What is the 'blusinhas tax' and why does it matter?

Brazil imposed a 20% import duty on international online purchases worth less than US$50 — nicknamed the taxa das blusinhas ("little blouses tax") because it hit cheap fashion items from platforms like Shein and Shopee. A provisional measure (MP) published on 12 May 2026 granted Finance Minister Dario Durigan the power to set that rate to zero, effectively suspending the tax.

What happens if Congress doesn't act before 8 September?

The MP was extended by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre in early July but is only guaranteed until 8 September 2026. If Congress neither approves the MP nor passes an equivalent law before that date, the minister loses authority to keep the rate at zero and the 20% duty automatically returns from 9 September onwards.

What is the legislative path still ahead?

A joint congressional committee must first be formed to issue an opinion, then both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate must vote. If the Senate amends the Chamber's text, it goes back to deputies for another round — a slow process complicated by the ongoing electoral calendar.

Will state taxes still apply?

Yes. Even without the federal import duty, Brazilian states kept their own ICMS consumption tax on international parcels, ranging from 17% to 20%. That charge remains in place regardless of what Congress decides.

What about 2027?

Independently of the current political debate, a new federal tax on small imports will be introduced in 2027 as part of Brazil's broader consumption-tax reform. The exact rate is not yet set; consultancy Roit estimates it at approximately 9.43%.

Did the suspension boost cross-border e-commerce?

Yes. In June 2026 — the first full month without the import duty — the volume of international parcels delivered in Brazil surged noticeably, reflecting pent-up consumer demand.

Key Facts:
  • 20% federal import duty on parcels under US$50 was suspended by a provisional measure published 12 May 2026.
  • The MP is valid only until 8 September 2026; the tax returns on 9 September if Congress takes no action.
  • State ICMS (17–20%) on international packages remains in effect regardless.
  • A new federal tax on small imports is expected in 2027; Roit estimates ~9.43%.
  • International parcel volumes jumped in June 2026, the first full tax-free month.