Car Shipping to Brazil from the UK: The Complete Guide
Quick answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Brazil takes 22–49 days at sea, arriving at Santos (São Paulo), Rio de Janeiro, or Paranaguá (Curitiba). Prices start from £1,093 for a small car via RoRo (indicative). Brazil imposes some of the strictest used vehicle import rules in the world. General import of used cars for resale or personal use is effectively prohibited. The route is open primarily to returning Brazilian residents who lived abroad for at least one year and owned their vehicle for at least one year before returning. Total import taxes — including 35% import duty, IPI, PIS/COFINS, CIDE, and state ICMS — can equal or exceed the declared value of the vehicle. Right-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered or legally used in Brazil. A licensed Brazilian customs broker (despachante aduaneiro) and RADAR registration with Receita Federal are mandatory. Start the RADAR process 8–12 weeks before the vehicle sails.
Read this before booking. Brazil’s import framework for used vehicles is fundamentally different from most other destinations in this series. This is not a matter of paperwork complexity — the import of used vehicles is structurally restricted by law to a narrow set of eligible importers. Confirm your specific eligibility with a licensed Brazilian customs broker and Receita Federal (gov.br/receitafederal) before purchasing any vehicle for Brazilian import or booking shipment. This guide reflects the position as of October 2026. Brazilian customs regulations change — verify current rules before acting.
Who Can Import a Used Car to Brazil?
Brazil applies a near-total prohibition on the general importation of used vehicles. Unlike most countries in this guide series, there is no open market for importing a second-hand UK car into Brazil for personal use, resale, or general ownership. The framework exists primarily to protect Brazil’s domestic automotive industry.
Permitted categories (used vehicles):
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Returning Brazilian residents | Must have lived abroad at least 1 year; must have owned the vehicle abroad for at least 1 year before return; one vehicle only; extensive documentation required |
| Diplomatic and consular staff | Specific exemptions for accredited personnel; subject to Ministry of Foreign Affairs conditions |
| Historic/classic vehicles | Possible under special cultural heritage permits; not for general road registration; subject to SENATRAN/DENATRAN verification |
| New vehicles | Open to importers with proper LI (import licence) and SISCOMEX registration; not the subject of this guide |
Not permitted:
- General personal import by a UK citizen or resident (non-Brazilian)
- Import for resale
- Import by a Brazilian resident who has not lived abroad for 1+ year
- Import of a vehicle owned for less than 1 year before the move back
- Right-hand drive vehicles (see RHD section)
If you do not fall into one of the permitted categories, the vehicle cannot legally enter Brazil as a used import. There is no workaround, temporary import framework for individuals, or paperwork route that substitutes for eligibility. Do not book shipment without confirmed eligibility.
Why Brazil Restricts Used Vehicle Imports
Brazil’s domestic automotive industry is one of the largest in Latin America, and successive Brazilian governments since the 1970s have used import tariffs and categorical restrictions to protect it. The legal basis is the “Used Vehicle Import Prohibition” (proibição de importação de veículos usados) under Brazilian trade law administered by SECEX (Secretaria de Comércio Exterior) and Receita Federal. The restriction applies not just to cars but to most used goods in categories Brazil considers strategically sensitive.
The practical result: total import taxes on vehicles — even when eligible — regularly equal or exceed the vehicle’s market value. Brazil does not want used foreign cars competing with domestic production, and the tax structure enforces this even in cases where importation is technically permitted.
Returning Brazilian Residents: The Main Import Route
This is the route that applies to the majority of ShipCars’ Brazil customers — Brazilians who lived and worked abroad (including in the UK), purchased a vehicle during their time overseas, and are now returning to Brazil.
Eligibility conditions
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency abroad | Minimum 1 year living outside Brazil |
| Vehicle ownership | Owned the specific vehicle for at least 1 year before the date of return to Brazil — purchase receipts and V5C history are critical |
| Number of vehicles | One vehicle per returning resident |
| Vehicle type | Passenger cars only (standard categories); commercial vehicles and heavy plant are outside this exemption |
| LHD configuration | Vehicle must be left-hand drive (LHD) — RHD vehicles from the UK cannot be registered in Brazil |
| RADAR registration | Must be active before the shipment departs the UK (allow 8–12 weeks to set up) |
| CPF | Valid Brazilian CPF (tax identification number) required — not the same as a foreign tax ID |
What “returning resident” means in practice
The concession does not reduce or eliminate taxes — it permits the importation at all. Full import taxes (II at 35% + IPI + PIS/COFINS + CIDE + ICMS) still apply unless a specific partial exemption is authorised, which must be confirmed with Receita Federal. The source page notes the total tax burden “can often exceed” the vehicle’s market value — this is not hyperbole.
Documentation for returning residents
In addition to the standard shipping documents:
- Proof of 1 year’s residence abroad (rental agreements, employment records, utility bills, or foreign tax records covering the full period)
- V5C logbook with purchase date confirming 1+ year of ownership — the V5C registration date is the key document; gaps in ownership history create eligibility issues
- Proof of return to Brazil (cancelled visa or residence permit, entry stamps)
- CPF certificate
- Import Licence (LI) issued by the Ministry of Economy via SISCOMEX before the vehicle is shipped — this is mandatory and cannot be obtained after the vehicle sails
- RADAR registration active with Receita Federal
The Import Licence (LI) must be obtained before shipment. This is a hard sequencing requirement — the vehicle cannot clear Brazilian customs without a pre-issued LI. Your despachante aduaneiro (licensed customs broker) initiates this through SISCOMEX. Allow sufficient lead time before booking with ShipCars.
Other Eligible Categories: Diplomatic Staff, Classic Cars
Diplomatic and consular staff
Accredited diplomatic and consular personnel have specific vehicle import exemptions under the Vienna Convention and bilateral agreements. The conditions (vehicle value caps, re-export obligations, tenure requirements) vary by posting and must be confirmed with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) and your posting authority before shipping.
Historic and classic vehicles
Classic and historic vehicles may qualify for import under special cultural heritage provisions, but not for general road use — they are typically registered as non-road-use collector items. The process involves verification by SENATRAN (or DENATRAN — the source page uses both names; confirm the current authority with your broker). This route is narrow, complex, and rarely straightforward. A specialist Brazilian customs broker with experience in historic vehicle importation is essential.
RHD Vehicles Cannot Be Registered in Brazil
This is a hard rule. Brazil drives on the right. Brazilian traffic law does not permit the registration or road use of right-hand drive vehicles. A UK-registered car in standard RHD configuration cannot be registered, licensed, or legally driven in Brazil.
This affects virtually every standard UK passenger car. The only practical exception would be a left-hand drive vehicle that was purchased and registered in the UK (rare, but possible for some European imports or US-spec vehicles with a UK registration history).
Before booking any shipment to Brazil, confirm the vehicle is LHD. The V5C logbook lists the steering position. If the vehicle is RHD, it cannot proceed to Brazilian registration — do not book.
Brazilian Import Taxes and Duties
Brazil applies a cascade of taxes, each calculated on a progressively larger base (i.e., later taxes apply to the CIF value plus all earlier taxes). The cumulative effect is severe.
Tax layers on an imported vehicle
| Tax | Rate | Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| II — Imposto de Importação (Import Duty) | 35% of CIF | CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) | Standard rate for passenger vehicles; highest rate under MERCOSUL Common External Tariff for non-MERCOSUL origin |
| IPI — Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados | ~10–35%+ | CIF + II | Rate varies by engine size, fuel type, and vehicle category; exact rate confirmed via NCM code with your broker |
| CIDE — Contribuição de Intervenção no Domínio Econômico | ~2–10% | CIF + II | Fuel/energy sector levy; applied on imported vehicles |
| PIS/PASEP + COFINS | ~9.65% combined | CIF + II + IPI | Social contribution levies; applied cumulatively |
| ICMS — Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços | ~12–25% | State VAT; rate varies by Brazilian state | São Paulo: typically 12%; other states may be higher |
| Siscomex fee | Variable | Administrative fee | Confirm with broker |
| Despachante aduaneiro fees | Variable | Customs broker professional fees | |
| Port handling and terminal charges | Variable | Charged at Brazilian port |
What this means in practice
At a combined rate of approximately 35% (II) + 25% (IPI) + 3% (CIDE) + 9.65% (PIS/COFINS) + 18% (ICMS), applied on a compounding cascade basis, total taxes on an imported vehicle routinely reach 80–150% of the vehicle’s CIF value. The ShipCars source page states that duties “can often exceed” the vehicle’s market value — this is an accurate summary of the worst-case position and a realistic outcome for a moderately valued vehicle.
Example (illustrative only — rates vary by vehicle type; verify with your broker): A vehicle with a declared CIF value of £20,000:
- II (35%): £7,000 → running base: £27,000
- IPI (25% on £27,000): £6,750 → running base: £33,750
- CIDE (3% on £33,750): £1,013 → running base: £34,763
- PIS/COFINS (9.65% on £34,763): £3,355 → running base: £38,118
- ICMS (18% on £38,118): £6,861 Total tax: ~£24,979 — approximately 125% of the original vehicle value.
This is illustrative only. Your actual tax liability depends on the specific NCM code, vehicle specifications, IPI rate for your vehicle, destination state, and any exemptions. Obtain a formal duty calculation from your despachante aduaneiro before booking.
There is no reduced tax rate for returning residents. The concession is that the import is permitted at all — not that taxes are waived or reduced.
RADAR Registration with Receita Federal
RADAR (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is Receita Federal’s mandatory system for tracking all parties involved in Brazilian customs transactions. Without an active RADAR registration, the vehicle cannot be cleared through Brazilian customs.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | The importer (the returning resident or eligible buyer) |
| What it requires | A valid Brazilian CPF; Receita Federal registration; proof of financial activity in Brazil |
| Lead time | Allow 8–12 weeks from application to approval |
| Who initiates it | Your licensed despachante aduaneiro (customs broker) |
| When it must be active | Before the vehicle sails from the UK — not after arrival |
Start RADAR registration before booking the shipment. ShipCars cannot hold a booking indefinitely while RADAR is processed. Engage a Brazilian customs broker, begin RADAR registration, and obtain the Import Licence (LI) from SISCOMEX before approaching ShipCars for a shipping date.
Shipping Methods: RoRo and Container
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) — running, LHD vehicles to Santos or Rio de Janeiro
RoRo is the standard, most cost-effective method for driveable vehicles. The vehicle is driven onto the vessel at the UK departure port and driven off in Brazil.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brazilian arrival ports | Santos and Rio de Janeiro |
| Suitable for | Running, driveable, LHD vehicles |
| Non-running vehicles | Not accepted — container required |
| Electric vehicles | Not permitted on RoRo — container only |
| Standard (non-plug-in) hybrids | Generally accepted on RoRo |
| Personal effects | Not permitted — vehicle must be completely empty |
Dedicated container (FCL) — non-running, EV, classic, and high-value vehicles
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brazilian arrival ports | Santos and Paranaguá |
| Suitable for | Non-running vehicles, EVs, classic and prestige cars, any vehicle requiring maximum protection |
| Personal effects | Subject to declaration — confirm with ShipCars; all items must be listed on the customs entry |
| EV hazard surcharge | ~£295 |
| EV battery charge | At or below 40–50% at time of loading |
See ShipCars’ RoRo car shipping and container car shipping service pages for full method details.
UK Departure and Brazilian Arrival Ports
UK departure port
The ShipCars source page does not name a specific UK departure port for Brazil — confirmed at booking. ShipCars arranges vehicle collection from anywhere in the UK to the departure port by trade-plate driver (requires valid MOT) or transporter.
Brazilian arrival ports
| Port | State | Methods available | Transit from UK | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santos | São Paulo | RoRo + container | ~23–49 days | São Paulo, Minas Gerais, south and central Brazil |
| Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | RoRo | ~22–32 days | Rio de Janeiro state, south-east Brazil |
| Paranaguá | Paraná | Container | Not stated | Southern states (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul) |
Rio de Janeiro is the fastest RoRo option at approximately 22–32 days. Santos transit is longer at 23–49 days (a wide range reflecting vessel routing and scheduling). Paranaguá serves the southern states and is available for container shipments only.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Brazil?
Sea freight costs (ShipCars — UK to Brazil)
| Method and destination | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo to Rio de Janeiro — small car (e.g., VW Golf) | From £1,093 | Indicative; sea freight only |
| RoRo to Rio de Janeiro — large car (e.g., Range Rover) | From £1,295 | Indicative; sea freight only |
| RoRo to Santos | Similar to Rio | Contact for current rate |
| Dedicated 20ft container to Santos or Paranaguá | From £1,295 | Standard single vehicle |
| Dedicated 40ft container | From £1,295+ | Multiple or large vehicles |
| EV hazard surcharge | ~£295 | EVs and plug-in hybrids; container only |
| Condition report — collection by ShipCars | Free | |
| Condition report — self-delivery | £35 |
All prices are indicative sea freight only. Brazilian import duties, taxes, RADAR and LI fees, despachante aduaneiro fees, and port handling are additional and payable in Brazil.
Marine insurance
| Cover type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss cover | 1% of declared value + shipping costs | Covers fire and significant water damage |
| Comprehensive cover | 1.5% of declared value + shipping costs | Adds cosmetic and handling damage; vehicle must be under 10 years old; condition report required |
| No insurance | — | Vehicle travels at owner’s risk |
Brazilian in-country costs (payable on arrival — indicative)
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| II — Import Duty | 35% of CIF value |
| IPI | ~10–35%+ (cascaded on CIF + II; varies by vehicle NCM code) |
| CIDE | ~2–10% (cascaded) |
| PIS/PASEP + COFINS | ~9.65% combined (cascaded) |
| ICMS | ~12–25% (varies by state; cascaded) |
| Despachante aduaneiro | Variable — professional fees |
| Port handling and terminal charges | Variable |
| LI (Import Licence) processing | Via SISCOMEX; confirm with broker |
Total Brazilian tax burden commonly reaches 80–150% of the vehicle’s declared CIF value. Obtain a formal duty calculation from a licensed despachante aduaneiro for your specific vehicle and destination state before booking.
For a full overview of shipping costs across all destinations, see our international car shipping costs guide.
Documents Needed for UK Export and Brazilian Import
UK export documents (ShipCars handles the UK export declaration)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original V5C logbook | DVLA permanent export notification; confirms ownership dates; carry separately — do not leave in vehicle |
| Passport photo page copy | |
| Completed ShipCars booking form | |
| Commercial invoice | Accurate declared value used for Receita Federal duty assessment |
Brazilian import documents (via licensed despachante aduaneiro)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Import Licence (LI) | Must be issued by SISCOMEX before the vehicle sails — not obtainable after departure |
| RADAR registration | Active before shipment; initiated by your despachante aduaneiro; allow 8–12 weeks |
| Original Bill of Lading | Issued by ShipCars |
| Commercial invoice / bill of sale | Accurate declared value; consistent with UK export documents |
| V5C logbook | Proof of UK registration history and purchase date |
| Proof of 1 year abroad | Employment records, rental agreements, utility bills, foreign tax records (returning residents) |
| Proof of 1 year vehicle ownership | V5C purchase date + supporting purchase invoice |
| Proof of return to Brazil | Cancelled foreign visa or residence permit, passport entry stamps |
| CPF certificate | Brazilian tax identification number |
| Passport (original + copies) | |
| Declaração de Importação (DI) | Filed by your despachante aduaneiro with Receita Federal |
| Proof of duty and tax payment | Issued after Receita Federal assessment |
| SENATRAN/DENATRAN technical inspection approvals | If required for your vehicle category; confirm with broker |
Vehicle Preparation Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel level | No more than a quarter tank (RoRo source page says “less than a quarter full”) |
| Personal effects | RoRo — completely empty; container — items must be declared |
| Keys | One full set required |
| MOT | Valid MOT required if collection by trade-plate driver |
| Battery | Fully charged and functional (RoRo) |
| Alarm | Deactivated before loading |
| V5C logbook | Do not leave inside the vehicle — carry separately |
| Driveable | Must be fully operational under its own power (RoRo) |
| Cleanliness | Clean inside and out |
| Steering | Must be LHD — RHD vehicles cannot be registered in Brazil |
Marine Insurance
| Coverage | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss cover | 1% of declared value + shipping costs | Covers fire, significant water damage, total vessel loss |
| Comprehensive cover | 1.5% of declared value + shipping costs | Adds cosmetic/handling damage; vehicle under 10 years old only; condition report required |
| No insurance | — | Vehicle travels at owner’s risk — not recommended for Brazil given the long transit and complex clearance process |
Marine insurance is strongly recommended for Brazil shipments. The combination of long transit times (up to 49 days to Santos), the complexity of Brazilian customs clearance (which can extend dwell time at the port), and the high declared value of any vehicle worth shipping to Brazil makes comprehensive cover an important consideration.
Shipping an Electric or Hybrid Car to Brazil
Electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shipping method | Dedicated container (FCL) only — EVs and PHEVs not permitted on RoRo |
| Battery state of charge | At or below 40–50% at loading |
| EV hazard surcharge | ~£295 |
| Import eligibility | Same eligibility rules apply — returning residents only; RHD not registrable; confirm LHD and residency conditions |
| Brazilian charging infrastructure | Brazil uses Type 2 (IEC 62196) for AC and CCS Combo 2 or CHAdeMO for DC fast charging — confirm your EV’s charge port compatibility |
Standard (non-plug-in) hybrids
Generally accepted on RoRo without restriction. Standard import eligibility rules apply.
Shipping a Classic Car to Brazil
Classic vehicles face a distinct import pathway in Brazil, separate from the returning-resident route:
- Special cultural/heritage permits may allow a classic vehicle to enter Brazil as a collector item — but these permits typically restrict the vehicle to non-road-use or highly limited use; they are not a route to standard road registration.
- SENATRAN/DENATRAN verification is required to establish the vehicle’s historic status under Brazilian criteria — this is not a simple self-declaration.
- RHD restriction still applies — a classic UK car in RHD configuration cannot be road-registered in Brazil under any current pathway.
- A specialist despachante aduaneiro with historic vehicle experience is essential. Generic customs brokers are unlikely to have the specific expertise needed.
- Container shipment is mandatory for any classic or collector vehicle. See ShipCars’ classic car shipping service.
Step-by-Step: From Booking to Brazilian Registration
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility before purchasing or booking anything
Are you a returning Brazilian resident with 1+ year abroad and 1+ year vehicle ownership? Is the vehicle LHD? Does it fall within an eligible category? If the answer to any of these is no or uncertain, stop and seek advice from a licensed despachante aduaneiro and Receita Federal before proceeding.
Step 2 — Engage a licensed Brazilian customs broker (despachante aduaneiro)
This is not optional — it is legally required for Brazilian customs clearance. Your broker initiates RADAR registration, obtains the Import Licence (LI) from SISCOMEX, calculates your specific duty liability (II + IPI + CIDE + PIS/COFINS + ICMS for your vehicle’s NCM code), and manages the DI (Declaração de Importação) with Receita Federal. Engage your broker before approaching ShipCars for a booking date.
Step 3 — Begin RADAR registration (8–12 weeks before shipment)
Your despachante aduaneiro initiates RADAR registration with Receita Federal using your CPF. Allow 8–12 weeks for approval. RADAR must be active before the vehicle sails.
Step 4 — Obtain Import Licence (LI) via SISCOMEX
The LI is issued by the Ministry of Economy through SISCOMEX before the vehicle is shipped. It confirms the import is authorised for your specific vehicle and eligibility category. Without it, the vehicle will not clear Brazilian customs.
Step 5 — Book with ShipCars
Once RADAR is active and the LI process is under way, book your shipment with ShipCars. Choose method (RoRo for running LHD vehicles to Santos or Rio; container to Santos or Paranaguá for EVs, classics, non-running, or high-value cars) and UK collection. ShipCars issues the Bill of Lading and handles the UK export declaration.
Step 6 — Prepare the vehicle and UK export documents
DVLA permanent export notification on V5C. Carry the V5C separately (not in the vehicle). Prepare commercial invoice. Reduce fuel to a quarter tank. Empty vehicle (RoRo). Deactivate alarms. Ensure vehicle is LHD.
Step 7 — Sea transit
Rio de Janeiro: approximately 22–32 days. Santos: approximately 23–49 days. Sailings are weekly — confirm the specific schedule at booking.
Step 8 — Brazilian customs clearance (Receita Federal)
Your despachante aduaneiro files the DI. Receita Federal assesses duty (II 35% + IPI + CIDE + PIS/COFINS + ICMS). Taxes are paid. Physical inspection may occur. The vehicle is released after payment and clearance.
Step 9 — SENATRAN/DENATRAN inspection and Brazilian registration
After Receita Federal release, the vehicle is inspected by SENATRAN (or DENATRAN — the authority name under current Brazilian administrative structure; confirm with your broker). Brazilian vehicle registration (CRLV) and number plates are issued.
Total timeline: the ShipCars source page notes 4–8 weeks from booking to vehicle available at the Brazilian port, but Brazilian customs processing and SENATRAN inspection add further time — allow additional weeks for clearance and registration.
Pre-Shipment Checklist
- Eligibility confirmed — returning Brazilian resident with 1+ year abroad and 1+ year vehicle ownership; LHD vehicle; or confirmed diplomatic/classic exemption
- Vehicle is LHD — confirmed on V5C; RHD vehicles cannot be registered in Brazil
- Licensed despachante aduaneiro engaged — RADAR registration initiated, LI process under way
- RADAR registration active — allow 8–12 weeks; must be active before vehicle sails
- Import Licence (LI) obtained via SISCOMEX — must be issued before shipment; not obtainable after
- CPF valid and available for RADAR and customs documents
- Formal duty calculation obtained from despachante aduaneiro for your specific vehicle (II + IPI + CIDE + PIS/COFINS + ICMS, compounding cascade)
- Proof of 1 year abroad prepared (employment records, rental agreements, utility bills, foreign tax records)
- Proof of 1 year vehicle ownership — V5C registration date + purchase invoice
- Proof of return to Brazil — cancelled visa/residence permit, passport stamps
- V5C logbook ready; DVLA permanent export completed; copy retained; do not leave V5C in vehicle
- Commercial invoice with accurate declared value
- Passport copy ready
- Shipping method confirmed — RoRo to Rio or Santos (running LHD vehicles; no EVs), or container to Santos or Paranaguá (EVs, classics, non-running, high-value)
- EV/PHEV? — Container confirmed; battery ≤40–50%; £295 EV surcharge noted; charging compatibility with Brazil confirmed
- Classic car? — Container confirmed; specialist despachante with historic vehicle experience engaged; cultural/heritage permit pathway confirmed; note RHD restriction
- All existing damage photographed with dates
- Marine insurance selected — Total Loss (1%) or Comprehensive (1.5%, under 10 years old); condition report arranged if Comprehensive
- Fuel reduced to no more than a quarter tank
- Vehicle completely empty (RoRo)
- Valid MOT in place (required for trade-plate collection)
- Battery fully charged and functional; one full set of keys
- Alarm deactivated
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to Brazil
Can I ship my UK car to Brazil?
Only if you qualify under one of the permitted import categories. The general importation of used vehicles for personal use or resale is prohibited in Brazil. The primary route is for returning Brazilian residents who have lived abroad for at least one year and owned their vehicle for at least one year before returning. Right-hand drive vehicles (standard for UK cars) cannot be registered or legally used in Brazil. Confirm your eligibility with a licensed Brazilian customs broker before purchasing any vehicle for this purpose.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Brazil?
Sea freight starts from £1,093 for a small car via RoRo to Rio de Janeiro (indicative; sea freight only). Large cars to Rio from £1,295; container from £1,295. Brazilian import taxes — 35% import duty plus IPI, CIDE, PIS/COFINS, and state ICMS in a compounding cascade — commonly reach 80–150% of the vehicle’s declared value and are payable in Brazil. Request a quote for current sea freight prices.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Brazil?
Sea transit is approximately 22–32 days to Rio de Janeiro and 23–49 days to Santos. Sailings are weekly. After arrival, Brazilian customs clearance (Receita Federal), SENATRAN inspection, and vehicle registration add further time. Allow substantial buffer — Brazilian customs clearance timelines are not fixed.
How much is import duty on a car in Brazil?
The base import duty (II) is 35% of CIF value. This is the starting point only. IPI (approximately 10–35% depending on vehicle type, cascaded on CIF + II), CIDE (~2–10%), PIS/COFINS (~9.65% combined), and ICMS (~12–25%, varies by state) are applied on a compounding cascade basis. Total taxes routinely equal or exceed the vehicle’s declared value. Obtain a formal duty calculation from a licensed despachante aduaneiro for your specific vehicle.
What is RADAR registration and do I need it for Brazil?
RADAR (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is Receita Federal’s mandatory registration system for all parties involved in Brazilian customs transactions. Without an active RADAR registration, the vehicle cannot be cleared through customs. It requires a valid Brazilian CPF and takes 8–12 weeks to process. Your despachante aduaneiro initiates it. It must be active before the vehicle sails — not after arrival.
Can I bring my UK car into Brazil temporarily?
Brazil does not have a straightforward temporary vehicle import permit equivalent to Mexico’s TIP. While short-term visitor vehicle entry exists at land borders for tourists, shipping a vehicle from the UK into Brazil temporarily is not a standard or well-documented route. This guide covers permanent import only. Confirm temporary import options with Receita Federal and a despachante aduaneiro for your specific situation.
What happens if my car is RHD?
A right-hand drive vehicle cannot be registered or legally used on Brazilian roads. This applies to virtually all standard UK cars. If your vehicle is RHD, it cannot legally enter Brazil as a road vehicle. Do not book a shipment for a RHD vehicle intended for road use in Brazil.
Which Brazilian port does my car arrive at?
ShipCars ships to Santos (São Paulo — RoRo and container), Rio de Janeiro (RoRo), and Paranaguá (container). The fastest RoRo option is Rio de Janeiro at approximately 22–32 days. Santos is the main container port (23–49 days). Paranaguá serves southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul) by container.
Published: 22 October 2026 | Last updated: 22 October 2026 | Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd
