Brazilian Congress delays commission on international purchase tax

The installation of a joint congressional commission to analyze Provisional Measure 1.357/2026, popularly known as the ‘taxa das blusinhas’ (blouse tax), has been postponed for a second time. The commission is tasked with reviewing the measure that allows for the elimination of import taxes on international purchases of up to US$ 50.

The delay stems from a lack of political consensus among lawmakers regarding the selection of the commission's president and rapporteur. Under procedural rules, the presidency must be held by a deputy, while the rapporteur must be a senator. Negotiations are ongoing in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to fill these roles.

While the tax suspension has been in effect since May 2026, the measure must be approved by both houses of Congress to become permanent. The next meeting for the commission is currently scheduled for September 1, which is only one week before the final deadline for the provisional measure's voting.