Brazil can cut the import tariff on online buys up to US$50 to zero
By Alexander SchekGo-to-market and sales leadership in Latin America
1 min readBrazil approved a law allowing the 20% federal tariff on online purchases up to US$50, the “taxa das blusinhas”, to be cut to zero. Between US$50 and US$3,000 it can drop from 60% to 30%, and state ICMS still applies.
Brazil has approved a law allowing the federal import tariff on online purchases of up to US$50 sent by post to be reduced to zero. This is the 20% charge known as the “taxa das blusinhas”.
For purchases above US$50 and up to US$3,000, the law allows the Finance Minister to reduce the import tariff from 60% to 30%. The applicable treatment can depend on the import channel and the platform’s participation in the Receita Federal compliance program.
The government can also limit purchase quantities and frequency to prevent split orders and imports intended for resale.
Brazilian business groups opposed the change, arguing that it gives foreign sellers, especially those from China, an unfair advantage and puts local jobs at risk.
The federal import tariff is one part of the cost. ICMS continues to apply, with rates set by the states and the Federal District.
Sources: Lei nº 15.502, September 10, 2026, full text (LegJur); Brasil de Fato, Lula signs the exemption of the taxa das blusinhas, September 10, 2026; Diario de Pernambuco, the federal charge ends but state ICMS continues
Publication: Originally published on my professional LinkedIn on October 14, 2026.