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What You Should Know (FAQs)
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What is NCM?
NCM (Nomenclature Comum do Mercosul) is a region specific (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina) number based on the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code system used by the United States and Canada. NCM classification defines the tax and licensure requirements for specific products to enter a country. All import goods require this number, registered with customs systems during the import clearance process.

Do I really need to pay attention to the color of ink on a document?
Yes, particular attention must be paid to all details on Brazil imports including labels, weight discrepancies, technical descriptions, lack of original documentation, typos, payment terms, currency discrepancies, un-manifested cargo, partial arrival, wrong code of port, and yes – the signing of a commercial invoice and master air waybill in blue ink.

What is an Importer of Record and why do I need one?
U.S. Customs Service defines the importer of record as the owner or purchaser of the goods – or, when designated by the owner, purchaser or consignee, a licensed Customs Broker. If a company does not have legal representation in a country, and for instance needs to set up after sales service warranty parts free of charge for its customers, an importer of record will act as the purchaser of the parts during the import process. This entity is liable for compliance to local legislation.

What are the top three most populated regions in Brazil?
Sao Paulo, 11,037,593; Rio de Janeiro, 6,186,710; Salvador, 2,998,056.

What is a nota fiscal (Pl. notas fiscais)?
A nota fiscal is the bill of sale in Brazil for merchandise or services rendered. It is a fiscal document, allowing the calculation and collection of taxes in accordance with local legislation. Under Brazilian law, the NF-e is replacing hard copy nota fiscals with an electronic counterpart that must be digitally signed for government submission.

Does my product require special licenses to be imported into Brazil?
Depending upon the nature of your product, specific import licenses and/or specific control agency authorization and accompanying fees may be required to import into Brazil. This is based on NCM classification. The majority of medical products require a license as well as ANVISA (National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance) authorization to import the product and parts.

Can I import Used or Refurbished products, parts and equipment into Brazil?
Yes; dependent upon the product or part and associated licenses, the application procedure may be associated with fees and additional time for importation.

Can parts be exported for repair?
Absolutely. Paperwork such as Original Import Declaration, Nota Fiscal and Technical Report with CREA Engineer will be required for products to be exported as well as a License Application.

What types of Tax ID’s are available in Brazil?
There are three types of tax identifications in Brazil:
   • CNPJ (Certificado Nacional de Pessoa Juridica) – The company registers with Federal Authorities in Brazil ·
   • IE (Inscrição Estadual) – The company registers with State Authorities in Brazil ·
   • IM (Inscrição Municipal) – The company registers with Municipalities in Brazil

My part may need to enter the country as part of a system, inside a machine – can it be imported?
Yes; proper importation will require an original import document.

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