Brazil's Blusinhas Tax: Vote Before 8 Sep

What Is the "Blusinhas Tax" and Why Does It Matter?

Brazil's government introduced a provisional measure (MP) to end the so-called "blusinhas tax" — a 20% import duty on low-value international purchases, mainly from Asian e-commerce giants like Shein, Shopee and AliExpress. The tax was originally created to level the playing field between foreign platforms and local Brazilian retailers.

Why Is the Government Racing Against the Clock?

The provisional measure expires on 8 September, and without a congressional vote before that deadline, it will lose legal force automatically. The Lula administration is pushing hard to secure a vote during the upcoming "concentrated effort week" (semana de esforço concentrado) — a scheduled period when Congress fast-tracks pending legislation.

What Happens If Congress Doesn't Vote in Time?

If the MP lapses without approval, the legal framework around the blusinhas tax becomes uncertain, potentially disrupting how customs authorities handle millions of small cross-border parcels. Brazilian online shoppers who regularly buy from Shein, Shopee and similar platforms would face continued regulatory limbo.

Who Supports and Who Opposes the Measure?

Domestic retailers and industry associations have lobbied strongly to keep the 20% duty, arguing that foreign platforms benefit from unfair advantages. Consumers and some lawmakers, on the other hand, prefer lower-cost access to international goods. The government faces pressure from both sides as it tries to build the majority needed for approval.

What Should E-Commerce Sellers and Shoppers Watch For?

• Monitor the congressional agenda for the week of concentrated effort.
• If the MP is approved, the current import tax framework stays in place.
• If it lapses, watch for emergency regulatory moves from the federal government.
• Sellers on Brazilian marketplaces may see pricing shifts depending on the outcome.