Importing Personal Effects into Brazil: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Brazil Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods

• Temporary work visa (one year or more):
• Visa must be valid for more than 180 days and be stamped on the passport.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian taxpayer card (CPF) or internet extract showing CPF number.
• Notarized copy of passport all pages, including blank ones.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian identification card or protocol (RNM).
• Copy of the airplane ticket, showing the entry in Brazil and boarding pass. In case the boarding pass does not show the year of your arrival into the country, please also keep the original luggage ticket for presentation to customs.
• Copy of Registration Certificate.
• Notarized signature of the Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) authorizing the Brazilian agent to represent the customer in the clearance (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil).
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature such as proof of residence in Brazil; luggage
• Declaration; Exemption declaration abroad; Residence Declaration Abroad, RAT (other forms may be requested depending on port/airport of entry and will be advise by the local agent)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese language and valued in US dollars (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil). All electrical, electronic, mechanic or optical appliances or devices must detail type/mark, brand, model and serial number.
• Original bill of lading or airway bill.
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days from the day Brazilian Federal Police stamps the passport.
• Permanent visa (first entry):
• Permanent visa must be obtained before arrival in Brazil
• Customers with visa must register at the Federal Police Department in Brazil for the customs clearance of the move.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian tax card (CPF) or internet extract showing CPF number.
• Notarized copy of passport all pages, including blank ones.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian identification card or protocol (RNM).
• Copy of the airplane ticket, showing the entry in Brazil and boarding pass. In case the boarding pass does not show the year of your arrival into the
• country, please also keep the original luggage ticket for presentation to customs.
• Copy of Registration Certificate.
• Copy of Migratory Certificate, obtained at Federal Police Department at the airport in Brazil upon your arrival
• Notarized signature of the Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) authorizing the Brazilian agent to represent the customer in the clearance (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil).
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature such as: Proof of residence in Brazil; Luggage Declaration; Exemption declaration abroad; Residence Declaration Abroad, (other forms may be requested depending on port/airport of entry and will be advise by the local agent)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese language and valued in US dollars (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil). All electrical, electronic, mechanic or optical appliances or devices must detail brand, model and serial number.
• Original bill of lading or airway bill.
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days from the day Brazilian Federal Police stamps the passport.
• Returning Citizens - Brazilian and Permanent visa holder returning (after 1 year abroad):
• Notarized copy of passport, all pages, including blank ones.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian CPF.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian identification card (RG / RNM).
• Copy of the airplane ticket, showing the entry in Brazil and boarding pass. In case the boarding pass does not show the year of your arrival into the country, please also keep the original luggage ticket for presentation to customs.
• Copy of Registration Certificate.
• Copy of Migratory Certificate, obtained at Policia Federal at the airport in Brazil upon your arrival
• Notarized signature of the Residency Consular Certificate, obtained at Brazilian Consulate at origin country (more details on the customs prescriptions)
• Notarized signature of the Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) authorizing the Brazilian agent to represent the customer in the clearance (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil).
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature such as: Proof of residence in Brazil; Luggage Declaration; Residence Declaration Abroad, (other forms may be requested
• depending on port/airport of entry and will be advise by the local agent)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese language and valued in US dollars (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil). All electrical, electronic, mechanic or optical appliances or devices must detail brand, model and serial number.
• Original bill of lading or airway bill.
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days from the day Brazilian Federal Police stamps the passport.

• Duty free entry of goods and new items for personal use if these are not for commercial purposes:
• New items:
• Only reasonable quantities of similar items per category are allowed and must be in accordance with the client's profile and profession
• The purchase invoice copy or credit card statement must be presented to Customs authorities.
• The above does not apply to consumer items such as foodstuff, diapers, cosmetics, candles, paint, etc., which are not considered by Brazilian customs as household goods and cannot be included in the move.
• Temporary Visa (work visa):
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days following the entry of the owner into the country using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must be initiated up to 45 days after the shipment arrival.
• Shipment must originate from the same country of the owner’s
• nationality or where he was living at the time of shipment.
• Duties are suspended for the same period as the validity of the visa.
• New articles are admitted given that duties are suspended but all articles brought into the country must be reexported before the visa expires, otherwise duties and fines are imposed.
• Foreign nationals with temporary visa must sign a re-export guarantee, based on the CIF amount of the goods.
• Returning Brazilians and Permanent visa Holders:
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days following the entry of the owner into the country using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must be initiated up to 45 days after the shipment arrival.
• Shipment must originate from the same country of the owner’s nationality or where he was living at the time of shipment.
• Are allowed duty-free entry of their unaccompanied baggage if articles are properly listed by the shipper.
• Returning Brazilians and citizens with permanent visa need to prove residence abroad for minimum one year.
• A certificate must be obtained at
• the Brazilian Consulate at origin country to avoid taxes.
• Additionally, to be tax exempt, the owner of the move must not have exceeded 44 days in Brazil during the twelve months before the definitive return.
• The customer is responsible to check and confirm days spent in Brazil and in case of wrong information, taxes will be charged, and fines may be applied by customs.
• For Permanent/Temporary visa:
• Goods must arrive to Brazil within 180 days following the entry of the owner into the country using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must be initiated up to 45 days after the shipment arrival.
• Shipment must originate from the same country of the owner’s nationality or where he was living at the time of shipment.
• Port and airport charges can get extremely high in the case that a shipment is kept in the port (or airport) terminals without being cleared due to a lack of visa.
• After 45 days of an import in the port/airport without the customer or its representative / customs broker having started the customs process, customs have the right to seize the shipment.
• If the customer is moving to Brazil under a temporary visa, then all the items brought to Brazil as part of the move will have to be exported when they move from Brazil or when the visa expires. If they are left in Brazil, customs will charge 50-80% tax over declared value plus fines.

• The client must be in Brazil ahead of the customs clearance process as per regulation IN 1059
• The importer may provide the customs broker with a power of attorney to proceed with the customs process on his behalf.
• The inspector in charge of the customs clearance process may or may not check the Federal Police system to confirm that the importer is in Brazil. If he finds that the importer is not in the country, he may place the shipment on hold until his entry is confirmed. This means that the customs process will be delayed/on hold and there will be additional port/airport fees.
• The client should be able to proof his arrival in the country (such as plane ticket to Brazil or passport).
• Consign shipment exactly as follows (mandatory):
• Full name (As listed on the passport without using the terms “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Ms” nicknames or abbreviations)
• CPF Number (Shipper must inform you) – All residents in Brazil have this
• number (this is the Brazilian taxpayer ID)
• Address in Brazil.
• When a shipment arrives to Brazil, customs clearance process cannot be started if pre-registration (credenciamento) of customer at customs is not completed.
• To pre-register customer the moving agent needs the following documents at least 7 working days before shipment arrives to Brazil:
• Customer ID card or protocol, Brazilian Social Security - CPF - or protocol.
• Power of attorney
• Bill of lading
• If Contents:
• Used household goods and Personal Effects: mandatory code NCM 9797.
• Diplomatic Cargo Status / Diplomatic Used household goods and Personal Effects/ Diplomatic Automobiles: mandatory code NCM 9898.
• Diplomatic Automobiles: mandatory code NCM 8703.
• The following information must be properly declared on the OBL (Original Bill of Lading):
• OBL must be rated showing the freight cost (“as per agreement” is not allowed).
• Correct and true gross weight in kilos of household goods only - without
• container tare (“pounds” is not allowed).
• Measurement in cubic meters only (“cubic feet” is not allowed).
• Description of goods and number of volumes according to the packing list.
• The Harmonized Code for HHGDS i.e.: 2 wooden lift vans STC 70 packages of used household goods and personal effects or 150 packages loose packed in 1x20´ CNTR.
• There will be no exceptions, and any Bill of Landing issued without all the information required (as outlined in the consignment instructions) will be subject to fines around US$ 5,000 for correction.
• The required information is the following:
• Bills of Lading to be consigned to SHIPPER (owners’ complete name). This is a must. Do not consign shipment to Moving Company or any Company.
• Full address - Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil and the fiscal address (the same as the CPF register or the last informed in the annual income tax return).
• Shippers CPF Number (Brazil Income Tax number).
• In the body of the Bills of Lading, the Customs Commodity Code for household goods/personal effects must be shown.
• All shipments are required to have the client’s CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas - Brazilian Social Security number) card number mentioned on the original Bill of Lading. Delays and possible charges (port storage and demurrage) will be caused if CPF card number is not listed.
• Customs authorities will not authorize Customs clearance of household goods shipments without a proper visa.
• For security reasons, it is not recommended sending personal electronic devices such as photo cameras, notebooks, I-pads-tablets, I-pods and smart phones into sea shipments.

Diplomat’s removals

• All pages of passport, including blank ones, stamped by Consulate or Embassy.
• Notarized copy of the Brazilian tax card (CPF).
• Same comment as for temporary visa.
• Notarized or stamped at Embassy/Consulate copies of Brazilian ID issued by MRE.
• Original of Merchant Marine letter (AFRMM) in Embassy/Consulate letterhead (model to be provided).
• Stamped at Embassy/Consulate copies of Brazilian ID issued by MRE from the person who signed the Merchant Marine letter (AFRMM).
• Diplomatic franchise (DSI) and supplemental pages, with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval and also stamped by Consulate or Embassy.
• Notarized signature of the Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) authorizing the
• Brazilian agent to represent the customer in the clearance (agent will furnish this form after arrival of the customer in Brazil).
• Notarized copy of the airplane ticket, showing the entry in Brazil.
• Original of the bill of lading or airway bill.

• Duty free entry.
• As for alcohol importation for diplomats, the law applies to all people, diplomats or not, regarding alcohol. The limit is 12 liters for foreign diplomats as well as for anybody (depending on the poe/apoe).

• Franchise will be granted only against presentation of the B/L. - should be mailed immediately.
• Document of franchise will be issued by Itamaraty or Minister of Affair.

Household appliances

• See removal goods.

• Same as above.

Inheritance

• Inquire with your agent about each individual case.

Presents, Souvenirs

• See removal goods.

• Duty free entry if part of the household effects.

• As long as it is not for commercial purposes and in a reasonable quantity.
• The purchase invoice/credit card statement copy may be required by Customs authorities.

Works of Art, Antiques

• See removal goods.

• Duty free entry if part of the household effects.

• Same as above.

Precious metal objects

• See removal goods.

• Duty free entry if part of the household effects.

• Duty free entry if part of the household effects.

Boats

• Not allowed. Subject to confiscation.

Machines, appliances, spare parts

• Inquire with your agent for details.

• Only allowed if required for exercise of shipper's profession.

Cats & Dogs

• Health and vaccination certificate from point of origin stamped at Brazilian Consulate.

• Customs clearance only after examination by veterinarian at customs.

Other animals

• Subject to consultation with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture prior to departure from origin country.

• Customs clearance only after examination by veterinarian at port of entry.

Alcoholic beverages

• Part of household goods.
• Must be listed on the shipper’s inventory mentioning quantity, type, mark, alcohol percentage and price.
• There will be duties on imported alcoholic beverages.
• Failure to declare may cause confiscation and fines.
• The limit to import alcoholic beverages as baggage is 12 litres in.

Carpets

• See removal goods.

• Duty free entry if part of the household effects.

Plants

• Not allowed. Subject to confiscation.

Tins & Food

• Not allowed. Subject to confiscation.

Prohibited Articles

• Handguns and ammunition must be in a list with a visa from the Consulate. These must be registered at the Brazilian Army before their release by Customs.
• Toys, replicas and imitations of firearms that may be confused with these, unless it is to integrate collection of authorized users, as specified in the Brazilian Army Command.
• Sword and machete.
• Counterfeit products.
• Plant, sand or vegetal-origin products.
• Vessels of all kinds, boats, inflatable boats, kayaks, paddleboats, jet skis and similar, and boat engines.
• Riding lawn tractors, lawn mowers and gas trimmers.
• Model airplanes (drones).
• Flammable or corrosive materials.
• Compressed gases, gas cylinder or combustible liquids.
• Gas grills or propane tanks.
• Building material.
• Jewelry, currency or valuable articles.
• Drugs and medicines (unless there is a doctor’s prescription).
• Engines and vehicles, or parts of them (unless in the case of diplomatic shipments).
• Electrical scooter, electrical bicycle, electrical monocycle, electrical skate (hoverboard) and similar.
• High value coins or stamps collections.
• Wines and alcoholic beverages (12 liters max 06 or 16 bottles of 750 ml).
• Tires – if used, the passenger will be prosecuted criminally, and all lawsuit and destruction costs will be for passenger´s account. If new, the tire will be apprehended.
• Customers with temporary visa will always be subject to payment of duties, if suspension is not requested/granted.

• Arms, Ammunition, dangerous objects.
• Subject to consultation with the Brazilian Army prior to departure from country of origin.
• Small calibre only, for personal use, hunting rifles. No dangerous objects allowed. Guns and ammunitions will be retained until inspected by the army officials.

Wooden packages

• According to the Brazilian regulations IN32, February 1st/2016, in case of any wooden packages in any shipment (also for the bulkhead in the container), one of the following options must be informed on the BL:
• Wooden Package: Not applicable (Not used).
• Wooden Package used: Treated / Certified (a copy of the certificate will be required).
• All the shipping lines require this information to be included on OBL/ AWB.

• In case of non-compliance, shipment may return to origin.

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates

• The Brazilian Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardize the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• Shipments into or out of the country in wooden packaging need to have a seal, certifying that these have received the required treatment (HT = Heated Treatment - a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes; or fumigation with Methyl Bromide (MT).
• The minimum temperature should not be
• less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time should not fall below 16 hours.
• The treatments established in the present regulation intend to reduce the introduction and/or the dissemination of quarantine plagues associated to the wood packing.
• The wood packing material must be marked in a visible location on each article, on at least two opposite sides of the article with a legible and permanent mark in black ink. Labels and adhesives are not allowed.
• The approved format of the mark should be as follows: Where XX is the country code, 000 the producer number, YY the treatment type, and AAA the inspection agency logo.
• If a shipment arrives without this seal, it will be returned to the origin country at the shipper’s/origin agent’s expenses.
• The Customs inspector may also require a copy of the treatment certificate for verification. So, assure you will have the document issued for this specific wooden to avoid issues.
• Some countries usually issue a general certificate from wooden provider attesting their entire wooden are treated but this general certificate is not accepted in Brazil.
• Your local agent will need the document issued for the specific volume of wood inside the shipment.

• This regulation DOES NOT apply to wood packing materials manufactured of:
• Raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less.
• Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof.
• Plywood sheets & agglomerated sawdust sheets.
• Oriented wooden fibre sheets.
• Sawdust & Wooden fibre.
• Items which may adversely be affected by the fumigation chemicals, should be tightly wrapped and sealed in plastic prior to the shipping.
• An ISPM 15 internationally recognised certification mark must include the following:
• IPPC certification symbol (this is a registered trademark).
• XX: represents the two letters ISO country code where the wood was treated.
• 000: represents the unique certification number (which ensures that the wood packaging material can be traced back to the treatment provider and/or manufacturer).
• YY: is the treatment abbreviation where:
• HT: is the code for heat treatment using conventional steam or dry kiln heat chamber to a minimum of 56º C for a minimum of 30 minutes
• MB: is the code for methyl bromide fumigation
• DH: is the code for heat treatment using dielectric heat
• Other information such as the date of manufacture, batch number, company name or logo, may also be included outside of the border of the mark if it is not confusing, deceptive or misleading.

Exporting Personal Effects from Brazil: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Brazil Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – Export Air and Sea

• Permanent visa holder / Brazilian citizen
• 1 notarized copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / National Foreigner Registry (RNE); (Digital copy, Guarulhos & Santos)
• 1 simple copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application. (Digital copy, Guarulhos & Santos)
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 notarized copy of all passport pages, including cover and blank pages (for Santos & Guarulhos, simple copy is enough– only bio page notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 digital copy of airline ticket or e-ticket
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• its validity must be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 copy of the boarding pass
• it may be scanned
• required only for air shipment
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled,
• signed in all pages and the last one notarized. Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil.
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney http://servicos.receita.fazenda.gov.br/Serv icos/procuracoesrfb/controlador/controle Principal.asp?acao=telaInicial
• 2 original RFB Power of 1ttorneys, signed in all pages and the last one notarized.
• 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized.
• 1 original travel reason declaration, with signature notarized (Fortaleza).
• 1 original export inventory list, with signature notarized (Fortaleza, Recife).
• 1 original travel reason declaration “Motivo de Viagem”, with signature notarized (Rio Grande).
• Temporary visa holder:
• 1 notarized copy of National Foreigner Registry (RNE) (Santos & Guarulhos, simple copy – Rio de Janeiro: notarized)
• 1 notarized copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / National Foreigner Registry (RNE) (Santos & Guarulhos, simple copy – Rio de Janeiro: notarized)
• 1 simple copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application (Santos & Guarulhos, simple copy – Rio de Janeiro: notarized)
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 notarized copy of all passport pages,
• including cover and blank pages (Santos & Guarulhos a simple copy is enough – only bio page notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 simple copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 copy of the boarding pass
• It may be scanned
• Required only for air shipment
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled, signed and notarized. Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil.
• 1 original Electronic Power of Attorney.
• 2 original RFB power of attorneys, signed in all pages and the last one notarized.
• 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized
• 1 original travel reason declaration, with signature notarized (Fortaleza);
• 1 original export inventory list, with signature notarized (Fortaleza, Recife).
• 1 original travel reason declaration “Motivo de Viagem”, with signature notarized (Rio Grande)
• Diplomatic visa
• 1 notarized copy of the diplomatic ID card
• Notified copy of the diplomatic ID card
• 1 simple copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 notarized copy of proof of residence in Brazil
• 1 notarized copy of airline ticket or eticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity must be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 copy of the boarding pass
• It may be scanned
• Required only for air shipment
• 2 original Powers of attorney filled and signed.
• This document should be sent to MRE (Foreign Ministry) in Brasilia for notarization of signature.
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney
• 2 original RFB power of attorneys, signed in all pages and the last one notarized.
• 3 DSE forms with additional sheets for approval of the MRE.
• Please provide the following information to prepare the DSE list: full name, nationality, social security number, diplomatic card number, passport, address in Brazil, departure date from Brazil as per air ticket.
• 1 notarized copy of passport
• Including cover and blank pages.

• Permanent visa holders
• If the permanent visa holder has come with the move into Brazil when he had the Temporary Visa, and (s)he has signed the bond guarantee, a copy of the bond guarantee or the Protocol of the cancellation request is required.
• If the permanent visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, or already had a permanent visa on entrance, (s)he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade” signed and notarized.
• Always stay aware about the expiry date of the visa.
• Please fill out all forms in the computer before printing.
• Temporary visa holders
• Presentation of Bond guarantee or Temporary Admission and Import list of goods (DSI)
• If you have got an extension of your visa,
• you must know whether the bond guarantee has been updated.
• If the company or the client confirms that (s)he did not bring his/her move when coming to Brazil, it is necessary to submit a statement that the client has only brought clothes, shoes and books at entrance.
• If the company has paid all import taxes, (nationalized the move), a copy of the DSI (import list of goods) is needed.
• If the temporary visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, (s)he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade” signed and notarized.
• If the Customs officer judges that the copies presented are not in good condition or manipulated, they may require new notarized copies of the document or even the original.
• All forms and Power of Attorney to be filled out in the computer and printed just for signature and recognition.
• In case you have two shipments, sea and air, it will be required to present 2 sets of documents according to the ones listed above, totalling 2 copies of each document, plus 4 Power of Attorneys.
• For customs clearance purposes, any and all fine work, such as paintings, tapestries, statues, etc. must be duly authorized by IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage).
• For more information, please contact IPHAN directly: Avenida Angelica, 626
• - Higienópolis - São Paulo – Zip Code: 01228-000.
• To issue the international insurance, a list of goods with values in US$ duly signed by the customer must be submitted to the moving company along with the documents required for shipping.
• That list may be made on the proper form of the insurance company or in any other format.
• This document must be provided up to 1 day prior to packing day.
• For security reason, it is not recommended to send personal electronic devices such as photo cameras, notebooks, tablets, I-pods and smart phones in sea shipments to and from Brazil.
• All the documents must be typed, including the date.

Removal Goods - Export Air for Rio de Janeiro & Guarulhos

• Permanent visa holder / Brazilian citizen
• 1 simple and legible copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / National Foreigner Registry (RNE)
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 simple and legible copy of proof of residence (Rio de Janeiro)
• 1 copy of all passport pages, including cover and blank pages
• 1 simple and legible copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 simple and legible copy of the boarding pass. It may be scanned.
• 2 original Powers of Attorneys filled, signed in all pages and the last one notarized. Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil).
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized.
• Temporary visa
• 1 simple and legible copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / National Foreigner Registry (RNE).
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 simple and legible copy of proof of residence (Rio de Janeiro)
• 1 copy of all passport pages, including cover and blank pages.
• 1 simple and legible copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 simple and legible copy of the boarding pass. it may be scanned.
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled, signed and notarized. Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil.
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney.
• 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized.
• Diplomatic visa
• 1 simple and legible copy of the diplomatic ID card.
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 simple and legible copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 1 simple and legible copy of the boarding pass
• It may be scanned.
• Required only for air shipment
• 3 original Powers of Attorney filled and signed.
• To be sent to MRE (Foreign Ministry) in Brasilia for notarization of signature (2 For Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney.
• 3 DSE forms with additional sheets for approval of the MRE (4 For Rio de Janeiro).
• Provide the following information for the DSE list: full name, nationality, social security number, diplomatic card number, passport, address in
• Brazil, departure date from Brazil as per air ticket.
• 1 simple and legible copy of passport (including cover and blank pages) (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).

• Permanent visa holders
• If the permanent visa holder has come with the move into Brazil when he had the Temporary Visa, and he has signed the bond guarantee, it is requested a copy of the bond guarantee or the protocol of the cancellation request.
• If the permanent visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, or already had a permanent visa on entrance, he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade” signed and notarized”.
• Always stay aware about the expiry date of the visa.
• Temporary visa holders
• Presentation of bond guarantee or Temporary Admission and Import list of goods (DSI).
• If you have got an extension of your visa, you must know whether the bond guarantee has been updated.
• If the company or the client confirms that (s)he did not bring his/her move when coming to Brazil, it is necessary to submit a statement that the client has only brought clothes, shoes and books at entrance.
• If the company has paid all import taxes,
• (nationalized the move), a copy of the DSI (import list of goods) is needed.
• If the temporary visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, (s)he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade” signed and notarized.
• Remarks:
• All forms and power of attorney to be filled out in the computer and printed just for signature and recognition (Guarulhos).
• In case you have two shipments, sea and air, it will be required to present 2 sets of documents according to the ones listed above, totalling 2 copies of each document, plus 4 Powers of Attorney.
• For customs clearance purposes, any and all fine work, such as paintings, tapestries, statues, etc. must be duly authorized by IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage).
• For more information, please contact IPHAN directly: Avenida Angelica, 626 - Higienópolis - São Paulo – Zip Code: 01228-000.
• To issue the international insurance, a list of goods with values in US$ duly signed by the customer must be submitted along with the documents required for shipping.
• That list may be made on the proper form of the insurance company or in any other format.
• Must be provided up to 1 day prior to the
• packing date.
• All documents must be typed, including the date.

Removal Goods - Export Sea Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo

• Permanent visa holder / Brazilian citizen
• 1 simple and legible copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / national Foreigner Registry (RNE) (notarized for Rio de Janeiro)
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 notarized copy of proof of residence (Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 simple and legible copy of all passport pages, including cover and blank pages.
• 1 copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity must be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled, signed in all pages and the last one notarized.
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney
• Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil).
• 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized.
• 1 original boarding declaration, with signature notarized (Rio de Janeiro).
• Temporary visa
• 1 simple and legible copy of Brazilian ID Card (RG) / National Foreigner Registry (RNE) (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 notarized copy of proof of residence (Brazil) (Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 simple and legible copy of all passport pages, including cover and blank pages (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled, signed and notarized.
• Address must be the same as the proof of residence in Brazil).
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney.
• 1 original baggage declaration, with signature notarized.
• 1 original boarding declaration, with signature notarized (Rio de Janeiro).
• Diplomatic visa
• 1 simple and legible copy of the diplomatic ID card (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 simple and legible copy of CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer ID Card) or protocol / application.
• It must be regular with the Federal Revenue of Brazil.
• You may check it at the Federal Revenue website: www.receita.fazenda.gov.br
• 1 simple and legible copy of airline ticket or e-ticket.
• It must contain shipper's name, flight number and date, e-ticket number and airline logo.
• Important: its validity has to be less than 6 months and must have the same origin and destination of the shipment.
• 2 original Powers of Attorney filled and signed.
• To be sent to MRE (Foreign Ministry) in Brasilia for notarization of signature.
• 1 original electronic Power of Attorney.
• 3 DSE forms with additional sheets for approval of the MRE (4 For Rio de Janeiro).
• Provide the following information for
• the DSE list: full name, nationality, social security number, diplomatic card number, passport, address in Brazil, departure date from Brazil as per air ticket.
• 1 simple and legible copy of passport (including cover and blank pages) (notarized for Rio de Janeiro).
• 1 original boarding declaration, with signature notarized (Rio de Janeiro).

• Permanent visa holders
• If the permanent visa holder has come with the move into Brazil when (s)he had the Temporary Visa, and (s)he has signed the bond guarantee, it is requested a copy of the bond guarantee or the protocol of the cancellation request.
• If the permanent visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, or already had a permanent visa on entrance, (s)he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade”;” signed and notarized.
• Always stay aware about the expiry date of the visa.
• Fill out all forms in the computer before printing (Sao Paulo).
• Temporary visa holders
• Presentation of Bond guarantee or Temporary Admission and Import list of goods (DSI).
• If you have got an extension of your visa, you must know whether the bond guarantee has been updated.
• If the company or the client confirms that (s)he did not bring his/her move when coming to Brazil, it is necessary to submit
• a statement that the client has only brought clothes, shoes and books at entrance.
• If the company has paid all import taxes, (nationalized the move), a copy of the DSI (import list of goods) is needed.
• If the temporary visa holder has not come with the move into Brazil, (s)he must fill the statement of no bond guarantee “Declaração sem termo de responsabilidade” signed and notarized.
• Remarks:
• If the Customs officer judges that the copies presented are not in good condition or manipulated, they may require notarized copies of the document or even the original.
• All forms and power of attorney to be filled out in the computer and printed just for signature and recognition.
• In case you have two shipments, sea and air, it will be required to present 2 sets of documents according to the ones listed above, totalling 2 copies of each document, plus 4 Power of Attorneys.
• For customs clearance purposes, any and all fine work, such as paintings, tapestries, statues, etc. must be duly authorized by IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage).
• For more information, please contact IPHAN directly: Avenida Angelica, 626 - Higienópolis - São Paulo – Zip Code: 01228-000.
• All documents must be typed, including the date.

List of documents required for customs clearance at destination

• Europe
• FRANCE - Certificat de Non Cession filled and signed (for foreigners and French citizen) and Certificat de Changement de Residence issued by the French Consulate in Brazil (for French citizen).
• ENGLAND - TOR Form filled and signed. (for foreigners and English citizen) (C3 form).
• PORTUGAL - Baggage Certificate, Declaration of Residency and Consularized List of Goods issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for foreigners and Portuguese citizen).
• SPAIN - Certificate of "Baja" issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Spanish citizen) and Certificate of residence in Brazil (for foreigners).
• ITALY - Autocertificazione and Certificato Consolare (Per L'esenzione dal payment delle imposte doganali sull'importazione in Italy delle masserizie usate) (for Italian citizens).
• North and Central America
• USA - Visa on passport and 3299 form filled and signed (for foreigners and American citizens).
• CANADA - Copy of the visa on passport (client must be in Canada at the time of Customs release of the move).
• MEXICO
• 4 copies of Consularized Detailed List of Goods (Menaje de Casa) in Spanish issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Mexican citizens / permanent resident visa holders) and number of the RFC.
• 4 copies of Consularized Detailed List of Goods (Menaje de Casa) in Spanish issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Visa FM2, FM3 and Mexicans). For Mexican citizens, it is required the “menaje de casa” issued by Mexican Consulate and number of the RFC (Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Vitoria).
• South America
• ARGENTINA
• Certificate of Residence issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Argentineans and Permanents in Argentina).
• Copy of DNI to make the Migration Certificate. It must be obtained in Argentina with maximum advance.
• There will be the payment of tax at the destination if the shipper has been in Argentina for over 60 days (total) in the last year.
• Client must be in Argentina at the time
• of Customs release of the move.
• COLOMBIA - Certificate of Residence issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Colombians)
• VENEZUELA
• Certificate of Use and Consularized List (in Spanish) issued by the Consulate in Brazil (for Venezuelans and Permanents in Venezuela).
• Items shipped to Venezuela must be at least 6 months of use.
• Client must be in Venezuela at the time of Customs release of the move.
• URUGUAY - Consularized List of goods and Certificate of Residence (for Uruguayans).
• ECUADOR – Consularized List of goods and Authorization for move issued by Consulate in Brazil.
• PERU - Any refrigerating device like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning devices, etc., must have a Certificate issued by the manufacturer stating that the coolant used in such devices does not damage the ozone layer (R134A gas) and the Technical Specification of each artifact will be mandatory; otherwise, they will be confiscated by Peruvian Customs authorities. Client must be in Peru at the time of Customs release of the move.
• Australia:
• AUSTRALIA – B534 Form filled and signed (for Foreigners and Australians).

Forbidden Items

• Firearms, replicas and imitations, ammunition, machete
• Swords
• Allowed only for militaries.
• Airplanes
• Drones and aeroplanes
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gas grills or propane tanks
• Allowed: grill without the tank.
• Car parts such as wheels, tires and seats
• Car accessories
• Allows GPS, sound equipment and speaker.
• Cleaning products and other consumer goods related
• Collections with high value
• Coins
• Stamps
• Jewelry
• Lithium battery, lithium-ion and metal batteries or cells
• Medicines
• Medical equipment
• Food
• Corrosives
• Acids
• Drain Cleaners
• Photographic acids used in developing film
• Iron or steel rust preventing compounds
• Bleach
• Batteries (wet or dry)
• Water purifying agents such as those commonly used in swimming pools
• Explosives
• Fireworks
• Arms ammunition
• Flash Bulbs
• Large power tools
• Compressed Gases
• Aerosol cans
• Fire extinguishers
• Scuba diving tanks
• Hot tubs, Jacuzzis, spas
• Flammables
• Lighter fluids
• Matches
• Wood oil stains
• Shoe and furniture polish and wax
• Petrochemical base garden sprays
• Glue sand adhesives
• Paint and varnish
• Butane, propane and gasoline
• Signal flares
• Charcoal briquettes
• Gas containers
• Combustible liquids
• Alcohol’s
• Lubricants
• Anti-freeze compounds
• Cleaners (spot removers)
• Cut Wood, Firewood
• Motorcycles, electric bike, electric scooter, overboard and other recreational vehicles
• Valuable art treasures
• Plant sand or vegetal origin products or live animals
• Vessels of all kinds, boats, inflatable boats, kayaks, paddleboats, jet skis and similar, and boat engines.
• Exception: kayaks up to 8 meters in length, without a motor and exempt from registration with Port Authority, may be exported as Unaccompanied Baggage.
• Riding lawn tractors, lawn mowers and gas trimmers
• Hoverboard
• Allowed by sea shipment only if used solely for recreational purposes (with maximum permitted speed is 20km/h),
• Building material
• Cigarettes

Brazil Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Brazil Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) — weight must be in kilograms, volume in cubic metres (not pounds/feet); CPF number must appear on the OBL
• Notarised copies of passport including all blank pages (2 copies)
• Temporary work visa (must be valid for more than 180 days) or permanent visa
• Notarised copies of Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas / tax ID) (2 copies)
• Detailed inventory of new items in Portuguese
• Packing list
• Statement of Responsibility from employer attesting they assume payment of all duties and taxes on household goods not re-exported after expiration of the work contract
• Proof of residence in Brazil (utility bill or rental contract)
• Fumigation certificate (for any wood crates/boxes, liftvans, or containers, per ISPM 15)

• Original OBL / AWB (with CPF number)
• Notarised copies of passport including all blank pages (2 copies)
• Notarised copies of CPF (2 copies)
• Proof of residence abroad for minimum 1 year (letter from Brazilian Consulate or letter of employment on company letterhead confirming work abroad for more than 12 months)
• Detailed inventory of new items in Portuguese
• Packing list

• Same documentation plus diplomatic credentials
• Must be in Brazil prior to shipment arrival to apply for required Brazilian documents

Specific Information

CPF number mandatory: A Brazilian CPF (tax ID) is mandatory for all shipments without exception. The CPF number must appear on the bill of lading. The address registered in the CPF must match the final destination of the shipment.

Visa must be stamped by Federal Police: Goods can only be imported after the visa is authorised by Brazilian authorities and the residence permit/visa is stamped in the passport by the Brazilian Federal Police.

Do not ship until "green light": The shipment should only be sent when all documents are complete and received by the destination agent, including the CPF number. Confirm receipt with the agent and wait for their explicit approval to ship.

Electrical/electronic items: Must be declared showing brand name, model, and serial number on the inventory and packing list.

Arrival deadline: Household goods must arrive within 180 days of the owner's arrival in Brazil. However, within 90 days is strongly preferred.

Owner presence: The client must be in Brazil at the time of customs clearance. The arrival airline ticket must be retained for presentation to customs.

Temporary admission (work visa holders): Goods are cleared under a bond and imported under temporary admission. All items must be re-exported when the client leaves Brazil.

Bond guarantee: When the suspended taxes for household goods exceed USD 45,000, the Receita Federal requires a security guarantee equivalent to the suspended taxes (including IPI, PIS, and COFINS). The guarantee is refunded when goods are re-exported before the work visa expires. Payment options: cash deposit at Caixa Economica Federal, customs insurance policy, or bank guarantee letter.

45-day rule for returning Brazilians: If a returning Brazilian citizen spent more than 45 cumulative days in Brazil in the year before their actual return with the move, they lose the tax exemption. This is a critical rule that catches many people.

Demurrage and port storage: All imports without exception, including diplomats, pay demurrage and port/airport storage charges. These are assessed on the CIF value within a period of 2 weeks of arrival.

Diplomats: Must be in Brazil before the shipment arrives. May import household appliances if owned for 6 months and appropriate to the rest of the shipment.

ISPM 15: Fumigation certificate required for all wood crates, boxes, liftvans, and containers.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Both new and used household goods and personal effects may be imported duty-free if for personal use. New items must be specifically declared as new and identified on the packing list. Undeclared new items discovered during customs inspection are subject to import duties and a fine.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs — Strictly prohibited; severe penalties
• Counterfeit goods and currency — Prohibited
• Pornographic material involving minors — Prohibited
• Weapons without authorisation — Prohibited
• Hazardous materials — Prohibited
• Items that violate intellectual property rights — Prohibited
• Cigarettes and beverages produced in Brazil for export — Prohibited for re-import

• USD 1,000 by air/sea (goods for personal/household use)
• USD 500 by land/river/lake
• Additional USD 1,000 at duty-free shops at the first landing airport in Brazil

• Alcohol — Subject to quantity limits; not specified in the household goods duty-free concession
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Strict controls; police/military authorisation required
• Medications — Personal use quantities permitted with prescription
• Exotic animals PERMIT REQUIRED — IBAMA authorisation required (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources)
• Plants and plant products PERMIT REQUIRED — Phytosanitary certificate required
• Telecommunications equipment — May require ANATEL certification

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Do not ship without agent approval. This is the single most important rule for Brazil. Wait for the destination agent's explicit "green light" confirming all documents (including the CPF number on the OBL) are in order before shipping. Premature shipping causes severe delays and costs.

CPF on the OBL: Non-negotiable. The CPF number must appear on the bill of lading for all importers without exception.

Weight and measurement: OBL must show weight in kilograms and volume in cubic metres. Pounds and cubic feet are not accepted.

Bond clearance: All work visa shipments are cleared under a bond (temporary admission). The bond must be managed and renewed throughout the visa period.

Port charges: Demurrage and storage charges begin quickly (within 2 weeks) and apply to all shipments including diplomatic.

Routing / port of entry: Santos (Sao Paulo state — Brazil's largest port), Rio de Janeiro, Paranagua, and other major ports for sea freight. Guarulhos International Airport (Sao Paulo), Galeao International Airport (Rio de Janeiro), and Brasilia International Airport for air freight.

ISPM 15: Fumigation certificate required for all wood packaging materials.

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL). Foreign exchange is regulated. The Receita Federal handles all customs matters.

Regulatory Updates

• 2026 (CONFIRMED): MAPA now requires an import permit for dogs and cats applied for via the SISCOMEX system, contradicting the official MAPA PDF (linked in Section 3 and Quick Links) which still states no permit is required for these species. This is confirmed across multiple independent pet relocation specialists as of May 2026. Processing takes 3-4 weeks and must be completed before the health certificate is issued. Advise clients to apply for the permit immediately upon confirming the move date.
• Ongoing: Receita Federal continues to digitise customs processes. The CPF requirement and bond system remain unchanged.
• Mercosur: Brazil is a founding member. Preferential tariff treatment applies to goods from Mercosur member states (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and associate members).