30-55 days ❌ |
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | 30-40 days | 7-21 days | 37-61 days |
⚠️ The Customs Strike Reality (November 2024 - Ongoing)
Brazilian customs auditors have been operating under "work to rule" since November 26, 2024, with periodic escalations to full strikes. This means:
- • No overtime or weekend work: Backlogs accumulate daily
- • Minimum inspections only: Most shipments sit waiting for manual review
- • "Zero clearance" periods: Port of Santos shut down for 3-5 days at a time (June 2025)
- • Unpredictable delays: Same shipment can take 7 days one month, 25 days the next
Reality: Express carriers (DHL/FedEx) maintain dedicated customs broker teams who push shipments through faster, which is why they're worth the premium during strike periods.
Section 2: CPF and CNPJ Requirements (Mandatory Tax IDs)
This is where 30% of first-time shipments to Brazil fail. Brazilian customs requires a valid tax identification number on EVERY international shipment—no exceptions. Get this wrong, and your package is rejected at the border.
CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) - Individual Tax ID
📋 CPF Details:
- • Format: 11 digits (XXX.XXX.XXX-XX)
- • Who needs it: All individuals receiving personal imports
- • Where to include: Commercial invoice, shipping label, customs declaration
- • Common mistake: Using seller's CPF instead of recipient's CPF (instant rejection)
- • Validation: Brazilian customs cross-checks CPF against recipient name—must match exactly
CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) - Business Tax ID
🏢 CNPJ Details:
- • Format: 14 digits (XX.XXX.XXX/XXXX-XX)
- • Who needs it: Businesses importing for resale or commercial use
- • Additional requirement: Import license (LI - Licença de Importação) for commercial imports >$3,000
- • Importer of Record: CNPJ holder is legally responsible for all duties, taxes, and compliance
- • Benefit: Can claim IPI tax credits (manufacturing tax), individuals cannot
💡 Pro Tip: How to Get CPF/CNPJ from Your Customer
Before shipping to Brazil, always email your customer this exact request:
"To complete customs clearance, Brazilian law requires your CPF number. Please provide:
- • Your full name (exactly as on CPF)
- • Your CPF number (XXX.XXX.XXX-XX)
- • Your phone number (for customs contact)"
If they refuse or delay, do not ship. The package will be rejected, and you'll pay return shipping fees.
Section 3: Brazilian Import Duties (The 65% Reality)
Brazil has some of the highest import taxes in the world. This isn't just "a bit more expensive"—we're talking about duties that often exceed the cost of the goods themselves. Let me break down the actual calculation:
The Four-Layer Tax System
1️⃣ Import Duty (II - Imposto de Importação)
Rate: 10-35% based on HS code (average 18% for most products)
Calculated on: CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
Example: $1,000 CIF shipment of electronics = $180 import duty (18%)
2️⃣ ICMS (State VAT - Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias)
Rate: 17-19% (varies by state, São Paulo = 18%)
Calculated on: CIF + Import Duty + IPI (layered calculation)
Example: ($1,000 + $180) × 18% = $212 ICMS
3️⃣ IPI (Manufacturing Tax - Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados)
Rate: 0-15% (depends on product classification, electronics ~10%)
Calculated on: CIF + Import Duty
Example: ($1,000 + $180) × 10% = $118 IPI
4️⃣ PIS/COFINS (Federal Social Taxes)
Rate: Combined 11.75% (PIS 2.1% + COFINS 9.65%)
Calculated on: CIF + Import Duty
Example: ($1,000 + $180) × 11.75% = $139 PIS/COFINS
Real Calculation Example: $1,000 Electronics Shipment
CIF Value (Product + Shipping + Insurance): $1,000
+ Import Duty (18%): $180
+ IPI (10% on $1,180): $118
+ ICMS (18% on $1,298): $234
+ PIS/COFINS (11.75% on $1,180): $139
Total Landed Cost: $1,671 (67% markup from duties alone!)
✅ The $50 USD Exemption Loophole
Shipments with CIF value under $50 USD are exempt from Import Duty only—but still pay state ICMS (17-19%). This works for:
- • Small items (phone cases, accessories, jewellery)
- • Dropshipping low-value products
- • Samples and gifts
Example: $45 shipment pays $0 import duty + $9 ICMS = total $54 landed cost (20% duty load instead of 65%)
Section 4: Carrier Comparison for Brazil
Not all carriers are created equal when it comes to Brazil. Some handle customs proactively, whilst others dump your package at Correios and wish you luck. Here's the honest breakdown:
| Carrier | Cost (2kg to São Paulo) | Customs Handling | Strike Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | $65-85 | Dedicated broker ✅ | Low (2-4 days delay) | Urgent, high-value |
| FedEx Priority | $70-90 | In-house broker ✅ | Low (3-5 days delay) | B2B, ecommerce |
| Air Freight | $8-12/kg | Requires external broker | Medium (7-10 days) | Bulk shipments |
| EMS | $35-50 | Correios (slow) ❌ | High (15-25 days) | Budget, patient customers |
| China Post | $18-28 | Correios (very slow) ❌ | Extreme (30+ days) | Low-value only |
🚀 Why DHL/FedEx Are Worth It for Brazil
During the customs strikes, express carriers maintain "priority clearance lanes" through their dedicated customs broker teams. Here's what this means:
- • Pre-clearance submission: Paperwork sent 24-48 hours before cargo arrival
- • Direct relationships: Personal contacts with Brazilian customs officers
- • Proactive issue resolution: Fix CPF errors, missing docs before shipment is held
- • Daily follow-ups: Don't wait for strikes to end—push shipments through manually
- • Track & trace: Real-time updates on customs status (not just "in customs" black hole)
Correios: The Budget Option (With Major Caveats)
Brazil's national postal service (Correios) handles EMS and China Post shipments. In normal times, it's adequate. During strikes? A nightmare.
❌ Correios Problems in 2025:
- • No customs broker support: You're on your own if issues arise
- • Minimum staff during strikes: Backlog grows exponentially
- • Poor tracking: Updates stop at "arrived in Brazil" for weeks
- • Storage fees: After 30 days, Correios charges daily storage (R$5-10/day)
- • Risk of loss: Packages get "lost" in the system, especially during strikes
Verdict: Only use Correios (EMS/China Post) if your customer understands they might wait 40-60 days, and you're willing to accept 5-10% package loss rate.
Section 5: Customs Documentation Checklist
Brazilian customs is unforgiving about paperwork. One missing field = shipment rejected. Here's your essential documentation checklist:
✅ Required Documents
- 1. Commercial Invoice
- • Detailed product descriptions (not "toy" or "sample")
- • HS codes (6-digit minimum)
- • Unit prices and quantities
- • Recipient CPF/CNPJ
- • Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP)
- 2. Packing List
- • Individual package dimensions and weights
- • Total gross/net weight
- • Carton marks/numbers
- 3. Proof of Origin
- • Certificate of Origin (for preferential duties)
- • Made in China label declaration
- 4. Recipient Information
- • Full name (exactly as on CPF)
- • Complete address with CEP (postal code)
- • Phone number (for customs contact)
- • Email address
❌ Common Documentation Errors
- • Wrong CPF format: Must include dots and dash (XXX.XXX.XXX-XX)
- • Name mismatch: Invoice name doesn't match CPF registration
- • Under-valuation: Declaring $10 for a smartphone (customs knows market prices)
- • Vague descriptions: "Electronic parts" instead of "Smartphone LCD Screen"
- • Missing HS codes: Brazilian customs requires 6-8 digit NCM codes
- • Incorrect Incoterms: Using EXW when customs expects CIF
Ship to Brazil with Confidence
Our Shenzhen team handles Brazilian customs documentation, CPF verification, and customs broker coordination. We've successfully cleared 10,000+ shipments to Brazil.
Get Brazil Shipping QuoteSection 6: Restricted & Prohibited Items
Brazil has specific prohibitions beyond general customs restrictions. Shipping these items will result in seizure, destruction, or return at your expense:
🚫 Absolutely Prohibited
- • Pharmaceuticals without ANVISA registration: All medicines, supplements, vitamins require Brazilian FDA approval
- • Food products without MAPA permit: Meat, dairy, grains, seeds, plants
- • Weapons & ammunition: Including airsoft, paintball markers, tasers
- • Counterfeit goods: Fake branded products, pirated media
- • Used consumer electronics: Brazil restricts used phones, laptops, tablets
⚠️ Restricted (Require Permits/Certificates)
- • Wireless devices (phones, WiFi, Bluetooth): Require ANATEL certification (Brazilian FCC equivalent)
- • Cosmetics & personal care: Require ANVISA registration and Portuguese labelling
- • Textiles & apparel: Require proper labelling (fibre content, care instructions in Portuguese)
- • Automotive parts: Require INMETRO certification (quality/safety standards)
- • Lithium batteries: Follow standard IATA regulations + Brazilian import license
Section 7: Cost Breakdown & Pricing Strategy
To succeed shipping to Brazil, you need to price products accounting for the 65-85% duty load. Here's how to structure your pricing:
Pricing Formula for Brazil Market
Product Cost from China: $100
+ Shipping (DHL 2kg): $70
+ Import Duties (65%): $110
= Total Landed Cost: $280
Sell Price (3x markup): $840 BRL (R$4,200 at 5:1 rate)
- Marketplace Fees (15%): $126
- Payment Processing (5%): $42
= Net Profit: $392 (46% margin)
💡 Insight: Brazilian customers accept premium pricing (3-4x China cost) because local retail is even more expensive.
Section 8: Dealing with Strikes (Survival Guide)
The 2024-2025 customs strikes have been brutal. Here's how to minimise damage when strikes occur:
✅ Strike Survival Strategies
- 1. Monitor union announcements: Sindifisco (customs union) announces strikes 48-72 hours in advance. Delay shipments during "zero clearance" periods.
- 2. Use express carriers only: DHL/FedEx maintain dedicated broker teams who work through strikes.
- 3. Ship to private customs brokers: Some import companies have private clearance agreements bypassing Receita Federal backlogs.
- 4. Split shipments under $50: Small-value shipments clear faster (automated processing).
- 5. Communicate with customers: Set expectations: "Delivery may take 15-30 days due to ongoing customs strikes."
❌ What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don't use Correios during strikes: Your package will sit for weeks with zero visibility.
- ❌ Don't ship high-value goods: Storage fees accumulate daily (R$10-20/day after 30 days).
- ❌ Don't expect refunds: Carriers aren't liable for customs delays—it's force majeure.
- ❌ Don't under-declare value: Customs increases scrutiny during strikes, looking for under-valuation fraud.
📊 Strike Impact Statistics (June 2025)
- • Port of Santos: 30-day backlog, 15,000+ containers awaiting clearance
- • Average delay: 25 days beyond normal clearance times
- • Economic impact: $2 billion USD in held goods (Sindifisco estimates)
- • Court ruling: Judge ordered strike end on June 9, but "work to rule" continues
Section 9: Alternative Strategies
If direct shipping to Brazil feels too risky or expensive, consider these alternatives:
🏪 Option 1: Partner with Brazilian Import Company
Brazilian import companies (importadoras) specialise in bulk imports. They have:
- • CNPJ and import licenses already registered
- • Established customs broker relationships
- • Warehouses in free trade zones (lower duties)
- • Distribution networks across Brazil
How it works: You ship bulk to their CNPJ, they handle customs/duties, then distribute to your customers. Commission: 15-25%.
📦 Option 2: Bonded Warehouse in Manaus Free Trade Zone
Manaus Free Trade Zone offers duty exemptions for certain products. Benefits:
- • Import duty exemption on technology/electronics
- • IPI tax reduction (50-88% discount)
- • Faster customs clearance (priority zone)
Requirement: Products must undergo "sufficient industrialisation" in Manaus (assembly, packaging, labelling).
🌎 Option 3: Ship via Paraguay (Grey Market)
Many Brazilian sellers import through Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) to avoid Brazilian import duties:
- • Ship China → Paraguay (lower duties)
- • Ground transport to Brazil (lower scrutiny)
- • Personal import limits ($500/person) used repeatedly
⚠️ Warning: This is technically illegal if done for commercial purposes. Brazilian customs actively targets "sacoleiros" (mule shoppers).
Section 10: Best Practices Summary
📋 The 10 Rules for Shipping to Brazil Successfully
- 1. Always get CPF/CNPJ before shipping: No exceptions. If customer won't provide, don't ship.
- 2. Use express carriers during strikes: DHL/FedEx are worth 2x the cost to avoid 30-day delays.
- 3. Declare accurate values: Under-declaration causes more problems than it solves. Customs knows market prices.
- 4. Include all four tax layers in pricing: Import Duty + ICMS + IPI + PIS/COFINS = 65-85% total.
- 5. Provide detailed product descriptions: "Smartphone LCD Screen for iPhone 12" not "phone parts."
- 6. Monitor strike announcements: Check Sindifisco website weekly, delay shipments during "zero clearance" periods.
- 7. Keep shipments under $50 for small items: Duty-exempt threshold saves 60% on taxes.
- 8. Use 6-8 digit NCM codes: Brazilian customs requires detailed HS code classification.
- 9. Add 25-40 days to all time estimates: Customs strikes are ongoing, delays are the norm.
- 10. Work with logistics partners who have Brazilian broker teams: Experienced 3PLs navigate Brazilian customs daily.
Let Us Handle Brazilian Customs for You
Our Shenzhen-based team has shipped to Brazil for 10+ years. We handle CPF verification, customs documentation, duty calculation, and broker coordination—so you don't lose sleep over strikes.
Get Free Brazil Shipping ConsultationFinal Thoughts: Is Brazil Worth the Hassle?
I won't sugarcoat it—shipping to Brazil is one of the most challenging international markets. The customs strikes, high duties, and complex documentation requirements make it feel like you're fighting the system every step of the way.
But here's why sellers keep coming back: Brazil is a massive market with premium pricing power. Customers accept 3-4x markups because local retail is even more expensive. If you can navigate the logistics complexity, the profit margins are exceptional.
The key is not trying to do it alone. Work with logistics partners who have dedicated Brazilian customs broker teams, use express carriers during strike periods, and price your products to absorb the 65% duty load. Do this right, and Brazil becomes one of your most profitable markets.
📞 Need Brazil Shipping Support?
We've cleared 10,000+ shipments through Brazilian customs. Our team handles:
- • CPF/CNPJ verification and documentation
- • Customs broker coordination
- • Import duty calculation and prepayment
- • Strike monitoring and route optimization
Contact PFC Express:
- • Email: sales@parcelfromchina.com
- • Phone: +86 15338777612
- • LinkedIn: Connect with Noel Murphy
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About Noel Murphy
Logistics Expert & Ecommerce Consultant