Skip to content
10,515 NCM codes · 5,612 HS headings
Data: May 2026
Last updated: May 2026

Layer 2: Logistics

Choosing a Customs Broker in Brazil

Your despachante aduaneiro is the single most important partner in Brazilian import operations. Here's how to find, evaluate, and work with one.

In Brazil, a licensed customs broker (despachante aduaneiro) is required for import clearance. They are the interface between your company, the Receita Federal (tax authority), and Siscomex (the electronic customs system). A good broker saves you money and time; a bad one causes delays, fines, and misclassified goods.

Who does what: broker vs. forwarder vs. trading company

Customs Broker (Despachante Aduaneiro)

Handles customs clearance: files DI/DUIMP, classifies NCM, pays taxes via Siscomex, handles inspections

When needed: Mandatory for any import. Must be licensed by Receita Federal.
Typical cost: R$800-$3,000 per clearance + percentage on larger shipments

Freight Forwarder (Agente de Carga)

Arranges international transport: books containers, negotiates rates, handles B/L documentation

When needed: If you buy FOB or FCA. Not needed for CIF/DDP.
Typical cost: $200-$1,000 per shipment + freight charges

Trading Company (Importadora/Comercial Exportadora)

Imports on your behalf using their own CNPJ and RADAR license. You buy from them domestically.

When needed: If you don't have CNPJ or RADAR. Simplest path but highest cost.
Typical cost: 5-15% commission on landed cost

Licensing requirements

Customs brokers in Brazil must hold a Registro de Despachante Aduaneiro issued by the Receita Federal. This requires:

  • Passing the national exam (prova de qualificacao tecnica) administered by Receita Federal
  • Clean criminal record
  • Registration with the Receita Federal jurisdictional unit where they operate
  • Valid CPF (individual) or CNPJ (company)

You can verify a broker's registration on the Receita Federal website (Consulta de Despachantes Aduaneiros Habilitados).

What to look for in a broker

Green flags

  • Experience with your product category (ask for NCM examples)
  • Operates at your target port (local presence matters)
  • Transparent fee structure (fixed + variable clearly stated)
  • Proactive communication about regulatory changes
  • Can explain Ex-Tarifario and other duty reduction options

Red flags

  • Suggests undervaluing invoices to reduce duties
  • Can't explain NCM classification logic for your product
  • Vague about fees ("we'll invoice later based on complexity")
  • Not available on WhatsApp/phone during clearance
  • Suggests misclassifying goods to a lower-duty NCM
?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 guide
?What is Siscomex?

Siscomex (Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior) is Brazil's electronic foreign trade system where all import and export declarations are filed. Managed by Receita Federal, it connects customs, tax authorities, and regulatory agencies in a single platform.

Customs clearance process
?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

Questions to ask before hiring

  1. "What NCM code would you classify this product under?" — Ask this upfront with your product specs. If they give a confident, specific answer with reasoning, good sign. If they're vague, they don't know your product category.
  2. "Do you have experience with [regulatory agency]?" — If your product needs ANVISA, INMETRO, or Anatel approval, your broker needs direct experience with that agency's import requirements.
  3. "What's your average clearance time at [port]?" — Good brokers track this. A realistic answer is 3-5 days for green channel. If they promise 24 hours, they're either exaggerating or haven't done many imports there.
  4. "Can you handle Ex-Tarifario applications?" — This shows sophistication. Not all brokers can navigate the SDIC application process. See our Ex-Tarifario guide.
  5. "What's your fee structure?" — You want: fixed fee per clearance + optional percentage for high-value shipments + clear list of disbursements (taxes, port fees, etc.).

Typical fee structure

Service Typical range Notes
Clearance fee (honorarios) R$800-$3,000 Per DI/DUIMP. Varies by complexity and port.
Ad valorem fee 0.5-1.5% On CIF value. For shipments above R$100K.
Import License (LI) R$300-$800 Per license. Products needing ANVISA, INMETRO, etc.
NCM consultation R$200-$500 Per product. For complex classification cases.
Document handling R$100-$300 Per shipment. Receiving, scanning, archiving docs.

Options for foreign companies without CNPJ

If you don't have a Brazilian entity, you have three paths:

1. Use a Brazilian trading company (importadora)

They import under their CNPJ and RADAR, then sell to your Brazilian client. Commission: 5-15%. Simplest but most expensive. Good for testing the market before committing to a CNPJ.

2. Sell to a Brazilian importer directly

The Brazilian buyer handles all import logistics. You just export CIF or FOB. No need for CNPJ. Your customs broker and import-side responsibilities are zero.

3. Set up a Brazilian subsidiary

Full control but highest setup cost (R$15-50K + 30-90 days). See our CNPJ Registration Guide and Market Entry Options.

Calculate Landed Cost Freight & Shipping RADAR & Customs