The rules of the Conforming Remittance program have been in effect since the 1st, which guarantees tax exemption for purchases of up to US$ 50 (about R$ 240, at the current exchange rate) made on foreign websites.
On Wednesday (9), news circulated on the internet about the supposed end of the exemption. The Ministry of Finance, then, released a note clarifying that it remains in force, but that the government is evaluating possible adjustments in tax collection.
:: Government creates rules for exemption of purchases on international websites::
“All the rules of the Conforming Remittance program are still valid, and negotiations continue, under the command of the ministry, regarding future adjustments in the federal rate”, declared the agency.
The Consignment Shipping program extends federal exemptions for purchases on foreign websites. Before it, only products sent and received by individuals in Brazil were exempt. Now, purchases sent directly by companies such as Shein and Shopee, even with an amount below the limit, should all be taxed.
To obtain the exemption, companies need to register.
According to the program’s rules, products sent by registered companies will be delivered faster. The initiative, organized by the Federal Revenue Service, will apply to deliveries made by Correios and other freight companies that perform international services, such as Fedex and DHL.
:: Government waives tax on foreign websites and will monitor purchase evasion ::
Companies joining the program are voluntary. Whoever adheres will charge consumers taxes in advance (on purchases over US$ 50), even at the time of purchase. In cases where there is no adhesion, these charges are made when the merchandise arrives in Brazil. The federal import fee is 60% of the purchase price.
Stores that adhere to Consignment Remittance must obligatorily pay the state tax on purchases, the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS). The rate is 17% and was defined by state governments. It is similar to that embedded in prices of products sold by Brazilian websites.
According to the Revenue, the objective of the program is to combat tax evasion. Prior to Consignment Remittance, companies simulated sales through individuals to ship their products without paying taxes.
Editing: Vivian Virissimo
