Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed a decree removing the federal tax on imports below USD 50, with the measure aimed at reducing costs on cross-border e-commerce purchases and supporting lower-income consumers. The decision, published in the Federal Official Gazette, also allows adjustments to import tax rates on higher-value shipments.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional presidential decree on Tuesday 12 May 2026 eliminating the federal tax on imports worth less than USD 50, reversing a levy that had been widely criticised.
The presidential decree and an ordinance removing the tax were published in an extra edition of the Federal Official Gazette. The measure was announced at a ceremony at the Planalto Palace.
Under the decision, federal tax on imports below USD 50 has been scrapped. Government officials said the change follows strengthened anti-smuggling enforcement and improved compliance in cross-border e-commerce.
Treasury Executive Secretary Rogério Ceron said the removal of the tax on purchases under USD 50 was made possible after Brazil tightened controls on smuggling and formalised parts of the sector. He said the measure is expected to benefit lower-income consumers who rely on international e-commerce platforms for everyday purchases, although no estimate of the fiscal impact was provided.
The decree also authorises the finance minister to reduce the import tax rate on purchases of up to USD 3,000 to 30% from 60%. It further provides that shipments between USD 50.01 and USD 3,000 will remain subject to a 60% rate, with a USD 30 deduction allowed from the import tax payable.
