Receita Federal aumenta fiscalização de compras internacionais para aumentar arrecadação do governo.

Receita Federal will increase customs control for international purchases made on websites such as AliExpress, Shein, and Shopee. This measure aims to increase government revenue and combat irregularities. Although the exemption limit for tax-free purchases of up to $50 between individuals has been maintained, all purchases above that amount will be subject to a 60% taxation on the total value, including shipping and insurance.

Additionally, if the purchase exceeds $500, ICMS (tax on the circulation of goods and services) will also be charged, varying from 17% to 25% depending on the state. The government had considered the removal of the exemption as one of the measures to discourage retailers from sending their sales as individual packages between individuals to avoid the incidence of taxes. However, the negative repercussions prompted the government to backtrack on the decision.

The increase in customs surveillance is expected to affect the prices of Chinese imports. So far, the Federal Revenue Service emphasizes that surveillance will be stricter, and the exporter will have to provide an advanced declaration with their and the buyer’s data, as well as the product data. More information on this matter will become available through an imminent provisional measure.

In practice, this means that the final price of imported products may double once the monitoring is in place. The tax is calculated based on the product price, shipping, and insurance, as usual. However, the new measure includes ICMS, which varies depending on the state.

CNN Brasil made calculations based on what is known so far about the new measures to provide some examples of their impact. If someone bought a $40 dress (about R$200 in current exchange rates), the import tax (60%) would be $24 (about R$120). Therefore, the final bill would be at least R$340.

For more expensive purchases, like a videogame that costs about $540 (R$2,700), the final value would be calculated by adding the product’s price, 60% import tax, and the ICMS percentage. In São Paulo (where ICMS is 18%), for instance, the final amount would be US$1,019.52 (about R$5,097.60), while in Minas Gerais (where ICMS is 25%), it would be R$5,400, twice the price of the product.

Many Brazilians rely on Chinese imports through online shopping platforms, but since customs surveillance will become stricter, the prices of these foreign products are likely to rise substantially. The government hopes that this measure will combat fraudulent practices and increase revenue by taxing higher-value purchases.

While the government’s decision to maintain the limit of tax-free purchases up to $50 benefits consumers, those who regularly purchase more expensive items from foreign websites may feel a pinch in their pockets. For business owners and e-commerce entrepreneurs, the increase in taxation and customs control for international purchases could hamper business development and profits.

Therefore, it is essential to keep track of the upcoming provisional measure and adjust the e-commerce business strategies accordingly. For individuals, alternatives such as buying from Brazilian online stores or importing products from countries other than China may be viable options. Nonetheless, it is critical to be aware of the tax and customs regulations to avoid unexpected expenses.

In conclusion, the increase in customs surveillance for international purchases on websites such as AliExpress, Shein, and Shopee may significantly affect Brazil’s e-commerce scene. While the government’s objective is to combat fraudulent practices and increase revenue, the higher taxation may hinder business development and reduce consumers’ purchasing power. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes proactively.