How to Import from Brazil: A Complete Guide for US Businesses

All commercial shipments entering the United States must clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Importers must file a Customs Entry (CBP Form 3461 for informal entry or CBP Form 7501 for formal entry) for shipments over $800. You'll need an Importer of Record (IOR) — either your company's EIN or a licensed customs broker. The goods must comply with all applicable US regulations, including FDA rules for food and pharma, USDA requirements for agricultural products, and FCC standards for electronics. Most Brazilian exporters are experienced with US documentation requirements; ask for their export compliance records.

Core documents you'll need:
• Commercial Invoice — must include seller/buyer details, HS code, unit price, total value, and country of origin.
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill — issued by the carrier; proof of shipment.
• Packing List — itemizes contents, weights, and dimensions of each package.
• Certificate of Origin — confirms goods were produced in Brazil; required for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) duty benefits.
• Phytosanitary / Sanitary Certificate — required for agricultural goods, meat, and food products.
• ANVISA Registration — for health, pharma, cosmetic, or food supplement imports into Brazil (if exporting back). For US imports, FDA registration may be required instead.
Your customs broker can advise on product-specific documentation.

The United States imports a wide range of goods from Brazil. Top categories include:
• Agricultural commodities: soybeans, coffee, orange juice concentrate, sugar, beef, chicken
• Raw materials: iron ore, steel semi-finished products, aluminum
• Manufactured goods: aircraft (Embraer), auto parts, shoes, textiles
• Chemicals: ethanol, pulp/paper products
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of soybeans, beef, and chicken — making it a critical sourcing market for US food companies. View active Brazil–USA trade listings on TradeGlide.

US import duties on Brazilian goods depend on the product's HS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Brazil is eligible for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) duty-free benefits on thousands of product categories — but GSP status for Brazil has historically been subject to annual renewal by Congress. Check the current GSP status for your specific HS code via the USTR website or your customs broker.

Agricultural products like coffee and soybeans typically have very low or zero tariffs. Industrial goods may carry MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates of 2–10%. Steel and aluminum may face Section 232 tariffs. Always confirm your specific HS code rate before pricing a deal.

Ocean freight from Brazil to US ports takes roughly 14–22 days from São Paulo/Santos to East Coast ports (Miami, New York) and 22–30 days to West Coast (Los Angeles). Air freight is 2–4 days but significantly more expensive — typically 6–10x the cost per kg. Key Brazilian export ports include Santos (São Paulo), Paranaguá (Paraná), Itajaí (Santa Catarina), and Rio Grande (Rio Grande do Sul). Allow additional time for Brazilian customs export clearance (SISCOMEX), which typically adds 2–5 business days.

ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) is Brazil's national health regulatory agency — equivalent to the US FDA. ANVISA regulates food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and pesticides imported into Brazil. If you are a US company buying goods FROM Brazil, ANVISA matters on the Brazilian export side: your Brazilian supplier must be ANVISA-compliant and may need specific export approvals for health-regulated products.

On the US import side, your goods must meet FDA, USDA, or other applicable US standards. Your Brazilian exporter should provide relevant ANVISA certifications as part of their export documentation package.

The most common approaches are: (1) Trade shows like ANUGA (Germany) or SIAL Paris where Brazilian exporters exhibit; (2) Brazilian trade promotion agencies like ApexBrasil; (3) B2B platforms that connect US importers with verified Brazilian suppliers.

TradeGlide connects US importers directly with Brazilian exporters — no broker fees, no intermediaries. Browse active listings on the Brazil–USA corridor.