Shipping from Brazil to USA: The Complete Guide

In this guide, you will find all the useful information about shipping from Brazil to USA.

Whether you want to estimate cost, learn about customs clearance, drop shipping service or ocean freight services – you will find all information right here.

Keep reading to learn more.

Ocean Freight from Brazil to USA

Seaports in Brazil

Benefits of Ocean Freight from Brazil to USA

Ocean Freight is a cheaper or economical mode of transporting shipment from Brazil to USA.

Most of Brazil’s economic hubs are located within the radius of the major ports.

Both USA and Brazil have efficiently functioning ports.

Most courier services provide Ocean Freight services for shipping from Brazil to USA.

Limitations of Ocean Freight from Brazil to USA

Shipping using Ocean Freight from Brazil to USA will take longer compared to using Air Freight.

For example, shipping from Rio de Janeiro to Houston using LCL Ocean Freight will take 50 days, while using Air Freight will only take 6 days.

For this reason, use of Ocean Freight from Brazil to USA is limited in cases of:

Urgency of delivery.

Transportation of perishable goods such as flowers.

Main Ports of Origin in Brazil

Below is a table summary of major ports in Brazil capable of container handling and are used for shipping to USA.

Other ports that you can also use for shipping to the USA include:

Port Itapoá – third-largest container handling port in Brazil. Located in Santa Carina

Port of Itajai – second-largest container movement port in Brazil. Also located in Santa Carina

Navegantes – a private port focusing on refrigerated container cargo.

Ports of Destination in USA

Below is a table showing major ports of destination in USA.

Other than the ports mentioned in the table, below is a list of other destination ports you can use when transporting goods from Brazil to the USA via ocean:

• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Charleston
• Houston
• Mobile
• New Orleans
• New York
• Norfolk
• Oakland
• Port Everglades
• San Francisco
• Tacoma

LCL Shipping from Brazil to USA

The Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) or groupage is a preferred mode of shipment when the consignment only takes part of the container.

Meaning, one consignment is shipped along with other consignments in the same container.

You can opt for LCL shipping from Brazil to the USA if:

• You do not have an alternative option of Air Freight.
• There is no urgent need of the goods in the USA
• Ocean Freight is your preferred mode of transport.
• You are ok with your goods being transported in a shared container.
• Your consignment’s total volume is 14 cubic meter or less.

However, do not use LCL when you are:

• Transporting a consignment of perishable or short-shell-life goods such as flowers.
• Transporting delicate goods. LCL shipping involves frequent movement of the shipments which may cause damage to your goods if they are delicate.

FCL Shipping from Brazil to USA

Full Container Load (FCL), as its name suggests, means that the shipment fully occupies an entire container. Contrary to LCL, there is no grouping of shipments.

As a supplier from Brazil to USA, you can choose to use FCL if:

• You prefer your container remains sealed up to USA.
• Your consignment’s volume is more than 14 cubic meters.
• You need your consignment to be shipped in a non-shared container due to fragility or for safety reasons.
• You have the facilities to do the loading and the sealing of the container by yourself.
• Your USA recipient has the capacity to unload the container.
• You are working with a tight delivery schedule

Air Freight from Brazil to USA

Benefits of Air Freight from Brazil to the USA

Air Freight from Brazil to the USA is a faster mode of transportation.

Preferred when transporting perishable goods or goods with a short shell life

Airfreight is a more secure mode of transportation and greatly ensures the safety of your valuables.

Also, Air Freight is useful when there is an urgent need of prompt transportation.

Lastly, Air Freight is useful in the case of an urgent need to transport your goods from Brazil to USA

Limitations of Air Freight from Brazil to USA

Air Freight is a costly mode of transportation from Brazil to USA. Its alternative, Ocean Freight, is usually considered as cheap.

Air freight cannot be used to transport bulky goods. Mostly, Air Freight is used to transport small consignments occupying around three to four pallets.

Main Airports in Brazil

The major airports in Brazil include:

Rio de Janeiro – Serving Atlanta, Miami, and Houston

Sau Paulo – Serving Miami, Atlanta, New York, Orlando, Chicago, Boston

Main Airports in USA

Here is a table summary for main airports in the USA:

The airline from Brazil to USA

The major cargo airline from Brazil to USA is the United Airlines Cargo

Transit Time from Brazil to USA

Transit time may vary depending on the transit company you are using.

An estimate of transit time via sea from Brazil to USA is shown in the table below:

Shipping via air from Brazil to the USA takes less time.

Examples of timeframes from Brazil to USA via air are shown in the table below:

Determining Cost of Shipping Cargo from Brazil to USA

The cost of shipping cargo from Brazil to USA varies depending on:

Shipping Company

Different shipping companies charge different fees for shipping.

However, the disparity in the fees is not so huge.

The fee charged is normally tied to the reputation of the shipping company, the urgency your cargo is treated with, and the reliability of the company.

Mode of Transportation Used

It will be more costly to ship cargo from Brazil to USA using air freight as compared to sea freight.

Generally, air transport is expensive and is mostly used in urgent situations.

Type of Good or Cargo

The type of cargo or good you are shipping also determines the cost of shipping.

For example, assuming you are shipping goods classified as dangerous goods is more expensive than shipping normal goods.

This is due to the fact that dangerous goods have to adhere to certain regulations and tests which are charged, adding to the shipping cost.

Also, perishable goods may be costly to ship since they are mostly transported using air freight.

Incoterms Used

Incoterms largely determine the cost of shipping.

An incoterm that requires the seller to cover the shipping cost will make shipping cheaper for the buyer and costly to the seller.

Customs Duty Charged

The customs duty charged will also directly determine the total cost of shipping.

However, for most countries including Brazil, the USA charges the lowest custom tariffs in the world.

Get a Quotation

Importantly, if you want to get quotations of how much it will cost you to you can visit the websites of various shipping companies.

Most of the freight companies have automated systems that will give you the exact quotation in real-time.

For example FedEx quotation of shipping a 45Kg package from Nova Nazaré, Brazil; to Independence, United States will cost you R$ 4,504.32.

How Customs Clearance Works when Shipping from Brazil to USA

Custom clearance is a critical process when shipping from Brazil to USA.

 Custom clearance

Customs Clearance Process in Brazil

Similar to other countries, there is a strict prohibition of the import and export of some goods.

Such commodities include wild animals, counterfeit or pirated goods, drugs, weapons, goods threatening public order, and firearms replicas.

Considering Brazil as an exporter in this case, you will need to pay export duty for nationalized goods or goods produced in Brazil.

To get an export clearance, it is mandatory that you:

• Register with the Secretariat for Foreign Trade (SECEX)
• Own a registration number from the national tax register (CGC) or the national register of persons (CPF)
• Have the primary document for export custom clearance, which is the export declaration
• Have all the necessary documentations including details of products exported, certificate of origin, invoices, licenses, and a proof of order of the export commodity
• Have a declaration for agricultural products, importantly GMOs

The key Quality Control Organizations in Brazil that will determine the quality of your export merchandise are:

• National Institute of Standardization
• Brazilian Association of technical standards
• National Council of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (CONMETRO)

Customs Clearance in the USA

As an importer in the USA, you will need to comply with the guidelines issued by the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Upon the arrival of a consignment in any USA port of entry; the consignee, purchaser, or owner; submits entry documents of the merchandise to the port director.

The goods have to be authorized by CBP and relevant duties paid for it to legally enter USA.

Some goods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must be cleared by the FDA.

Some important documents you will have to file for your merchandise to enter USA include:

• Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533)
• Evidence of Right to make an entry
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list if needed

As an exporter or a seller, you can observe the following if you want your merchandise to get faster clearance in the USA:

• Your customs invoice should include all the necessary information.
• Make your data clear and easy to understand.
• Mark and number each package for easy reference
• Comply with the provision of the special law by the USA.

For example, all food substances must comply with FDA standards.

• Adhere to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) packing standards.
• Ensure the security of your goods so as to eliminate any chance of smuggling within your goods.
• Observe all instructions including packaging, labeling, marking, invoicing etc.
• When using a broker, choose a firm that participates in the Automated Broker Interface (ABI)

When importing samples to USA, here are some options to note:

• Duty Free Consumption entries – for samples not valued over 1$ and small amount consumption samples including alcohol and tobacco.

This option exempts the samples from any duties. However, the stipulated entry requirements of consumption goods are still applicable.

• Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) – samples enter USA under a bond, which is an agreement by the importer that the samples will be destroyed after a given time-period.

This options also allows duty-free entry of the samples into the

USA

• ATA (Temporary Admission) Carnet – It is mandatory to indicate that the good is a free sample and should not be commercialized.

Documents you need when Shipping from Brazil to USA

You will need the following documents when shipping from Brazil to USA:

Commercial Invoice

 Commercial invoice

The invoice should comply with CBP regulations between Section 141.86 to 141.89 and signed by the shipper or seller.

Notably, importers and brokers participating in the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) may choose to transmit the invoice data through the Automated Invoice Interface or EDIFACT.

If they opt for this option, they may do away with the paper work.

A commercial invoice essentially contains the following information as per the Tariff Act:

• The destined port of entry of the merchandise
• For a merchandise a sold merchandise or a merchandise agreed to be sold – the place, time, name of the seller, and buyer’s name. If consigned – the time of shipping, origin of the shipment, and names of the receiver and shipper.
• Quantities of the products in both weight and measures.
• For sold or agreed to be sold items – the price of each product in the currency which it is to be or has been sold.
• All charges upon the commodity including insurance, freight, commission, cost of packing, containers, and coverings.
• All drawbacks, rebates, and bounties allowed during exportation
• The country of origin.
• All services or goods used in the production of the merchandise and have not been included in the invoice price.

Below are some key points you should note concerning commercial invoice:

• It should be written in English or be attached with a relevant English translation.
• If the commercial invoice fails to disclose the measure or weight of the merchandise, the importer will be liable to pay charges for the weighing and measurements.
• If the invoice is more than one page, you should promptly number the pages at the bottom face of each page.
• In the case of more than one invoice in the same entry and in multiple pages, the numbering should appear as: Inv.1, p.1; Inv. 2, P.2, etc.

Other custom clearance documents you will require are listed in the table below:

Other relevant documentation you will require for specific products are:

• Dangerous Goods Certificate
• Health Certificate
• Radiation Certificate
• Electronic Export Certificate
• Quarantine/ Phytosanitary Certificate
• Fumigation Certificate
• Product catalog or manual
• Product specification Certificate
• Inspection Certificate
• Dock and Warehouse receipt

Importantly, when importing FDA-regulated products into the USA, you must ensure that your merchandise strictly adheres to the FDA standards for a fast clearance.

Using Courier Services in Shipping from Brazil

A major positive of using courier services is that it eliminates the aspect of warehousing.

Courier companies ensure immediate delivery of the merchandise to the buyer or intended destination.

Also, most courier companies provide an online management system. This way, you will able to track your shipment and know its status.

When shipping from Brazil, there are a number of courier companies you can use.

Here is a list of some courier services you can use in no particular merit order:

• Dwarka Courier
• Eurosender
• Eeelway
• FedEx Brazil
• Shipa Freight
• DHL Brazil
• UPS
• Parcel Monkey
• TNT

All the above courier services provide a quotation of the total amount it will cost to ship your merchandise.

The couriers strictly adhere to international standards, making them a faster and more convenient way to get customs clearance.

Couriers are considered as hassle-free transportation means in the export and import world.

Restricted Item to Import from Brazil to U.S.A

There are a number of products that are restricted in the USA.

Absinthe

Bringing in Absinthe to the USA is restricted by:

• 21 C.F.R 172.510 regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• 27 C.F.R Parts 13.51, 5.42(a), and 5.65 regulations of the Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

These regulations stipulate that:

• ‘Absinthe’ cannot be a brand name.
• The graphics/ artwork should not portray images of psychotropic, Mind-altering or hallucinogenic effects.
• Absinthe should have not more than 10 parts per million of ‘thujone’.

Alcoholic Beverages

These are restricted by the laws of the state of destination.

These laws will govern the number of alcoholic beverages you can import.

Automobiles

All automobiles being imported into the U.S. must meet the theft prevention, bumper, and safety standards as outlined by the U.S Department of Transportation.

Also, the automobiles must adhere to the fuel-emission requirement set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Meaning, all foreign vehicles inclusive of cars, vans, and sport utility vehicles; being imported must be customized as per the U.S standards.

Biological

When importing biological specimens such as arthropods, bacterial cultures, birds, culture medium, mollusks, livestock tissues, plants, and viruses for pharmaceutical or biological usage; you may need a permit from a Center of Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Cultural Property and Cultural Artefacts

When importing cultural artifacts/art/antiquities, also referred to as ethnological and archeological materials, you need to have an export permit from the country of origin.

In this case, the country of origin is Brazil.

An attempt to smuggle such properties or artefacts may invoke some U.S. laws such as U.S. National Stolen Property Act.

Military Classified and Unclassified Items

Items such as blueprints, software or technology, design plans, blueprints, and technical information; containing military information; require licensing before exportation to the U.S.

A breach of this requirement may lead to the seizure of the materials by the CBP.

Firearms

Importation of all weapons and ammunition to the U.S is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF).

If you plan to import ammunition or weapons into the U.S. you need to do so using a licensed dealer, manufacturer or importer.

Fish and Wildlife

If you plan to import Fish or Wildlife from Brazil to the U.S, make prior consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

You will need a permit from FWS to import every ivory type, with an exception of warthog ivory.

Prohibited Good to Ship from Brazil to the USA

Some of the prohibited imports to the USA include:

Prohibited imports to the USA

Dog or Cat Fur

Importation, exportation, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, or selling products containing cat or dog far is illegal in the U.S. according to November 9, 2000, Dog and Cat Protection Act.

A violation of the provision will attract a fine of up to $10,000 for knowing and intentional violation; $5,000 for gross negligent violations; and $3,000 for negligent violation.

Drug Paraphernalia

It is legally prohibited to import, export, manufacture, sell or transport drug paraphernalia.

A violation of this may attract fines or imprisonment.

However, you are permitted to bring in drug paraphernalia if prescribed for genuine medical conditions such as diabetes.

Endangered Wildlife Species

Any endangered wildlife species or materials made from the species are in most cases prohibited from being exported or imported

Photographic Films

Although rarely examined by the CBP, importation copies of materials containing child pornography are prohibited in the U.S.

Soil

Importation of soil to the U.S. from any country is prohibited unless accompanied by an authentic importation permit.

Quality Standard Requirements before Shipping from Brazil to the USA

Brazil, similar to the USA, is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Consequently, both countries have similar quality standards.

The U.S quality standards are determined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

ANSI gives two classifications of standards that commodities from Brazil bound to the USA must comply with, that is: compulsory and voluntary standards

a) Compulsory Standards

The National Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality System (Sinmetro)

Established in December 11, 1973, by Decree-Law no. 5966; Sinmetro’s aim is to develop a technological infrastructure that can assess the conformity of services, quantity, and products.

It is a system comprised of private and public entities performing metrological, industrial quality, certification, and standardization activities in Brazil.

The National Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality Council (Conmetro)

Conmetro is the inter-ministerial entity serving as the regulatory body for Sinmetro.

It is chaired by Brazil’s Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services (MIDC), and Inmetro serves as it Executive Secretariat.

It has six advisory committees namely:

• Brazilian Metrology Committee (CBM)
• Brazilian Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (CBTC)
• Brazilian Regulatory Committee (CBR)
• Codex Alimentarius Committee of Brazil (CCAB)
• Brazilian Standardization Committee (CBN)
• Brazilian Committee on Conformity Assessment (CBAC)
• Consumer Protection Code

In accordance to Decree-Law no.8078 of September 11, 1990; the code works to protect the rights of consumers.

As well as oversee the interaction and responsibilities between the consumer and the supplier.

Consequently, putting in place the standards of behaviors, time periods, and applicable penalties in case of violation.

Inmetro Regulatory Guidelines

It is directed at making Inmetro’s regulatory process transparent and official, in accordance with national and international accepted standards.

Therefore, leading to effective and efficient adoption and applications of the regulations within its legal coverage.

b) Voluntary Standards

The Brazilian Technical Standards Association (ABNT) is the body in charge of developing the voluntary standards in Brazil.

ABNT is a private-sector nonprofit entity, similar to ANSI, that coordinates, guides, and supervises the process of coming up with Brazil’s national technical standards.

The ABNT website not only contains Brazilian documents but also standards from international bodies such as API, ISO, IEC, ASME, DIN, JIS, ASTM, IEEE, NFPA, SAC, and ASME

Labeling Requirements when Shipping from Brazil to the USA

Below are the USA labeling requirements:

• Country of origin must be indicated
• Food items must list all the ingredients used, and the nutritional values of the product
• Apparel and Textile must list fiber care instructions and fiber content
• All ISO labeling standards apply
• Outline the weight and measurement of the merchandise
• Use of English in labeling is mandatory, with an optional addition of other languages.

How to Package Goods before Shipping from Brazil to the USA?

When packaging goods to be shipped to the USA observe the following:

• The containers should be strong, sealed, and a moisture absorbing.
• Provide efficient protections within the container
• Use pallets or ocean containers for packing to enable friendly handling
• Adhere to all ISO packaging standards for various goods

Incoterms to use in Shipping from Brazil to USA

International Commercial Terms, or Incoterms, are three word abbreviations that outline the duties and rights of an exporter and an importer.

The duties defined are in terms of the mode of transport, loading, insurance, and delivery.

Additionally, incoterms determine the stage of risk transfer from the seller to the buyer.

The most commonly used Incoterms in Brazil are:

• EXW (EX Works)
• FCA (Free Carrier)
• FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
• FOB (Free On Board)
• CFR (Cost Insurance and Freight)
• CIF (Cost and Freight)
• CPT (Carriage Paid To)
• CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)

Below is a table summary of what the above incoterms entail.

Recommended Procedures in Dangerous Goods Shipping from Brazil to USA

First, you should use the correct packaging and transportation guidelines for dangerous goods provided by IATA and accepted worldwide.

Also, ensure you correctly label the merchandise with the Dangerous Goods Label for easy identification.

Moreover, your dangerous goods consignment should pass the various dangerous goods tests put in place to ensure safety during transportation.

Importantly, check that you have all the necessary documents permitting you to ship the dangerous goods from Brazil to USA.

Lastly, ensure that you hire the services of experienced freight forwarders or couriers who are well informed about the handling of dangerous goods

How Door to Door Shipping from Brazil to USA Works

In most cases, door to door shipping from Brazil to USA is done through couriers.

Most courier services do not put the goods they ship into a warehouse but instead deliver it to the buyer or the seller.

Door to door shipping simply means that the consignment is taken from the seller in Brazil straight to the buyer in USA.

How Drop Shipping from Brazil to USA Works?

Dropshipping is a retail model that is gaining fast popularity.

The seller does not stock the commodity he/she sells.

Instead, the seller purchases an ordered item from a third party and ships it directly to the buyer.

Drop Shipping from Brazil to the USA is just similar to those in other countries.

The goods being shipped have to comply with the customs regulations just like other normal goods.

Cheapest Option when Shipping from Brazil to the USA

Shipping costs between various courier services and freight forwarders from Brazil to the USA.

However, sea freight is considered cheaper to air freight.

The only con is that sea freight takes longer than air freight.

List of Products to Ship from Brazil to the USA

As per the 2019 statistics, the following are the topmost exported commodities from Brazil to the USA:

Payable Taxes and Duties when Shipping from Brazil to the USA

As an exporter, you will need to pay Export Duty, which is a federal tax charged on Brazilian exports nationalized or reproduced in Brazil.

The Export Duty is calculated at the point of the Export Declaration on Siscomex (Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior).

The average customs tariffs into the US is about 3.5 percent on all commodities excluding Agricultural products.

However, you may encounter higher customs tariffs if you are importing goods such as Sugars and confectionery, Dairy products, clothing, Beverages, and tobacco.

Customs duties are calculated as a percentage of the CIF value.

In summary, there are many flexible options of shipping from Brazil to the USA.

At BanSar, we provide free consultations regarding shipping from Brazil to the USA – talk to us now.