Brazil is the largest steel structure market in Latin America. Under the Mercosur common external tariff, steel structures (HS 730890) carry an MFN import duty of about 14%, with IPI, PIS/COFINS and ICMS added on import, so the total tax burden has to be estimated at quotation stage. On the demand side, the Novo PAC investment programme totals about BRL 1.9 trillion across transport, energy and urban infrastructure, which will keep driving industrial building and warehousing construction.
Compliance and tax route in Brazil
Conformity assessment is handled by INMETRO and standards are set by ABNT. Since 2022 a new regulatory model has removed roughly 40% of products from mandatory certification, but construction and safety-related products remain regulated. On top of duty, imports attract several domestic taxes, all of which must be estimated at quotation stage.
- Confirm the mandatory certification scope and conformity route with INMETRO
- Design referencing ABNT standards (NBR 8800 for steel, NBR 6123 for wind, industry practice)
- Duty plus IPI / PIS / COFINS / ICMS estimated together at quotation stage
Climate and loads: low seismicity, high wind, heavy corrosion
Most of Brazil has low seismic risk, so seismic action is rarely governing; the south-east and southern coast are high-wind zones, and the hot, humid, salt-laden air makes corrosion protection, insulation and ventilation the design priorities.
- Wind: values from local codes in high-wind coastal zones, with denser roof and cladding fixing
- Corrosion: C2–C3 inland, C4–C5 coastal and industrial, hot-dip galvanising optional
- Insulation and ventilation: enhanced roof insulation and natural ventilation for the humid climate
- Roof drainage: designed to local storm intensity to avoid ponding
Logistics: China to Santos and other ports
Brazil’s main container ports include Santos, Paranaguá, Itajaí, Rio de Janeiro, Vitória / Tubarão and Itapoá. Knocked-down shipments with member marking arrive in stages to match the local erection contractor’s programme.
- Ocean transit about 30–40 days depending on route and port
- Main discharge ports: Santos, Paranaguá, Itajaí, Rio de Janeiro and others
- FOB / CIF / DAP terms with Brazilian customs documents
Frequently asked questions
Is duty on exports to Brazil high?
How do you handle high-wind coastal areas?
Who handles erection in Brazil?
Send the span, use, state and site conditions — we reply with a solution and budget price (with tax notes) within 48 hours.
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