Brazil customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Brazilian customs are known for strict enforcement: the single US$800 duty-free allowance covers all goods combined, and any excess is taxed at a flat 50%. The Electronic Travel Declaration (e-DV) must be completed online before arrival. Failure to declare cash over BRL 50,000 can lead to seizure and fines.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of alcoholic beverages per traveler. Must be 18+. No separate wine or beer allowance; the 1L limit covers all types.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

BRL 50,000 (approx. US$10,000). Must declare amounts exceeding this threshold on the Electronic Travel Declaration (e-DV) before arrival. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is US$800 (or equivalent in BRL). Above this, a flat 50% import tax applies on the total value exceeding the allowance.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with special medical authorization)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with official permit)
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products
Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, jaguar pelts, turtle shells)
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing controlled substances (require prescription and may need ANVISA authorization)
Drones (require registration with ANAC and may need import license)
Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (require Anatel approval)
Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and prior authorization)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (require IPHAN export permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, you will pass through customs. There is no red/green channel; instead, you may be randomly selected for inspection or directed to a specific lane. All travelers must have completed the e-DV online before arrival. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the 'Nothing to Declare' lane.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Brazil does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme. Sales tax (ICMS) is included in prices and non-refundable.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed without a prescription, but controlled substances (e.g., opioids, anxiolytics) require a medical prescription in Portuguese or English. Some common medications like codeine-based cough syrups are strictly controlled. Always carry original packaging and a doctor's note.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and plant products are generally prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed, sealed foods for personal consumption (e.g., chocolates, cookies) are usually allowed in small quantities. Declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

Single Global Allowance

Brazil applies a single US$800 duty-free allowance for all goods combined (alcohol, tobacco, gifts, electronics). There is no separate allowance for personal effects. If you exceed US$800, you pay 50% tax on the entire excess amount.

Electronic Travel Declaration (e-DV)

All arriving passengers must complete the e-DV online up to 48 hours before arrival. The form asks for details of goods exceeding the allowance and cash over BRL 50,000. Failure to submit can lead to delays and fines.

Strict Enforcement on Electronics

New laptops, tablets, cameras, and smartphones are closely scrutinized. If you bring more than one of each, customs may consider them commercial goods and tax them at 50%. Always have proof of purchase showing they are for personal use.

No Duty-Free at Arrival

Brazil does not have duty-free shops after passport control. You must purchase duty-free items at your departure airport. The allowance applies to items you bring in, not purchases made in Brazil.

Frequently asked questions

You have a US$800 duty-free allowance. The excess is US$700 (US$1,500 - US$800). You'll pay 50% tax on that US$700, which is US$350. This is a flat rate, not progressive.

No. The alcohol allowance is strictly 1 liter total, regardless of type. Two bottles of wine would exceed the limit. You would need to declare the second bottle and pay 50% tax on its value.

Personal jewelry worn on your person is generally not considered part of the US$800 allowance, as long as it's clearly for personal use and not new in packaging. However, if you have multiple expensive watches or new jewelry in boxes, customs may assess them.

No. Residents have a different allowance: US$500 for goods (US$1,000 if arriving by land) and stricter limits on alcohol and tobacco. The US$800 allowance is for non-residents only.

Yes, but you must register the drone with ANAC (Brazil's aviation authority) before arrival. Drones over 250g require a license. Customs may ask for proof of registration. Failure to comply can result in seizure.

If discovered, the cash can be seized and you may face a fine of up to 100% of the undeclared amount. You could also be investigated for money laundering. Always declare on the e-DV.

Adderall is a controlled substance in Brazil and requires prior authorization from ANVISA (the health regulator). You must apply for an import permit before traveling. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal issues.

Official source

Receita Federal do Brasil (Federal Revenue of Brazil)