Brazil Ministry of Finance grants tax immunity for research imports

The Brazilian Ministry of Finance has announced new measures to ensure constitutional tax immunity for imports intended for public research projects. This applies to equipment, software, and supplies imported by support foundations on behalf of public universities, federal institutes, and public science, technology, and innovation institutions.

The initiative aims to provide legal certainty and ensure that 100% of research funds are converted into laboratory technology and supplies without losses to undue taxation. Previously, the involvement of private, non-profit support foundations in managing funds created uncertainty regarding whether the tax immunity of the public institutions would be maintained during customs procedures.

To qualify for this benefit, operations must meet specific requirements: imports must be made in the name of the public institution, funds must be moved through exclusive project accounts, assets must be immediately incorporated into the university's or institute's patrimony, and all activities are subject to oversight by the Federal Revenue Service and other control bodies.