Carrying out import operations requires planning, attention, and knowledge of the procedures required for the entry of goods into the country. One of the essential aspects that requires care is the payment of customs duties or the identification of products exempt from taxation.
In this article, we will detail what customs duties are, their purpose, the main taxes imposed on import operations in Brazil, and the products that are tax-exempt upon entry into the country.
What Are Customs Duties?
Customs duties are fees and taxes charged in the process of importing goods or services, also known as import taxes. They are applied as a percentage of the value of the cargo or the product that will be imported.
The collection of these duties serves to compensate for the loss of fiscal revenue resulting from imports and, at the same time, to protect domestic industry from external competition. In addition, customs duties can be used to promote social, economic, and regional development.
Main Products Imported by Brazil
Among the main products imported by Brazil, we can highlight:
- Chemical fertilizers or fertilizers.
- Petroleum fuel oils.
- Products of the manufacturing industry.
- Pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical products.
- Valves and thermionic tubes.
Purpose of Customs Duties
The main purpose of customs duties is to raise revenue for the governments of countries that impose these taxes. For example, when importing a product from China to Brazil, the cost of the purchase will be increased by an amount corresponding to the customs duties applied based on the weight or unit value of the product.
Products Exempt from Taxation upon Import
In some cases, the government may decree tax exemptions on the import of certain products to meet specific needs of the country or to encourage strategic areas of the economy. Some of the main reasons for tax exemptions are:
Promoting Culture
Tax exemptions on the import of cultural products can be a strategy adopted by the government to promote the country’s culture. This can include the import of artworks, books, films, educational materials, and other items related to culture and education. Tax exemptions in these cases can encourage access to culture, the dissemination of knowledge, and artistic development.
Leisure Incentives
Products related to leisure and entertainment can also benefit from tax exemptions on import. This can include items such as sports equipment, toys, games, and materials for recreational activities. Tax exemptions in these cases can encourage access to leisure, sports participation, and the development of activities that promote social well-being.
Public Health Necessities
Certain imported products may be essential for public health, such as medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and hospital supplies. In these cases, tax exemptions on import can ensure access to essential inputs for the healthcare system, aiding in disease prevention and population healthcare.
Maintenance and Strengthening of National Security
Tax exemptions on the import of products related to national security are a measure adopted by many countries to strengthen their defenses and protect their borders. This can include military equipment, security technologies, weaponry, and other items essential for national defense.
Stimulating the Development of Strategic Sectors
Another reason for tax exemptions on import is to stimulate the development of strategic sectors of the economy. The government may grant tax benefits for the import of raw materials, equipment, or inputs that are fundamental for the growth of certain industries, such as the technology industry, agriculture, renewable energy, and others.
Main Customs Duties
When conducting import operations, the main customs duties that may apply to goods are:
- Industrialized Products Tax (IPI): It is a federal tax that applies to both domestic and imported products. Its rate varies depending on the nature of the product.
- Social Integration Program (PIS) and Contribution for the Financing of Social Security (COFINS): These are federal contributions applied to the customs value of imported goods.
- Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS): It is a state tax that applies to the circulation of goods. The rate varies from state to state.
- Additional Freight for the Renewal of the Merchant Marine (AFRMM): It is a fee that applies to the freight value and is intended to finance the Merchant Marine Fund, responsible for commercial, fishing, and recreational activities on waterways.
What Is Siscomex?
Siscomex (Integrated Foreign Trade System) is a system that centralizes the main import and export operations. Whenever an import operation is registered in Siscomex, and a Single Import Declaration (DUIMP) is generated, a system usage fee is charged. The amounts of this fee vary depending on the number of additions to the declaration.
Siscomex System Usage Fee for Imports
Whenever an import operation is registered in Siscomex, and the Single Import Declaration (DUIMP) is generated, the Siscomex System Usage Fee is charged. This fee is one of the ways to finance the system’s maintenance, improvement, and modernization.
Variation of the Siscomex System Usage Fee
The amounts of the Siscomex System Usage Fee can vary depending on the number of additions made to the Single Import Declaration (DUIMP). Additions are changes, additions, or deletions of information made in the DUIMP after its initial submission.
Additions can occur in situations such as:
- Correction of incorrect information.
- Update of data about the goods.
- Inclusion of supplementary documents.
- Other situations that require correction or supplementation of the declared data.
Single Import Declaration (DUIMP)
The DUIMP is the electronic document that replaces the Simplified Import Declaration (DSI) and the Import Declaration (DI). It gathers customs, administrative, commercial, financial, tax, and fiscal information for the registration and inspection of import operations. The creation of DUIMP aims to simplify the bureaucratic process, increase efficiency, and centralize procedures in a single system.
Conclusion
Customs duties are a reality in import operations, and understanding them is essential to avoid problems and ensure efficient performance in international trade. Knowing the main taxes imposed, products exempt from taxation, and technological innovations such as DUIMP allows importers to carry out their operations more strategically, competitively, and in compliance with current legislation. Additionally, having specialized assistance in foreign trade can be an advantage for facing challenges and seizing opportunities in the global market.
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