Shopping abroad: find out what you can bring without being taxed

Are you traveling abroad and want to take advantage of the opportunity to do some shopping? Then pay attention to the rules and what you can bring back from your trip without being taxed!

Traveling abroad is a great opportunity to buy products that are not available or are more expensive in Brazil. However, you need to be aware of the import rules to avoid unpleasant surprises at customs. In this post, we will detail what you can bring from abroad without being taxed, how the international purchase quota works, and what the procedures are for declaring items that exceed this limit.

Import rules in Brazil

Upon returning to Brazil, travelers must pass through customs, where their belongings may undergo inspection. The IRS establishes specific import rules regarding what you can bring from abroad without paying taxes. These rules serve to control the entry of products and ensure that imports follow the country's standards.

What can you bring without entering the quota?

Some items are tax-exempt and do not count toward the $1.000,00 quota that is currently the amount allowed for overseas purchases. These items include:

• Goods for personal use or consumption – products such as clothing, footwear, hygiene and beauty products, and other personal items purchased during the trip. These goods must be compatible with the duration and purpose of the trip and in quantities that do not constitute trade;

• Books, pamphlets and newspapers – There are no restrictions on the value or quantity of books, pamphlets and newspapers you can bring into Brazil;

• Consumer goods during the trip – food products, beverages, cigarettes and cigars in limited quantities, as long as they are for personal consumption.

How can I prove that it is a personal item?

It is important to remember that personal items are those that you use during the trip and that are compatible with the duration and purpose of the trip. Examples include clothing, footwear, hygiene and beauty products, a cell phone and other personal electronic devices.

Therefore, these items must show signs of use to be considered personal property. For example, clothing and shoes must be out of their original packaging and show signs of use. Cell phones and electronics must be configured and out of their original packaging.

How does the international shopping quota work?

Travelers have a tax exemption quota of up to US$ 1.000,00 (or the equivalent in another currency) on goods purchased abroad. This amount is individual and non-transferable, and applies to both purchases made in physical stores and in duty free shops (Duty Free) abroad or upon landing in Brazil.

In addition to respecting the US$1.000,00 quota, you must be aware of the item quantity limits, which are:

• Alcoholic beverages: up to 12 liters;
• Cigarettes: up to 10 packs, with 20 units each;
• Cigars or cigarillos: up to 25 units;
• Tobacco: up to 250 grams;
• Other products: less than US$ 10, up to 20 units, maximum 10 identical (by air or sea);
• Other products: over US$ 10, up to 20 units, maximum 3 identical (via land, river or lake).

Can I bring a cell phone from abroad?

This is one of the most common questions and, yes, you can bring a cell phone from abroad. It can be considered a personal item, but it must be in use during the trip and be compatible with the purpose and duration of the trip.

In this case, the cell phone will not be included in the $1.000,00 quota. However, if you buy a new cell phone and bring it in its original packaging, it will count towards the quota.

What happens if you exceed the values?

If the items purchased abroad exceed the US$1.000,00 allowance, the traveler must pay a 50% tax on the excess amount. For example, if you spend US$1.200,00 on products, you must pay 50% on the excess US$200,00, resulting in a tax of US$100,00.

How to declare?

When you arrive in Brazil, you have two options: to declare or not to declare. If you choose to declare, you must fill out the Electronic Declaration of Travelers' Goods (e-DBV), available on the Federal Revenue website or at self-service kiosks at airports. It is important to declare all goods that exceed the quota to avoid fines and seizures.

If you choose not to declare and are caught with items that exceed the quota, in addition to the 50% tax on the excess amount, you will be subject to a 50% fine on the amount that should have been declared.

What can't you bring as luggage?

In addition to the value restrictions, there are products that cannot be brought as luggage, regardless of quantity or value. These products include:

• Medicines in commercial quantities – only medicines for personal use;

• Products of animal or vegetable origin without health certification – to bring these products, it is necessary to present certification from the competent body in the country of origin;

• Weapons and ammunition – permitted only with prior authorization from the Brazilian Army;

• Counterfeit products – any product that violates intellectual property rights;

• Dangerous items – products that pose a risk to flight safety or public health, such as explosive or radioactive materials.

Tips to avoid problems at customs

If you want to avoid any problems when making purchases abroad, some tips are essential. First of all, check the updated rules of the Federal Revenue Service before traveling, as they may change.

And whenever you buy something, keep the receipts. products purchased abroad to facilitate verification of values ​​and origin. Remember to avoid exaggeration, bringing large quantities of products can be considered commerce and result in severe penalties.

Furthermore, distribute items purchased abroad Packing items between family members' suitcases is a common practice to avoid excess baggage or exceeding the exemption allowance, but it can cause complications. Each traveler has an individual allowance of US$1.000,00, and items must be declared individually. This practice can result in fines and taxes on excess amounts if items are not declared properly.

Traveling abroad can be a great opportunity to purchase new products. With planning and being aware of the rules, you can enjoy shopping abroad without any worries! Check out also 8 travel apps you need on your phone, with these apps you can stay more prepared and organized for your next adventures!