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Brazil President Lula sanctions end to import tax on purchases up to US$ 50
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sanctioned a new law that eliminates the 20% federal import tax on international purchases of up to US$ 50, effectively ending the levy known as the ‘taxa das blusinhas’. The legislation, which originated from Provisional Measure 1.357, also reduces the import tax for goods valued up to R$ 3,000 from 60% to 30%, provided the platforms adhere to the Federal Revenue's compliance program.
While the federal import tax is being removed, state-level taxes (ICMS) will still apply to these purchases, with rates typically ranging between 17% and 20%. The new law also grants exemptions for imported medicines that have no local equivalent in Brazil. To prevent abuse, the government maintains the authority to set limits on purchase frequency and quantity to stop consumers from artificially splitting orders to exploit the lower rates.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. President Lula described the move as a ‘reparation’ and ‘justice’ for middle- and lower-income consumers. Conversely, domestic industry and retail sectors have criticized the measure, arguing it increases unfair competition from foreign e-commerce platforms. The Ministry of Finance will conduct periodic economic assessments to monitor the impact on national industry and employment.
Entities
Arthur Lira · Brazil · Brazilian Congress · Congress of Brazil · Federal Revenue · Federal Revenue of Brazil · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Ministry of Finance · National Congress of Brazil · Receita Federal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lula claimed the 20% tax was implemented against his will following a request from former Speaker Arthur Lira. www.congressoemfoco.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] State-level ICMS taxes will continue to be applied to these international purchases. www.jairsampaio.com · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.piranot.com.br · revistaforum.com.br
- [● 13 SOURCES] President Lula sanctioned the law to end the import tax on international purchases up to US$ 50. www.jairsampaio.com · www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.capitalnews.com.br · drd.com.br · +8 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The import tax for goods up to R$ 3,000 per shipment is reduced from 60% to 30%. www.jairsampaio.com · www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.capitalnews.com.br · drd.com.br · www.folhadevalinhos.com.br · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The new law requires periodic economic impact assessments by the Ministry of Finance. www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.folhadevalinhos.com.br · rapidonoar.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Ministry of Finance is authorized to adjust import tax rates and implement controls to prevent commercial resale via the simplified regime. www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.capitalnews.com.br · drd.com.br · www.folhadevalinhos.com.br · rapidonoar.com.br
- [● 7 SOURCES] The law provides an import tax exemption for medications without a domestic equivalent in Brazil. www.jairsampaio.com · www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.capitalnews.com.br · drd.com.br · +2 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The federal import tax of 20% on international purchases up to US$ 50 is now zeroed. www.jairsampaio.com · www.portalcorreiodoagreste.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.capitalnews.com.br · drd.com.br · +8 more