Import Cars from China to Brazil
Brazil is a case where we want to be upfront: unlike many markets on this list, driving side isn't the issue — Brazil drives on the right, matching the left-hand-drive (LHD) configuration DriveSino's mainland-China-market catalog already comes in. The real constraint is different and, frankly, bigger: Brazil applies a near-total ban on individuals importing used vehicles, and even legal new-vehicle imports carry compounded taxes (import duty, IPI, ICMS, PIS/COFINS) that stack dramatically on top of the vehicle price. On top of that, BYD, GWM, Chery, and JAC already manufacture or assemble locally in Brazil — so for the overwhelming majority of Brazilian buyers, an official local dealer is simply the better path.
Contact DriveSino directly with your specific situation — commercial, diplomatic, or otherwise — before assuming an import path is open to you.
Why Import from China to Brazil?
- No driving-side problem: Brazil drives on the right, so DriveSino's standard LHD mainland-China-market stock is the correct configuration — unlike RHD markets on this list
- But used-vehicle import is essentially banned for individuals: Brazilian trade regulations (SECEX/DECEX rules) prohibit importing used vehicles outside narrow exemptions — returning residents' personal effects, inheritance, and similar specific categories. This is independent of, and more restrictive than, the tax question below
- New-vehicle import is legal but tax-heavy: import duty, IPI, ICMS, and PIS/COFINS compound on top of each other, which is why imported new vehicles in Brazil are priced far above their pre-tax value
- Chinese brands already build in Brazil: BYD (Camaçari, Bahia), GWM/Great Wall (Iracemápolis), Chery (Jacareí — a long-established plant), and JAC (Camaçari) all manufacture or assemble locally, with full official dealer networks — for most buyers this is dramatically simpler than any import route
- Talk to us about your specific case: if you have a confirmed, legal path (commercial import, diplomatic allowance, or similar), contact DriveSino to discuss feasibility
Shipping from China to Brazil
4 ports serving Brazil
Freight from $6,930 USD
DriveSino can ship to Brazil's major ports if your import path is confirmed legal:
| Port | Freight (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Santos | $3,180 | 28–38 days |
| Paranaguá | $3,265 | 29–39 days |
| Itajaí/Navegantes | $3,310 | 29–39 days |
| Suape | $3,420 | 30–40 days |
| Rio Grande | $3,390 | 30–40 days |
* Rates are estimates. These figures only apply once your specific import path is legally confirmed — see above. Santos, near São Paulo, is Latin America's largest port and the usual entry point.
Import Duties & Taxes for Brazil
Brazil compounds several taxes on imported vehicles: Imposto de Importação (import duty, commonly around 35% for passenger cars), IPI (industrial products tax, rate varies by vehicle type and efficiency category), ICMS (state-level VAT, roughly 17–19% depending on the state), and PIS/COFINS (federal social-contribution taxes). Because these apply cumulatively rather than simply adding up, the compounded effect on landed cost is substantial. This is on top of — not instead of — the used-vehicle import restriction above, which rules out most individual buyers regardless of tax rate.
Estimate Your Total Landed Cost
Based on a $15,000 vehicle — browse our inventory for exact pricing on a specific car.
Import duty and VAT for this destination aren't included in this estimate yet — contact us for an exact landed-cost quote.
Estimate only. Import duties and customs costs vary by destination country. Contact us for a precise quote for your specific destination.
Required Documents & Compliance
Provided by DriveSino (Export Side)
If your import path is confirmed legal, DriveSino provides standard export-side documentation:
- Certificate of Origin — Proves vehicle was manufactured in China
- Bill of Lading — Shipping document from the carrier
- Commercial Invoice — Transaction value and vehicle details
- Export Customs Declaration — Filed with Chinese customs
- Vehicle Title/Certificate — Proof of ownership
Import-side requirements include CONTRAN vehicle homologation, INMETRO certification, and — for used vehicles specifically — confirmation that your case actually qualifies under one of Brazil's narrow exemption categories before anything else is worth pursuing. A licensed Brazilian customs broker (despachante aduaneiro) is the right first call.
Import-Side Requirements
Import requirements vary by country. DriveSino advises on Brazil-specific regulations and can connect you with trusted customs agents at the destination port.
Ask about BrazilUnderstanding export documentation is key to a smooth import. Visit our Knowledge Hub for detailed explanations:
How to Import a Car from China to Brazil
- Confirm your legal eligibility first: talk to a licensed Brazilian customs broker about whether your case qualifies for a used-vehicle exemption, or whether you're pursuing a legal new-vehicle import — this determines everything else
- Contact DriveSino: once eligibility is confirmed, tell us your situation and preferred vehicle
- Confirm feasibility: we'll discuss whether sourcing a specific vehicle is realistic for your confirmed case
- If workable, proceed: sales contract, export documentation, and shipping follow the standard process
Tips for Importing to Brazil
- Confirm your legal eligibility — especially the used-vehicle exemption question — before doing anything else; this matters far more than freight cost or vehicle price
- Consider whether an official BYD, GWM, Chery, or JAC dealer purchase is simpler — all four already manufacture or assemble in Brazil with full local dealer networks
- Contact DriveSino only after you know your specific import path, so we can focus on whether sourcing is feasible
Importing Cars from China to Brazil — FAQ
Can I import a used car from China to Brazil?
Generally, no. Brazil applies a near-total ban on individuals importing used vehicles, with narrow exemptions (returning residents' personal effects, inheritance, and similar specific categories). Confirm with a licensed Brazilian customs broker whether your situation qualifies before assuming any path is open.
Does Brazil use right-hand drive or left-hand drive cars?
Brazil drives on the right and uses left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles — the same configuration as DriveSino's standard mainland-China-market catalog. Unlike some markets, driving side is not the obstacle here.
Why is importing a car to Brazil so expensive even when it's legal?
Brazil compounds several taxes on imported vehicles — import duty (commonly ~35% for passenger cars), IPI, state ICMS, and PIS/COFINS. Applied cumulatively, these substantially inflate the landed cost compared to the vehicle's pre-tax price.
Isn't it easier to just buy a Chinese car from a Brazilian dealer?
For nearly all buyers, yes. BYD (Camaçari), GWM (Iracemápolis), Chery (Jacareí), and JAC (Camaçari) all manufacture or assemble locally in Brazil with established official dealer networks. DriveSino's direct-import route only makes sense for buyers with a confirmed, legal import path outside that system.
Can DriveSino help me import a car to Brazil?
If you have a confirmed, legal path — a used-vehicle exemption or a legal new-vehicle import — contact DriveSino to discuss whether sourcing a specific vehicle is feasible. We won't guess at your legal eligibility; that's a question for a licensed Brazilian customs broker.
Knowledge Hub
Detailed answers to common questions about importing cars from China
Ready to Import a Car to Brazil?
Contact us for a personalized quote. We handle vehicle sourcing, export documentation, shipping, and delivery.