🇦🇷 Argentina → 🇧🇷 Brazil
MERCOSUR
Compliance path
Argentina-Brazil intra-Mercosur trade is duty-free with Form MERCOSUR/CMC. Argentine exports to Brazil: agricultural commodities (wheat, corn, soya), automobiles and auto parts, food products. Brazilian VAT structure (ICMS + IPI + PIS/COFINS) applies at import depending on state of entry. Argentina's Sistema de Importaciones (SIRA, formerly SIMI) requires pre-import approval for most goods. Ocean Buenos Aires-Santos 3-5 days; truck via Paso de los Libres-Uruguaiana 1-3 days with paperwork.
Commonly shipped items on this lane
1. Can I bring goods from Argentina to Brazil?
Travellers entering Brazil from Argentina are subject to Brazil's personal allowances and declaration rules. The Receita Federal do Brasil — RFB (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service) sets allowances for alcohol, tobacco, and personal goods. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel.
- Alcohol allowance: 12 L
- Cigarette allowance: 200
- Personal-goods allowance: ~USD 500
- Cash declaration threshold: USD 10000
2. Can I post goods from Argentina to Brazil?
Parcels move through Brazil's postal-customs flow. Typical transit time on this lane is 4 days. Every international parcel needs a CN22 (under ~USD 300) or CN23 (above) customs declaration. Use accurate descriptions and HS codes — vague labels are the single biggest cause of postal customs holds.
Correios (Brazil Post) and customs assess international parcels. The Remessa Conforme program applies simplified rates for qualified e-commerce platforms. Non-compliant importers face full tariff rates. Items can be held at customs for extended periods.
3. Can I import commercially from Argentina to Brazil?
Yes. Commercial importers into Brazil need an importer of record, a customs declaration filed with Receita Federal do Brasil — RFB (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and goods classified to the appropriate HS code. Some categories (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, chemicals, weapons, art) require additional permits or certificates.
4. Duties, VAT/GST and de minimis
Originating goods qualify for MERCOSUR preferential duty — often 0% — provided rules-of-origin criteria are met. Brazil levies 17% VAT/GST on commercial imports. Postal / courier de minimis: USD $50.
Brazil significantly reformed its de minimis rules. As of August 2023, purchases from qualifying international retailers/platforms for individual buyers: up to USD $50 per purchase may use a simplified 20% flat rate with no import duty (Remessa Conforme program). Goods between USD $50–$3,000 face 60% import duty rate (simplified). The previous nominal de minimis was abolished for e-commerce from non-compliant sources. Gifts from individuals (not companies) up to USD $50 are generally duty-free.
5. FTA + rules of origin
MERCOSUR is in force on this lane. To claim preferential duty, the goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin (typically a regional value content threshold or a tariff-shift test) and the importer must hold a Certificate of Origin or origin declaration.
See: All FTAs
6. Documents you may need
- Commercial invoice (every commercial shipment).
- Packing list.
- Transport document — air waybill (AWB) or bill of lading (B/L).
- Customs declaration (filed by importer of record or broker).
- Certificate of Origin or origin declaration to claim MERCOSUR preference.
- Sector permits where applicable: phytosanitary, veterinary, medicines, telecom, weapons, art.
- Importer EORI / tax-ID where required by Brazil.
7. Common problems on this route
- Undervaluation flagged at clearance, leading to revaluation and back-duty.
- Incorrect HS classification — duty rate moves up an entire tariff line.
- Missing origin documentation: FTA preference lost, MFN duty assessed.
- Vague descriptions on CN22 / CN23: parcel held pending clarification.
- Sanctions / dual-use screening for sensitive commodities.
- Biosecurity holds on food, plant, animal and wood-packaging items.
- Lithium-battery air-cargo refusal for non-compliant packaging.
8. High-risk item categories
No prohibited or restricted items flagged in the top-items list for this lane. Still verify any sensitive cargo against the official customs authority.
Generally restricted categories into Brazil:
- Firearms and ammunition (Army controlled; strict export/import restrictions)
- Medicines and pharmaceuticals (ANVISA registration required for commercial imports)
- Food products (MAPA — Ministry of Agriculture registration and inspection)
- Chemicals and pesticides (IBAMA and ANVISA permits)
- Endangered wildlife (IBAMA permit required)
- Vehicles (DENATRAN and INMETRO certification)
9. Official sources
- Receita Federal do Brasil — RFB (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service) — destination customs authority.
- Dirección General de Aduanas (AFIP) — origin customs authority.
- Brazil country profile — full source panel and rule index.
- FTA registry — search for MERCOSUR.
10. Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring goods from Argentina to Brazil as a traveller?
Yes. Travellers from Argentina entering Brazil are subject to Brazil's personal allowances and declaration rules. Alcohol allowance: 12 L. Cigarette allowance: 200. Personal goods allowance: ~USD 500. Declare anything above these limits at the red channel.
Can I send a parcel from Argentina to Brazil?
Yes — parcels move through Brazil's postal-customs flow. Typical transit: 4 days. De minimis: USD $50. Always attach a CN22 or CN23 declaration with accurate description, value, and HS code.
Can I import commercially from Argentina to Brazil?
Yes. Commercial imports into Brazil require an importer of record, customs declaration via Receita Federal do Brasil — RFB (Brazilian Federal Revenue Service), commercial invoice, packing list, and HS-classified goods. MERCOSUR preferential duty is available if origin requirements are met.
What duties and taxes apply on this lane?
Originating goods qualify for MERCOSUR preferential rates (often 0%). Brazil levies 17% VAT/GST on commercial imports. De minimis below USD $50.
Do I need a Certificate of Origin?
Yes — to claim MERCOSUR preferential duty, the consignment must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin or origin declaration meeting the agreement's rules-of-origin criteria. Without it, MFN duty applies.
What is Brazil's cash declaration threshold for travellers?
Travellers entering Brazil must declare cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 10000.
What documents should I prepare?
Minimum: commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (AWB or B/L), and customs declaration. Add a Certificate of Origin if claiming FTA preference. Sensitive categories (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need sector-specific permits or certificates.
What can go wrong on this lane?
Common problems: undervaluation flagged at clearance, incorrect HS code triggering a higher duty, missing origin documentation losing the FTA preference, parcel held for vague description on CN22/CN23, sanctions / dual-use screening on certain commodities, and biosecurity holds on food / plant / animal products.
Country profiles
Reference only — not legal or customs advice. Customs rules change frequently. Always verify against the destination's customs authority before acting on any rule on this page.