Layer 5: Compliance
IBAMA: Environmental Import Requirements
IBAMA regulates the import of chemicals, pesticides, tires, batteries, and products derived from protected species. Products that affect the environment need IBAMA clearance before entering Brazil.
IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) is Brazil's environmental agency — equivalent to the EPA (US) or EEA (EU). For importers, IBAMA controls which environmentally sensitive products can enter the country and under what conditions.
What requires IBAMA authorization?
Chemicals and hazardous substances
Examples: Industrial chemicals, solvents, acids, bases, ODS (ozone-depleting substances)
Requirement: CTF + Import License (LI) + chemical inventory registration
Agencies: IBAMA + ANVISA (if dual-use)
Pesticides and agrochemicals
Examples: Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, adjuvants
Requirement: IBAMA registration + MAPA + ANVISA triple approval
Agencies: IBAMA + MAPA + ANVISA
Tires (new and retreaded)
Examples: All rubber tires for vehicles
Requirement: IBAMA import authorization + reverse logistics compliance
Agencies: IBAMA
Batteries and accumulators
Examples: Lead-acid, lithium-ion, NiCd batteries
Requirement: Reverse logistics plan + IBAMA authorization for lead-acid
Agencies: IBAMA
CITES-listed species/products
Examples: Endangered wood species, animal products, live specimens
Requirement: CITES permit (origin country) + IBAMA import permit
Agencies: IBAMA
Asbestos-containing materials
Examples: Brake pads, insulation (chrysotile asbestos)
Requirement: Banned since 2017 (STF ruling). Import prohibited.
Agencies: IBAMA
Controlled waste and residues
Examples: Used electronics (e-waste), scrap metal, used clothing
Requirement: Import generally prohibited. Exceptions for recycling with IBAMA authorization.
Agencies: IBAMA
Mercury and mercury compounds
Examples: Thermometers, dental amalgam, industrial mercury
Requirement: Minamata Convention compliance + IBAMA authorization
Agencies: IBAMA
CTF: Federal Technical Registry
Before importing any IBAMA-regulated product, the Brazilian importer must register in the CTF/AIDA (Cadastro Técnico Federal de Atividades e Instrumentos de Defesa Ambiental). This is IBAMA's registry of companies that handle environmentally controlled products.
- Registration is free and done online at IBAMA's website
- Requires CNPJ, environmental license (from state agency), and technical responsible
- Annual renewal via RAPP (Relatório Anual de Atividades Potencialmente Poluidoras)
- Failure to register: fines of R$ 500–10,000/day + import seizure
Import license process
- Register in CTF/AIDA — the Brazilian importer obtains CTF registration for the specific activity (importation of chemicals, controlled substances, etc.).
- Obtain state environmental license — most states require a Licença Ambiental from the state environmental agency (e.g., CETESB in São Paulo, INEA in Rio de Janeiro).
- Apply for Import License (LI) — through Siscomex, referencing the CTF number. IBAMA reviews the application (typically 10–30 days).
- Ship with proper documentation — SDS (Safety Data Sheet), chemical classification (GHS), and any relevant international permits (CITES, Rotterdam Convention, etc.).
- Customs clearance — Receita Federal verifies IBAMA authorization before releasing goods.
Reverse logistics obligations
Brazil's National Solid Waste Policy (Lei 12.305/2010) requires manufacturers and importers of certain products to implement reverse logistics — take-back systems for post-consumer waste:
- Tires: importers must collect and properly dispose of 1 tire for every tire imported (via Reciclanip or equivalent)
- Batteries: lead-acid batteries require reverse logistics systems. Lithium-ion requirements are evolving.
- Electronics: WEEE-equivalent requirements being implemented via sectoral agreements
- Packaging: importers are responsible for packaging waste under the National Packaging Agreement (Logística Reversa de Embalagens)
- Lubricant oil: mandatory re-refining system managed by ANP