# Rio de Janeiro international tourist tax refund initiative

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rio-de-janeiro-international-tourist-tax-refund-initiative
> Updated: 2026-10-06T15:18:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Rio de Janeiro State Finance Secretariat has initiated a bidding process to implement an international tourist ‘Tax Free’ system. This mechanism is designed to allow international visitors to receive refunds on the ICMS tax paid for purchases made within the state, provided the goods are removed from the country within 30 days.

The initiative follows advocacy from Fecomércio RJ and the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC). Projections suggest the system could increase annual international tourist spending by approximately R$ 1 billion, as research indicated that 46% of surveyed tourists would increase their spending in Brazil if such a mechanism were available. Proposals for the bidding process are due by December 2, 2026.

## Claims

- The Rio de Janeiro State Finance Secretariat published a bidding notice to hire a company to operate the Tax Free mechanism. (reported by 3 sources)
- The program allows for the restitution of ICMS tax paid by international tourists on purchases made in Rio de Janeiro. (reported by 3 sources)
- Tax restitution is valid only if goods are removed from the country within 30 days of purchase. (reported by 3 sources)
- Proposals for the bidding process can be submitted until December 2, 2026. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Tax Free measure is estimated to increase annual international tourist spending by approximately R$ 1 billion. (reported by 3 sources)
- Research indicates that 46% of tourists would increase their spending in Brazil if the Tax Free system is implemented. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Rio de Janeiro opens bidding for international tourist Tax Free system

Rio de Janeiro has opened a bidding process to implement a Tax Free system, allowing international tourists to claim ICMS tax refunds on purchases if goods leave the country within 30 days.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-opens-bidding-for-international-tourist-tax-free-system

### 2026-09-30: Angra dos Reis tourism tax remains active after TCE-RJ decision

The Rio de Janeiro State Court of Accounts has suspended its review of Angra dos Reis's Sustainable Tourism Tax, allowing collection to continue while the law's constitutionality is debated in court.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/angra-dos-reis-tourism-tax-remains-active-after-tce-rj-decision

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Cite as: Rio de Janeiro international tourist tax refund initiative. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rio-de-janeiro-international-tourist-tax-refund-initiative