Brazil Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Brazil customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, relocation to Brazil, or importing personal effects. Brazil’s customs system is governed by the Receita Federal do Brasil and requires strict adherence to documentation, especially the CPF tax identification number.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Brazil, including expert packing, freight, customs clearance and delivery across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Recife, Salvador and beyond.

1. Moving to Brazil – Key Customs Overview

1.1 CPF – Mandatory Tax Identification Number

Every shipment entering Brazil requires the consignee to have a valid CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas). Shipments cannot be cleared without it.

Foreigners may obtain a CPF through a Brazilian Consulate
Brazilians returning home must provide their existing CPF
Name on CPF must match all documentation exactly

Important: The CPF is the #1 document customs verifies. If incorrect or missing, customs clearance will not proceed.

1.2 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Brazil allows duty-free import of used household goods for:

Brazilian citizens returning after 12+ months abroad
Foreign nationals arriving with a permanent visa
Diplomatic and official shipments

1.3 Shipment Must Be Used & Non-Commercial

Items must be used, previously owned, and clearly non-commercial. New or unopened items may attract duties.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

CPF number (mandatory)
Passport copy
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list
Residence visa or proof of long-term stay
Inventory declaration signed by owner

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Electronics must list brand, model and serial numbers
No vague categories such as “miscellaneous household goods”
New items must be declared separately
Multiple identical items risk being treated as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Brazil has one of the world’s strictest inspection environments. Organized inventories prevent re-inspection and delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Brazil

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing personal vehicles into Brazil is extremely restricted. In most cases, non-diplomatic household goods shipments cannot include vehicles.

Returning Brazilians cannot import personal vehicles duty-free
Foreign nationals usually cannot import vehicles at all
Diplomats may import vehicles with exemptions

3.2 Reasons Vehicles Are Generally Not Allowed

High import taxes (often exceeding vehicle value)
Environmental compliance requirements
Restrictions on foreign-plated vehicles

Important: It is almost always more cost-effective to purchase a vehicle locally in Brazil.

4. Bringing Pets to Brazil

Pets can be imported into Brazil, but strict veterinary rules apply under the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA).

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

International veterinary health certificate (within required timeframe)
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip recommended
Inspection upon arrival by MAPA officials

Pet Travel Tip: Brazil may refuse entry for pets with missing or improperly translated documents. Always verify the latest MAPA requirements.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted duty-free in household goods shipments to Brazil. All alcohol must be declared and will incur high duties and taxes. Undeclared alcohol is frequently seized.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared. Importation without specific authorization may result in confiscation or fines.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Brazil enforces strict rules to protect agricultural health:

No fresh or frozen food of any kind
No meat, dairy, or animal-origin food products
No seeds, grains, plants, soil or wood that is untreated
Processed, sealed foods are generally not allowed in household goods shipments

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicine must include a doctor’s letter
Chemicals require ANVISA or MAPA approval
Weapons and ammunition are strictly prohibited
Cosmetics, supplements and vitamins may require special clearance

Important: Brazil has some of the strictest agricultural and chemical controls in the region. Failure to comply can lead to delays, fines and destruction of goods.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Brazil

Brazil prohibits the import of the following items in personal effects shipments:

Firearms, ammunition and explosives
Narcotics, illegal drugs and related paraphernalia
Fresh food, perishables, plants, soil and untreated wood
Counterfeit or pirated items
Pornographic or obscene materials
Hazardous chemicals and toxic substances
Multiple identical electronics or tools (commercial suspicion)
Professional equipment without authorization

Violations may lead to confiscation, inspection delays, customs penalties or legal action. Brazil is known for strict inspections, so transparency is essential.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Brazil

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Canada to Brazil, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Obtain your CPF early — it is required for clearance
Prepare a clean, structured inventory with electronics listed by model and serial
Avoid shipping new or unopened items
Plan for longer-than-average customs clearance times in Brazil

7.2 Why choose a specialist for Brazil relocations

Brazil’s customs environment is one of the most complex globally. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Correct CPF usage and documentation
Reduced inspection risks
Guidance on restricted electronics and high-value items
Assistance managing port handling and delivery logistics across Brazil

Relocation Tip: The fastest way to delay a Brazil move is by shipping new items or providing an incomplete CPF. Ensure all documents match your passport exactly.

8. Useful Official Links – Brazil

Use these official resources for updated customs information:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Brazil. Final clearance decisions rest with the Receita Federal, MAPA and ANVISA.