Detailed Guide to Shipping Goods from China to Brazil​

Detailed Guide to Shipping Goods from China to Brazil​

China and Brazil have a close trade relationship, and the types of goods exported from China to Brazil are diverse, covering multiple fields such as industrial equipment, agricultural product processing machinery, and electronic products. Due to the long geographical distance, choosing an appropriate transportation method and understanding the relevant processes are crucial for the smooth arrival of goods in Brazil. The following will detail the specific situation of transporting various goods from China to Brazil.​

I. Transportation Modes and Suitable Goods​

(I) Maritime Transport​

Maritime transport is the main mode of goods transportation from China to Brazil, suitable for large quantities of goods with low time sensitivity. The transportation time from Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to Brazilian ports such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Port of Santos) is approximately 35-45 days. The main transported goods include industrial equipment (CNC machine tools, textile machinery, metallurgical equipment, etc.), building materials (reinforced steel, cement, glass curtain walls, etc.), and household appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, etc.). For example, a Chinese home appliance enterprise exports a batch of refrigerators to Brazilian distributors using 40-foot container maritime transport. This can not only meet the distributors’ inventory needs but also reduce costs through large-scale transportation, which is in line with the transportation cycle of home appliance products.​

(II) Air Transport​

Air transport is fast and suitable for high-value, urgent, or perishable goods. The transportation time from major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other Chinese cities to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil is approximately 25-30 hours (including transfers). Common transported goods include electronic products (smartphones, tablets, integrated circuits, etc.), pharmaceutical products (vaccines, specific medicines, etc., requiring cold chain transportation), and precision instruments (medical equipment, scientific research instruments, etc.). For instance, a Brazilian hospital is in urgent need of a batch of high-end medical equipment produced in China for emergency treatment. Air transport can quickly deliver the equipment, ensuring the smooth progress of medical work.​

(III) Multimodal Transport​

Multimodal transport usually involves first transporting goods to ports in other South American countries by sea and then transferring them to Brazil by land, or first transporting them to Europe via China-Europe Railway Express and then transferring them to Brazil by sea. This mode is suitable for transporting industrial parts (auto parts, mechanical parts, etc.) and chemical products (plastic raw materials, rubber products, etc.), with a transportation time of approximately 40-50 days and a cost between pure maritime transport and air transport. For example, a Chinese auto parts factory transports its products to the Port of Buenos Aires in Argentina by sea and then to a Brazilian automobile assembly plant by road. The flexibility of multimodal transport is used to reduce transportation costs.​

(IV) International Express​

International express services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide door-to-door services with a time frame of about 5-8 days, suitable for small items, samples, and documents. Commercial contracts, small electronic samples (smart bracelets, Bluetooth headphone samples), jewelry, cosmetics, etc., are often transported by express. A Chinese jewelry design company sends new jewelry samples to Brazilian customers using DHL express, which can arrive in a short time, facilitating customers to confirm the sample styles and promote the cooperation process.​

II. Key Transportation Processes​

(I) Choosing a Freight Forwarder​

Select a freight forwarder familiar with Sino-Brazilian trade rules and transportation routes, who can assist in handling complex customs clearance procedures and coping with strict inspections by Brazilian customs. You can screen by examining the qualifications, successful cases, and customer reviews of the agency. For example, priority is given to choosing a forwarder with experience in transporting pharmaceutical products to Brazil, as they can better control the cold chain transportation and customs clearance links.​

(II) Goods Packaging and Compliance Handling​

1. Packaging Requirements: Fragile items such as glass products and ceramic tableware need to be wrapped with multiple layers of foam and bubble wrap and placed in sturdy wooden boxes; liquid goods such as chemical raw materials need to use leak-proof containers and affix dangerous goods labels; precision instruments need to adopt shockproof packaging to avoid damage during transportation.​

2. Compliance Preparation: Brazil has strict quarantine and certification requirements for imported goods. For example, electronic products need to comply with INMETRO certification, and some foods need to provide health certificates. Goods with wooden packaging need to apply for fumigation certificates to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. For example, when transporting a batch of wooden furniture to Brazil, it must undergo fumigation treatment and provide relevant certificates; otherwise, it may be detained by Brazilian customs.​

(III) Customs Declaration and Clearance Processes​

1. Export Declaration: The shipper needs to prepare documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration powers of attorney, and export licenses (for some goods) to declare to Chinese customs. For goods eligible for export tax rebates, it is necessary to ensure that the documents are complete and the information is accurate.​

2. Import Clearance: After the goods arrive in Brazil, the consignee needs to submit documents such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and INMETRO certification (if applicable) to Brazilian customs. Brazilian customs will conduct strict inspections of the goods and collect tariffs and taxes, with tax rates varying according to the type of goods, with an average tariff rate of approximately 10%-35%.​

(IV) Transportation Tracking and Risk Prevention​

Use the online tracking system provided by the transportation company to monitor the transportation status of the goods in real-time. For high-value or fragile goods, purchase transportation insurance, which can cover risks such as loss, damage, and delay. For example, when transporting a batch of smartphones to Brazil, taking out an all-risk insurance can obtain economic compensation in case of accidents with the goods.​

In addition, attention should be paid to Brazil’s restrictions on some imported goods. For example, second-hand cars and some medical devices require special permits. Before transportation, it is necessary to confirm whether the goods meet Brazilian import standards to avoid unnecessary losses.​

To transport goods from China to Brazil, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the characteristics of the goods, cost budget, and time requirements, scientifically select the transportation mode, and strictly follow the processes of each link to ensure the safe and efficient arrival of the goods, providing strong support for the sustainable development of Sino-Brazilian trade.​