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Car Shipping & Freight to Brazil

Brazil bans used-car imports — but classics over 30 years, new vehicles, machinery, and project cargo move every week. Direct service to Santos, Paranaguá, and Itajaí with honest landed-cost math upfront.

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Fully insured Regular departures Customs included

Brazil at a Glance

Space available
Shipping from
$1,800+
Ocean transit
15–25 days (East Coast)
Arrival ports
Santos · Paranaguá · Itajaí
Import duty + VAT
35% II + IPI + ICMS (vehicles)
Used vehicles
Banned — classics 30+ exempt
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Shipping to Brazil: What You Need to Know

Start with the rule that defines this lane: Brazil prohibits the import of used vehicles outright, a policy in force since the 1990s to protect domestic manufacturing. The workable paths are new vehicles, machinery, boats, and project cargo — plus one famous exception: collector vehicles over 30 years old can be imported under Brazil's classic-car regime. Santos, Latin America's largest container port, anchors the trade alongside Paranaguá and Itajaí in the industrial south.

Even eligible vehicles face one of the world's heaviest tax stacks: roughly 35% import duty (II) plus IPI, ICMS, and PIS/COFINS — the combined burden routinely exceeds 100% of vehicle value. That is why our biggest Brazil lane is machinery and project cargo for agribusiness, mining, and construction, where duties are far lower and Santos clears containers efficiently. We quote the full tax stack per unit before anything ships.

Key takeaway

Used cars cannot enter Brazil — period. Classics 30+ years import under the collector regime, and new vehicles pay ~35% duty plus IPI/ICMS (often 100%+ total). Machinery and project cargo remain the most cost-effective lane.

Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Brazil

U.S. Departure PortArrival PortOcean TransitSailing Frequency
Miami / Port Everglades, FLSantos15–22 daysWeekly
New York / New JerseySantos16–24 daysWeekly
Houston, TXSantos18–26 daysWeekly
Savannah, GAParanaguá18–25 daysBi-weekly

Transit times are port-to-port estimates and exclude export clearance and customs processing.

What It Costs to Ship to Brazil

Indicative per-unit rates from U.S. ports. Your exact rate depends on vehicle dimensions, departure region, and current vessel space.

ServiceTypical RateWhat to KnowBest For
Shared container (consolidated)$1,800 – $2,600Budget-friendly, waits for consolidationStandard sedans & SUVs
Dedicated 20ft container$3,100 – $4,400Fastest loading, single vehicleHigh-value or classic cars
Dedicated 40ft container$4,200 – $6,000Fits 2 vehicles or vehicle + cargoPairs, dealer lots
RoRo (roll-on / roll-off)Custom quoteDrive-on service, no containerRunning vehicles, trucks, machinery
Flat rack / breakbulkCustom quoteFor oversized & non-running unitsHeavy equipment, boats

Rates shown are indicative ranges from the U.S. East Coast and are confirmed at booking.

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Rates move with fuel surcharges and season. Get today's exact rate for your vehicle in under 1 hour.

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Brazil Import Duties & Taxes

CategoryImport DutyVAT / TaxNotes
Used vehiclesBanned—Import prohibited since 1990s
New vehicles35%IPI + ICMS + PIS/COFINSTotal burden often exceeds 100%
Classic cars (30+ yrs)35%Reduced stackCollector regime, originality verified
Machinery & equipment0–14%ICMS by stateMain commercial lane
Boats & yachts20%IPI + ICMSType & length dependent

Indicative rates for general guidance — final assessment is made by customs at arrival. Our team confirms the exact landed cost before you book.

Documents You'll Need

  • Original vehicle title (Certificate of Title) — lien-free
  • Bill of sale or commercial invoice
  • Copy of passport or government ID
  • U.S. AES export filing (we handle this)
  • Import declaration at destination (we coordinate)
  • Packing list for personal items, if any

Importing a classic into Brazil?

Vehicles over 30 years old in original configuration qualify for Brazil's collector exception — the only legal path for a pre-owned car. We document age and originality, secure the import license, and load in a dedicated container with full condition reports.

What We Ship to Brazil

Every cargo type has its own routing, loading method, and import path. Pick yours to see the exact process.

Cars, SUVs & Classics

Container or RoRo service into Brazil's main vehicle gateways, with full customs handling.

  • Sedans, SUVs & pickups
  • Classic & collector cars
  • Motorcycles & ATVs
Vehicle shipping service

Heavy Equipment

Flat rack, breakbulk, and container loading for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery bound for Brazil.

  • Excavators & dozers
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Oversized project cargo
Equipment shipping service

Boats & Yachts

Cradled container loading or lift-on/lift-off service for boats and personal watercraft headed to Brazil.

  • Powerboats & sailboats
  • Yachts & cruisers
  • Jet skis & PWC
Boat shipping service

Container vs. RoRo to Brazil

Feature Container RoRo
Personal items allowed inside
Non-running vehicles accepted
Lowest cost for running cars
Weather-protected transit
Multiple vehicles per booking

Popular U.S. → Brazil Routes

Miami / Port Everglades, FL → Santos

15–22 days ocean transit · Weekly departures

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New York / New Jersey → Santos

16–24 days ocean transit · Weekly departures

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Houston, TX → Santos

18–26 days ocean transit · Weekly departures

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Savannah, GA → Paranaguá

18–25 days ocean transit · Bi-weekly departures

Quote

Step-by-Step: How Your Shipment to Brazil Moves

1

Quote & booking

Day 0

Lock in your rate and vessel space. We confirm pickup windows and the best departure port for your route.

2

U.S. pickup & delivery to port

Days 1–7

Door pickup from any auction, dealer, or residence. Condition photos taken at every handoff.

3

Export clearance & loading

Days 5–12

AES filing, title validation with CBP (72-hour rule), professional loading, blocking, and bracing.

4

Ocean transit

15–25 days (East Coast)

Regular sailings with full tracking from departure to arrival at Santos · Paranaguá · Itajaí.

5

Customs & handover

2–7 days

Import declaration, duty and tax payment, and release. Optional onward trucking to your final destination.

Buying from a U.S. auction? Read our step-by-step playbook before you bid.

Read the auction shipping guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about shipping to Brazil. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our team.

Typical transit time for car shipping to Brazil ranges from 3–8 weeks door-to-door. This includes inland transport to the U.S. port (3–7 days), vessel departure scheduling and loading (3–10 days), ocean transit (2–6 weeks depending on sailing route and port congestion), customs clearance at destination (2–7 days), and final inland delivery in Brazil (2–5 days). Exact timing depends on the port pair, sailing frequency, and whether you choose container, consolidated, or RoRo-style service where available. We provide route-specific timing when you request a quote so you know what to expect before shipping.

To export a vehicle to Brazil, you typically need the original title or proof of ownership, a bill of sale, a copy of your passport or government ID, a completed export declaration, and a detailed commercial invoice or packing list. Depending on regulations in Brazil, you may also need import approval, emissions or age-compliance documentation, and tax ID information for the receiver. Our documentation team reviews your situation in advance and confirms the exact paperwork required so your shipment clears both U.S. export control and customs in Brazil without unnecessary delays.

In many cases, you can place a reasonable amount of boxed personal items inside a containerized vehicle bound for Brazil, as long as everything is properly declared on the paperwork and allowed by local customs. However, loose household goods, undeclared high-value items, hazardous materials, and restricted products can create customs issues or fines. For RoRo or certain port rules, vehicles must be nearly empty. We advise you exactly what can and cannot travel in the vehicle for your route to Brazil and can recommend separate consolidation services if you have a larger household shipment.

Import duties, taxes, and port charges in Brazil depend on the type of vehicle or equipment, its age, engine size, customs value, and the receiver's status (individual, returning resident, or company). Some countries offer reduced duties for returning citizens or temporary imports; others apply luxury or environmental surcharges. We help you estimate landed costs by reviewing current rules for Brazil, preparing accurate customs documentation, and coordinating with our local clearing agents so you understand all government and port fees before your cargo ships.

Yes. For shipments to Brazil, we can usually provide complete door-to-door service that includes pickup anywhere in the U.S., export preparation and loading, ocean freight to the closest practical port, customs clearance, and inland delivery to your city or project site. In some regions of Brazil we may recommend door-to-port service with trusted local partners handling the final leg. During quoting we confirm exactly which delivery options are available for your specific address so you can choose the level of service that fits your budget and timeline.

Marine cargo insurance is strongly recommended for shipments to Brazil because standard carrier liability does not cover the full value of your vehicle or machinery. We arrange all-risk coverage that protects against total loss, damage, theft, and general average from the time the unit is picked up until it is delivered at destination. Insurance is normally calculated as a small percentage of the declared value and can be included directly in your shipping quote for Brazil, so you have one clear, all-inclusive cost.

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Legal Disclaimer: All rates are non-binding estimates and subject to change without notice. Seaway Export acts solely as a licensed freight forwarder and not a carrier. Transportation is arranged through third-party providers; Seaway Export assumes no liability for carrier performance, delays, loss, or damage. Insurance is not included unless confirmed in writing. Shipper/consignee is responsible for all customs compliance and associated costs. All services are governed by our Terms and Conditions.