Importação de Carros: Guia Completa para o Consumidor Brasileiro
Taking the Leap: Importing a Car from Another Country
When it comes to importing a car from another country, it’s not a task to be taken lightly. The process requires patience, documentation, and a significant amount of money. However, for those who are determined to bring a foreign car into Brazil, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of the process.
Before You Start: Verifying the Seller and Cadastrando no SISCOMEX
The first step in the process is to verify the seller and registration at the Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior (SISCOMEX) of the Federal Revenue. This is a mandatory step, as it ensures that the buyer is dealing with a reputable company. The registration process involves various data checks, including verifying the buyer’s income to ensure they can afford the car.
Obtaining the Necessary Licenses
Once registered, the buyer must obtain two additional licenses: the Pró-forma invoice and the Licença de Uso da Configuração do Veículo Automotor (LCVM). The Pró-forma invoice is a critical document that contains valuable information, including the seller’s and buyer’s details, the car’s characteristics, and the price. The LCVM, on the other hand, declares that the car meets the country’s emissions and noise regulations.
The Role of the IBAMA and Denatran
After obtaining the Pró-forma invoice, the buyer must seek approval from the IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) for the LCVM. The IBAMA will verify that the car meets the required standards. Once approved, the buyer must visit the Denatran (Departamento Estadual de Trânsito) to obtain the Certificado de Adequação à Legislação Nacional de Trânsito (CAT), which confirms that the car is in compliance with Brazilian traffic laws.
The Final Steps: Obtaining the Licença de Importação
With the necessary licenses in hand, the buyer can now proceed to the SISCOMEX to request the Licença de Importação. This license is essential for foreign car imports. The buyer must also pay for the car at an authorized bank agency, after which they can wait for the car to arrive in Brazil.
Tax Implications: Understanding the Cost of Importation
When the car arrives, the buyer must pay taxes, including the Imposto de Importação, PIS, and COFINS. These taxes can significantly increase the car’s price, and in some cases, the buyer may be expected to pay up to 80% of the car’s value in taxes alone.
The Alternative: Working with Importers
While importing a car can be a complex process, there is an alternative: working with importers who specialize in foreign car imports. These companies often have cars in stock and can streamline the process, reducing costs and making it easier for buyers to import their desired vehicle.
What to Expect: The Final Steps
After paying all taxes and fees, the buyer can retrieve the car from the customs office and begin the process of obtaining a Brazilian license plate, registering the vehicle, and paying any additional fees, such as the IPVA (Imposto sobre Propriedade de Veículos Automotores).
