Country Guide
Exporting from Belgium to Brazil
EU-Mercosur tariff elimination, pharmaceutical leadership, and Europe's re-export hub through Antwerp port.
EU-Mercosur: in force since May 2026Belgium punches well above its weight in Brazil trade — it's the 16th largest import origin, driven by pharmaceuticals (Janssen/J&J, UCB, GSK Belgium), chemicals, precious metals, and agricultural products. As home to Europe's second-largest port (Antwerp-Bruges), Belgium also serves as a re-export hub. EU-Mercosur gives Belgian companies preferential tariff access starting May 2026.
Your EU advantage + Antwerp hub
Belgian companies benefit from EU-Mercosur tariff elimination. However, goods re-exported through Belgium (originating elsewhere) must meet Rules of Origin to claim preferential rates. Ensure your product qualifies as EU-originating.
Trade Data: Belgium → Brazil
Source: UN Comtrade 2023Brazil reports 13% more imports from Belgium than Belgium reports in exports. This CIF/FOB spread is typical — Brazil values at CIF (including freight & insurance), while Belgium values at FOB (port of departure). Large gaps can also indicate re-exports through third countries.
Top Belgian exports to Brazil by value
2023 FOB values in USD| # | Product | 2023 Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3002.41Vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar pro... | $803.6M | Duties → |
| 2 | 2710.12Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, not ... | $223.4M | Duties → |
| 3 | 3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004,... | $110.8M | Duties → |
| 4 | 2004.10Vegetable preparations; potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinega... | $106.8M | Duties → |
| 5 | 8703.80Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion | $102.0M | Duties → |
| 6 | 3002.15Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological produc... | $81.1M | Duties → |
| 7 | 8807.30Aircraft and spacecraft; parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n... | $65.3M | Duties → |
| 8 | 3004.39Medicaments; containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or a... | $38.5M | Duties → |
| 9 | 9021.39Artificial parts of the body; excluding artificial joints | $38.5M | Duties → |
| 10 | 3909.31Amino-resins; n.e.c. in heading no. 3909, in primary forms, poly(methylene pheny... | $28.0M | Duties → |
| 11 | 8433.90Harvesting machinery; parts, including parts of threshing machinery, straw or fo... | $25.8M | Duties → |
| 12 | 3811.21Lubricating oil additives; containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bitum... | $25.7M | Duties → |
| 13 | 8703.23Vehicles; with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engi... | $23.6M | Duties → |
| 14 | 8708.99Vehicle parts and accessories; n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 | $23.2M | Duties → |
| 15 | 2710.19Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, not ... | $21.4M | Duties → |
| 16 | 2707.50Aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures; n.e.c. in heading no. 2707, of which 65% or more ... | $20.4M | Duties → |
| 17 | 3002.49Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products; n.e... | $19.2M | Duties → |
| 18 | 7304.24Steel, stainless; seamless, casing and tubing, of a kind used in drilling for oi... | $17.7M | Duties → |
| 19 | 8433.51Combine harvester-threshers | $17.7M | Duties → |
| 20 | 1107.10Malt; not roasted | $14.7M | Duties → |
Values in USD, FOB (Belgium port of departure). Trend compares 2023 vs 2022. Click any HS code for Brazil duty rates and Ex-Tarifário status.
Key product categories and tariff strategy
| Product | Current duty | EU-Mercosur | Ex-Tarifário? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals Antibiotics, immunologicals, vaccines | 0-8% | 0% immediate or 4yr | No | View HS 30 → |
| Fuels Light oils, petroleum products | 0-6% | Low/unchanged | No | View HS 27 → |
| Precious metals Palladium, rhodium, platinum | 0-4% | 0% immediate | No | View HS 71 → |
| Chemicals Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides | 14% | 0% by 2036 | No | View HS 38 → |
| Vehicles Hybrid/electric vehicles, parts | 35% | TRQ + 15yr | Parts only | View HS 87 → |
| Prepared foods Frozen potatoes (fries) | 14-18% | 0% in 10yr | No | View HS 20 → |
| Aircraft parts Aircraft components, engines | 0-14% | 0% by 2036 | Likely | View HS 88 → |
Pharmaceuticals: Belgium's top export
Belgium is one of Europe's pharmaceutical powerhouses, with Janssen (J&J), UCB, and major production facilities for GSK and Pfizer:
- Antibiotics and immunologicals: over $2B in pharmaceutical exports to Brazil
- Vaccines: Belgium is a major vaccine production hub for global supply
- EU-Mercosur impact: many pharma products already have 0% duty or will reach 0% within 4 years
- ANVISA registration mandatory — GMP mutual recognition under EU-Mercosur may accelerate approvals
Antwerp: re-export and origin considerations
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe's second-largest port and a major chemicals and diamond trading hub. Key consideration for Brazilian importers:
- Re-exports: goods transiting through Antwerp from non-EU origins do NOT qualify for EU-Mercosur preferences
- Rules of Origin: product must be substantially manufactured in the EU to claim preferential tariff
- Diamond trade: Antwerp is the world's diamond capital — precious stones transiting Belgium may not have EU origin
Frozen potatoes: Belgium's unexpected export
Belgium is the world's largest exporter of frozen potato products (French fries). Brazilian consumption is growing rapidly:
- Over $240M annually to Brazil — driven by fast-food expansion
- 14-18% duty phasing to 0% under EU-Mercosur over 10 years
- MAPA phytosanitary requirements for food products
MAPA-authorized establishments
Source: SIGSIF/DIPOA31 Belgian facilities are authorized by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture to export animal products.
Regulatory requirements
- ANVISA — pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices. EU-Mercosur GMP mutual recognition may speed approvals
- INMETRO — electrical equipment, vehicles. CE marking does NOT replace INMETRO
- MAPA — food products (frozen potatoes, dairy, chocolate). Phytosanitary certificates required
?What is an NCM code?
NCM (Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul) is Brazil's 8-digit tariff classification code. The first 6 digits match the international HS (Harmonized System) code — the remaining 2 are Mercosur-specific. Every import tax rate in Brazil is determined by the NCM code.
HS → NCM lookup tool?What is a CNPJ?
CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) is Brazil's national business registry number — equivalent to an EIN (US), Company Number (UK), or Handelsregisternummer (Germany). Every company that imports into Brazil must have a CNPJ.
CNPJ registration guide?What is RADAR?
RADAR (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is Receita Federal's mandatory import/export authorization. Your Brazilian buyer needs active RADAR before any goods can clear customs. It comes in three modalities with different value limits.
RADAR & customs clearance guidePractical next steps
- Find your product's NCM code
- Check EU-Mercosur tariff schedule
- Confirm EU Rules of Origin compliance for EU-Mercosur preferences
- Calculate the full landed cost
- Contact the Belgian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce for market entry support