What Shipping to Brazil From the US Involves
Shipping to Brazil from the US moves equipment for mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and construction into one of the largest markets in the Americas. The route runs by ocean or air, and Brazilian customs sets clear rules you meet before your cargo sails. Here is how the process works and how to pick the right option.
What to Know Before Shipping to Brazil
Brazil runs a detailed import system, so preparation matters. You register as an importer, classify your goods, and budget for federal and state taxes before anything ships.
Import control runs through Siscomex, Brazil’s integrated foreign trade system. Most commercial importers need a RADAR license from Receita Federal, the federal revenue service, to clear goods.
Your cargo also needs an NCM code, the eight-digit Mercosur tariff classification that sets the duty rate. Get this right and you avoid reclassification delays at the port.
Taxes and Duties on Brazilian Imports
Brazil layers several taxes on imported equipment. Budget for the Import Tax (II), the IPI industrial products tax, state ICMS, and PIS and COFINS contributions.
Rates depend on the NCM classification and the destination state. A local customs broker, the despachante aduaneiro, calculates the full landed cost so the final bill holds no surprises.
Documents You Need to Ship to Brazil
Accurate paperwork keeps your shipment moving. For most freight to Brazil you prepare:
- Commercial invoice with the value and full description of the goods
- Packing list detailing weights, dimensions, and contents
- Bill of lading for ocean freight, or an air waybill for air cargo
- Certificate of Origin stating where the goods were manufactured
- Import Declaration filed through Siscomex by your broker
Every document must match. A mismatch between the invoice, packing list, and bill of lading is one of the most common reasons cargo sits in customs.
Freight Options for Shipping to Brazil
Two modes move freight from the US to Brazil: ocean and air.
Ocean freight carries the bulk of US-Brazil trade and suits heavy and oversized cargo. You ship a full container (FCL), share one (LCL), or move out-of-gauge machinery as breakbulk or on Ro-Ro vessels. Major gateways include the Port of Santos, Paranagua, Itajai, and Suape.
Air freight moves faster for urgent or high-value parts, at a higher cost. It fits spares, instruments, and time-critical components rather than full machines.
For excavators, cranes, drilling equipment, and harvesters, ocean freight is almost always the practical choice.
How to Choose a Freight Forwarder for Brazil
A freight forwarder arranges and manages the shipment end to end, from booking to customs to final delivery.
Pick one with real Brazil experience, a working relationship with local customs brokers, and a record on heavy and project cargo. Confirm they handle Siscomex filings, coordinate inland transport from the port, and carry proper cargo insurance.
Texas International Freight moves freight to Brazil for the mining, agriculture, energy, and construction sectors, and coordinates other South American lanes such as shipping to Argentina and Chile.
Match the Shipping Option to Your Cargo
The right mode depends on size, weight, urgency, and budget. Ocean freight wins on cost and capacity for heavy equipment. Air freight wins on speed for smaller, urgent loads.
Tell your forwarder the dimensions, weight, and deadline, and they route the most efficient option for your cargo.
Ready to ship to Brazil? Texas International Freight brings years of experience moving heavy equipment into Brazilian ports and clearing it through customs. Request a quote or contact us, or call +1 877-489-9184.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ways to ship from the US to Brazil?
Ocean freight and air freight. Ocean handles the bulk of heavy and oversized cargo through ports like Santos and Paranagua, while air freight suits urgent, high-value parts. There is no road route between the US and Brazil.
Do I need a license to import into Brazil?
Most commercial importers need a RADAR license from Receita Federal to clear goods through the Siscomex system. Your customs broker can guide the registration.
What is an NCM code?
The NCM is the eight-digit Mercosur tariff classification, based on the Harmonized System, that sets the duty rate on your goods in Brazil.
Which taxes apply to imports into Brazil?
Imports can carry the Import Tax (II), the IPI industrial products tax, state ICMS, and PIS and COFINS contributions. The total depends on the NCM code and the destination state.
What documents do I need to ship to Brazil?
A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin, and an Import Declaration filed through Siscomex. Consistent details across every document prevent customs delays.
