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Shipping from China to Brazil
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In the first half of 2025, China exported US$35.69 billion worth of goods to Brazil, a 22.2% increase from the previous year. Major exports included electronic equipment, machinery, steel, and cars.
If you are planning to export products to Brazil and want to maintain good profit margins, it is important to understand the shipping process from China to Brazil. We have put together a simple guide to help you through each step, with practical shipping tips, key customs advice for Brazil, and suggestions for getting the best freight rates.
Brazil Import Duties and Taxes in 2025
| Tax / Tax Type | Description | Typical Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (II) | Federal import duty applied on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) | 10% – 35% (depending on product category) |
| IPI Tax (Industrialized Product Tax) | Federal tax on industrialized goods, including imports | 0% – 15% |
| ICMS (State VAT / Circulation Tax) | State-level value-added tax applied on imports | 17% – 19% (varies by state) |
| Ex-Tarifário / Ex-Tariff Relief | Reduced duty for capital equipment, ICT, or machinery with no local production | ~2% (temporary, applies only if approved) |
Tax Notes：
- Tax amounts are usually calculated cumulatively (II → IPI → ICMS).
- Final tax rate depends on the product’s NCM classification.
- Some equipment may qualify for Ex-Tarifário, reducing Import Duty to around 2%.
Different Shipping services from China to Brazil
Ocean Freight from China to Brazil
Sea freight from China to Brazil offers an economical option for shipping goods, providing ample space for large or heavy items. Steel, household goods, automotive components, electronics, and machinery are all well-suited to this mode of transport. Common ports of destination in Brazil include Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and Vitória, while principal Chinese ports are Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen. The voyage typically takes 30 to 45 days.
Air Freight from China to Brazil
Air freight is a preferred option for shipping goods from China to Brazil when fast and flexible delivery is required. It is well-suited for electronics, product samples, urgent spare parts, and other high-value items that need quick turnaround. Major export airports in China include Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an. In Brazil, most shipments arrive at São Paulo Guarulhos or Rio de Janeiro Galeão. Air freight typically delivers within 5 to 10 days, offering a significantly faster alternative to sea shipping.
Shipping Times from China to Brazil
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | 25-30 days |
| Air Freight | Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | 5-8 days |
| Express Shipping | Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | 2-4 days |
Please note that these are estimated times, and the actual transit time may be affected by various factors, such as weather, port congestion, customs inspections, peak seasons, etc.
Shipping costs from China to Brazil
| Shipping Mode | Starting point | Destination | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (1000+ kgs) | Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | $3-5/kg |
| LCL | Shanghai | Port of Rio de Janeiro | $180-220/CBM |
| FCL(20ft-40ft) | Shanghai | Port of Rio de Janeiro | $2,550-4,550 |
Cost of shipping 40ft container from china to Brazil
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | CNTR Size | port to port price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Port of Rio de Janeiro | 40FT | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | Port of Santos | 40FT | $2,500 |
| Shanghai | Port of Paranagua | 40FT | $2,500 |
Please note: The above prices are for reference only. For the most up-to-date pricing information, please contact freight specialists.
Shipping cost trends from China to Brazil in 2025:
Container Types for Sea Freight Shipping from China to Brazil
The most common standard dry container types include:
- 40-foot standard container (40′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 58-60 cubic meters.
- 40-foot high cube (40′ HQ): About 1 foot taller than the 40′ GP, this cube has an internal capacity of about 68-70 cubic meters and is suitable for bulky but lightweight goods.
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload | Tare Weight | 40GP | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 58-60m³ | 30,480 kg | 3,700 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40HQ | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m | 68-70 m³ | 30,480kg | 4,000kg |
- Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.
Guide to Customs Clearance in Brazil
Shipping goods from China to Brazil requires adherence to a complex system of customs regulations, tariffs, and compliance requirements. Violations can result in costly delays, fines, and in some cases, seizure of goods. Understanding the Brazil Customs clearance process and compliance is critical for companies looking to streamline the import process and avoid unnecessary risk.
Key Customs Documents Required for Brazil Imports
1. Commercial Invoice (Portuguese or certified translation)
Provides the declared value, product details, and transaction information, serving as the primary basis for duty calculation and customs verification.
2. Packing List
Details the weight, volume, and packaging of each carton, allowing customs to verify the physical cargo against the declaration.
3. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
The transport document proving the cargo has been shipped is required for cargo release and customs clearance.
4. Certificate of Origin (for MERCOSUR preferential rates)
Confirms the origin of the goods so they can qualify for MERCOSUR tariff reductions or preferential duty rates.
5. Import License (LI)
A pre-approval requirement for regulated products to ensure compliance with Brazilian safety and technical standards.
6. RADAR License (Brazil Federal Revenue)
Mandatory registration that authorizes an importer to legally conduct import and export activities in Brazil.
7. NCM Classification (8-digit tariff code)
Determines the correct duty rate, taxes, and regulatory requirements for the product during customs clearance.
Red Channel Triggers:
- Mismatched weights or vague product descriptions
- Incorrect NCM codes
- Missing certifications (INMETRO, ANATEL for electronics)
Delays: Red channel inspections add 2-6 weeks to clearance time.
Customs Clearance Process in Brazil
1. Importer / Broker Registration
- The importer or their customs broker must be registered in the Brazilian SISCOMEX system.
- If the goods are regulated, an Import License (LI) must be obtained before clearance.
2. Submit the Import Declaration (ID)
- The importer files the Import Declaration in SISCOMEX, declaring product details, value, quantity, and origin.
- Required documents, including the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List, must be attached.
3. Payment of Duties and Taxes
- Once the Import Declaration is registered, the applicable import duties and federal taxes must be paid (excluding certain taxes like state-level ICMS).
Prior to completion of the inspection, goods are temporarily stored in customs-bonded warehouses (costs borne by the importer, approximately $50-100 per day per container).
4. Customs Channel Selection
- The system assigns the shipment to a customs channel (Green, Yellow, Red, or Grey) based on risk analysis.
- Each channel determines whether the cargo is automatically released, document-checked, or physically inspected.
5. Document and/or Physical Inspection
- If assigned to a non-Green channel, customs officers review documents or inspect the cargo physically.
- Inspection typically takes 1–15 days, depending on cargo type and requirements.
6. Clearance Approval & Cargo Release
- After all documents are verified, duties paid, and inspections cleared, customs releases the shipment for delivery.
7. Time Limits & Abandonment Risk
- If the importer fails to start the clearance process within the legal timeframe, the cargo may be considered “abandoned” and subject to auction or destruction.
Common Risks to Avoid
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Wrong NCM (HS) code classification
- Missing Import License or required certifications (such as INMETRO / ANATEL)
- Delays caused by Red or Grey channel inspections
Key Ports in China and Brazil for Shipping
| Country | Port | Key Features | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Shanghai | World’s busiest container port, advanced logistics technologies. | Ideal for high-volume international shipments. |
| China | Shenzhen | Specializes in electronic and high-tech exports, near Hong Kong. | Tailored logistics services for electronic industries. |
| China | Guangzhou | Critical hub for southern China, extensive international connections. | Connects southern China to numerous international routes. |
| Brazil | Santos | Largest port in Brazil, handles the majority of container traffic. | Central to Brazil’s import activities and distribution. |
| Brazil | Rio de Janeiro | Vital for the southeastern markets, robust infrastructure for heavy imports. | Streamlined customs processes for efficient imports. |
| Brazil | Itajaí | Efficient in handling perishables, serves southern Brazil. | Critical for food products and perishables shipments. |
How to Ship from China to Brazil: Brief Steps
For beginners, it is advisable to work with a professional freight forwarder. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
Start by partnering with an experienced international freight forwarder who understands the logistics and compliance requirements for China–Brazil trade. At Hongocean, we are a Chinese freight forwarding company specializing in helping SMBs and e-commerce companies transport goods efficiently and economically.
Step 2: Select the Right Mode of Transportation
Choose a shipping method based on your cargo’s size, urgency, and budget:
- Air Freight: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Delivery typically takes 2–5 days.
- Sea Freight (FCL or LCL): Best for bulk shipments. It’s more cost-effective but slower, with a transit time of 20–45 days.
- Express Services (FedEx, UPS, DHL): Suitable for small, high-value parcels that need fast delivery but at a higher cost.
Step 3: Arrange Pickup
Please coordinate with your freight forwarder or carrier to arrange for the pickup of the goods from your supplier, factory, or warehouse and their transportation to the designated port or airport.
Step 4: Prepare Required Export and Import Documents
Accurate documentation is key for smooth customs clearance. Common documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin(if required)
- Bill of Lading(B/L) for sea freight or Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments
Working with a freight forwarder that offers customs brokerage services can help reduce errors and delays during clearance.
Step 5: Calculate Duties and Taxes
Use the Brazil HS code to estimate applicable import duties and taxes. You can verify this information using the Brazil Customs Authority or third-party tariff lookup tools.
Step 6: Complete Brazil Customs Clearance
Goods must complete customs clearance before entering Brazil. This includes submitting all required documents, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin, and paying any applicable duties and taxes. Shipments containing food, pharmaceuticals, or hazardous materials may also require inspection or health certificates.
Step 7: Schedule Final Delivery
Once the shipment clears customs, arrange for last-mile delivery to the final destination—whether it’s a business address, warehouse, or customer location. Your freight forwarder or a local logistics provider can assist with this step.
Freight Forwarders from China to Brazil
Why do we need a freight forwarder?
The primary advantage of using a freight forwarder is cost reduction. In today’s world of diversified logistics and growing volumes of goods, freight forwarding is vital. Cross-border trade is mainly carried out by sea and air. In contrast to land transportation, import and export customs clearance procedures require specialized knowledge and extensive technical know-how. Outsourcing the work to a freight forwarder can significantly reduce costs compared to accumulating the relevant knowledge and know-how on your own.
Responsibilities of a freight forwarder
Freight forwarders play a vital role in the logistics industry, helping companies optimize their freight processes and ensure an efficient supply chain. Freight forwarders perform the following duties:
- Shipping management: Freight forwarders are responsible for coordinating the entire shipping process, from selecting the mode of transportation, to loading and unloading cargo to tracking the transportation route.
- Customer advice and support: Freight forwarders provide detailed information on regulations, customs procedures and shipping-related requirements, helping companies to comply with the law and optimize costs.
- Documentation handling: Freight forwarders ensure that necessary documentation such as invoices, bills of lading, import/export licenses and customs documents are in order to help shipments move smoothly.
- Coordinating and bridging the transportation process: Freight forwarders act as a bridge between companies and carriers, warehouses and related parties to ensure that cargo arrives at the right place on time.
- Problem solving: when problems such as delays, lost cargo or procedural difficulties arise, freight forwarders quickly find solutions to protect their clients’ interests.
- Optimizing Transportation Costs: With an extensive network of relationships, freight forwarders can help companies negotiate reasonable freight rates and utilize economical transportation solutions, especially for smaller combined shipments.
How to choose the best freight forwarding company
In order to ensure smooth transportation of goods, companies need to choose a reputable and quality freight forwarding company. The following are important criteria to help businesses choose the right freight forwarding partner:
- Experience and expertise: Freight forwarders with years of experience in the industry are usually experienced and flexible enough to respond to unexpected situations. Give preference to a company with extensive experience in the areas or freight routes your business requires, such as a freight forwarder specializing in refrigerated or dangerous goods.
- Extensive network: Freight forwarders need to have well-established relationships with shipping lines, seaports, and customs. An extensive network of domestic and international contacts not only helps to solve problems quickly but also ensures more efficient transportation.
- Reasonable cost of services: The total cost of transportation and related services is an important factor in evaluating a freight forwarder. Companies should compare the price lists of different organizations and choose a company that offers competitive costs and provides value commensurate with the quality of its services.
- Facilities and service attitude: A reliable freight forwarding company usually has modern facilities and a professional service attitude. An enthusiastic team of staff who are always available to answer customer queries is also a sign of their commitment to meeting customer needs.
- Diversification of services: In addition to freight forwarding, reputable freight forwarders usually offer additional services such as customs clearance, warehousing, and international trade consulting. This not only helps companies to optimize their supply chain, but also saves time in logistics handling.
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