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Importing from China to Brazil as a European?

Anything related to sourcing or importing products.

Kokaka

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Hi all.
So I want to import 1000 toys from China to Brazil and give away to poor children this christmas.
However importing to Brazil is a little complicated especially because I'm european. I do have some friends living there who can probably help out with some of the beurocracy.
Does anyone have any tips on how to solve this?
 
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Walter Hay

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Your simplest way to deal with this is to have a friend be the importer in their name, with the Commercial Invoice being in their name. A Commercial Invoice is essential for clearing Customs.

You will need to order and pay for the toys in your friend's name. Unfortunately, unless the goods are imported by a charity registered in Brazil you will have to pay duty. Even if a registered charity imported the toys, that Brazilian Customs system would make life difficult (and costly) for them.

Corruption is a serious problem with the necessity to find whose palm to grease and getting all clearances done in time. Here is an extract from my sourcing and importing book:
"For Brazil it is very important that your freight forwarder has the right contacts, including a close relationship with a good Customs Broker. Here is where you can find a list of freight forwarders in Brazil: https://www.freightnet.com/directory/ There are quite a number of products that might be imported into Brazil, that are subject to a prior license application to the Secretariat for Foreign Trade (SECEX).

The license is valid for a ridiculously short 60 days from the date of shipment of the goods, and sometimes those 60 days begins on the date of the license application. The whole scheme seems designed to extract as much revenue as possible from importers. The period cannot be extended, and obviously is often insufficient, requiring a new license application to be made
."

Unfortunately I seriously doubt that you have any possibility of having the toys delivered in time for Christmas. I suggest transferring money to a friend to purchase and distribute toys. I know they will cost more but it is the only practical way.

Walter
 

Kokaka

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Your simplest way to deal with this is to have a friend be the importer in their name, with the Commercial Invoice being in their name. A Commercial Invoice is essential for clearing Customs.

You will need to order and pay for the toys in your friend's name. Unfortunately, unless the goods are imported by a charity registered in Brazil you will have to pay duty. Even if a registered charity imported the toys, that Brazilian Customs system would make life difficult (and costly) for them.

Corruption is a serious problem with the necessity to find whose palm to grease and getting all clearances done in time. Here is an extract from my sourcing and importing book:
"For Brazil it is very important that your freight forwarder has the right contacts, including a close relationship with a good Customs Broker. Here is where you can find a list of freight forwarders in Brazil: https://www.freightnet.com/directory/ There are quite a number of products that might be imported into Brazil, that are subject to a prior license application to the Secretariat for Foreign Trade (SECEX).

The license is valid for a ridiculously short 60 days from the date of shipment of the goods, and sometimes those 60 days begins on the date of the license application. The whole scheme seems designed to extract as much revenue as possible from importers. The period cannot be extended, and obviously is often insufficient, requiring a new license application to be made
."

Unfortunately I seriously doubt that you have any possibility of having the toys delivered in time for Christmas. I suggest transferring money to a friend to purchase and distribute toys. I know they will cost more but it is the only practical way.

Walter
Thank you so much for the input.
Yes brazil ia difficult, but I want to open business there someday so its good to learn.

Another idea to get the toys for christmas is to order to Sweden first where I live. Repack them here and send them to Brazil as a private shipment.
Is that something that could work?
 

Walter Hay

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Thank you so much for the input.
Yes brazil ia difficult, but I want to open business there someday so its good to learn.

Another idea to get the toys for christmas is to order to Sweden first where I live. Repack them here and send them to Brazil as a private shipment.
Is that something that could work?
I think the time factor may be your biggest obstacle. Transshipment through Sweden will add to the effect of current shipping delays, even if you use air freight or air courier services.

By "private shipment" I assume you mean as personal effects, but that would complicate Customs clearance in Brazil. In any case you would have to declare their full value.

Using a courier service from China direct to Brazil would be quickest and Air Courier companies would have some advantage in clearing Customs because it is routine for them. You should ask a courier company in advance about their ability to quickly clear Brazilian Customs.

Walter
 
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rsrs

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Hi all.
So I want to import 1000 toys from China to Brazil and give away to poor children this christmas.
However importing to Brazil is a little complicated especially because I'm european. I do have some friends living there who can probably help out with some of the beurocracy.
Does anyone have any tips on how to solve this?
As Walter said, you will need to import in the name of a registered charity. And even that may be a nightmare to clear customs. Another problem is regulations with children products, you'll probably need INMETRO approval (super costly and bureaucratic).

I'm from Brazil and work with importing from china (Amazon seller). So if you want please send me a private message and I can help you with this and chat about business in Brazil in general.
 

Kokaka

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As Walter said, you will need to import in the name of a registered charity. And even that may be a nightmare to clear customs. Another problem is regulations with children products, you'll probably need INMETRO approval (super costly and bureaucratic).

I'm from Brazil and work with importing from china (Amazon seller). So if you want please send me a private message and I can help you with this and chat about business in Brazil in general.
Thanks for the info.
I have alot of plans for Brazil for next year actually so good to know.
 

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