Country market guide: Brazil and Mercosur

Brazil is Latin America's largest economy and the anchor of the Mercosur trade bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, with Bolivia acceding). Together the bloc represents over 270 million consumers.

Key Facts

• Currency — Brazilian Real (BRL).
• Customs authority — Receita Federal (Federal Revenue Service).
• Mercosur Common External Tariff (CET) — Member states apply a common tariff on most goods imported from outside the bloc, though exceptions exist.

Importing into Brazil

Importers must register in the SISCOMEX system (Integrated Foreign Trade System). Brazil has complex import taxation: Import Duty (II), IPI (excise), PIS/COFINS (social contributions), ICMS (state VAT), and additional surcharges on some products. Effective rates can exceed 60% on consumer goods.

Exporting to Brazil

• Product labeling must be in Portuguese.
• INMETRO certification is required for many product categories (similar to CE marking).
• ANVISA approval is needed for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Opportunities

Brazil is a major importer of machinery, chemicals, electronics, and auto parts. The EU-Mercosur agreement (once ratified) will significantly reduce tariffs. Faktorist shows current Mercosur tariff rates alongside standard MFN rates on product pages.