Shipping from China to Brazil

As Brazil continues to grow as South America’s largest economy, trade with China has reached unprecedented levels. However, for importers, Shipping from China to Brazil presents a unique set of challenges—from complex customs regulations (Receita Federal) to long transit times and fluctuating freight rates.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about logistics on this route, including Sea freight from China to Brazil, air cargo options, costs, and how to navigate Brazilian bureaucracy effectively.

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Overview of Shipping from China to Brazil

China is Brazil’s top trading partner, supplying machinery, electronics, textiles, and chemicals. While the trade lane is bustling, it is notoriously difficult due to Brazil’s strict customs clearance procedures and high import duties.

Key challenges include:

Bureaucracy: The “Custo Brasil” (Brazil Cost) often refers to the operational costs associated with doing business, including complex tax structures like II, IPI, PIS, COFINS, and ICMS.
Port Congestion: Major ports like Santos and Paranaguá can experience significant delays during peak agricultural export seasons.
Documentation: A single error on the Commercial Invoice or Packing List can lead to heavy fines and weeks of delay.

Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder like Dantful International Logistics is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.

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Shipping Methods from China to Brazil

Choosing the right transport mode depends on your budget, cargo volume, and delivery deadline.

Sea Freight from China to Brazil

Sea freight from China to Brazil is the most common method, handling over 90% of cargo. It offers the best balance between cost and capacity.

FCL (Full Container Load): Hiring a 20’GP or 40’HQ container is the most economical choice for bulk shipments. It provides better security and faster clearance than LCL.
LCL (Less than Container Load): For shipments between 1–15 CBM, LCL shipping allows you to share container space. Note that LCL clearance in Brazil can be slower due to deconsolidation processes.

Best suited for: Heavy machinery, furniture, textiles, and large-scale inventory.

Air Freight from China to Brazil

When time is of the essence, Air freight from China to Brazil is the answer. While expensive, it reduces transit time from 40+ days to under a week.

Standard Air Cargo: Ideal for high-value electronics or urgent spare parts.
Charter Services: Available for oversized project cargo or massive urgent shipments.

Best suited for: Electronics, medical devices, fashion samples, and urgent automotive parts.

Express Shipping from China to Brazil

For small parcels (under 30kg), couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer fast delivery. However, be aware that Brazilian customs taxes on courier shipments (60% flat import tax + ICMS) can be very high.

Best suited for: Documents, samples, and small e-commerce prototypes.

DDP Shipping from China to Brazil

DDP Shipping from China to Brazil is a premium service where the forwarder handles the entire logistics chain—pickup, export, freight, import clearance, and final delivery.

Note: Due to Brazil’s strict regulations, true “DDP” (Delivered Duty Paid) is difficult for foreign companies to arrange without a local Brazilian entity (RADAR license). Dantful can assist in coordinating DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) or working with your local broker to ensure seamless delivery.

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Shipping Cost from China to Brazil

Freight rates fluctuate based on fuel prices (BAF), currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand. Below are estimated ranges for January 2026.

Estimated Shipping Rates (January 2026)

Shipping Mode	Origin (China)	Destination (Brazil)	Estimated Cost Range	Key Factors
FCL 20′ Container	Shanghai / Shenzhen	Santos / Paranaguá	$2,100 – $2,800	General Rate Increases (GRI)
FCL 40′ Container	Shanghai / Shenzhen	Santos / Paranaguá	$3,200 – $4,500	Peak Season Surcharges
LCL (Sea Freight)	Major Ports	Santos	$60 – $110 per CBM	Min 1 CBM; Deconsolidation fees apply
Air Freight	PVG / SZX / HKG	GRU / VCP	$5.50 – $9.50 per kg	Fuel & Security Surcharges

How to Determine if Your Freight Rate is Reasonable

Check Local Charges: In Brazil, destination port charges (Capatazia, THC) can be high. Ensure your quote separates freight from local fees.
Demurrage & Detention: Negotiate more “Free Time” at the destination port (e.g., 14-21 days) to account for slow customs clearance.
Validity: Quotes are typically valid for 15-30 days.

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Transit Time from China to Brazil

Distance is a major factor. The voyage from East Asia to South America is one of the longest in global shipping.

Typical Transit Time Ranges

Sea Freight (East Coast – Santos): 35 – 45 days
Sea Freight (North – Manaus): 40 – 50 days (often via transshipment in Panama)
Air Freight: 3 – 7 days
Express Courier: 3 – 6 days

Factors That Impact Transit Time

Transshipment: Many vessels stop in Singapore or Europe, adding time. Direct services are faster but rarer.
Customs Strikes: Strikes by Brazilian customs auditors (Receita Federal) can cause weeks of delay.
Port Congestion: Santos port often faces truck queues and berth congestion.

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Major Ports & Shipping Routes from China to Brazil

Major Ports in China

Shanghai Port: The global hub for general cargo.
Shenzhen Port (Yantian/Shekou): Ideal for electronics from Southern China.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: Key for heavy industrial goods.
Hong Kong (HKG): Primary hub for air freight and battery-related products.

Major Ports in Brazil

Santos Port (SP): The largest port in Latin America, handling the majority of Brazil’s imports. Best for cargo destined for São Paulo and the South.
Paranaguá Port (PR): A major alternative to Santos, often used for machinery and fertilizers.
Itajaí / Navegantes (SC): Key for the textile and frozen food industries.
Manaus Port (AM): Located in the Amazon, serving the Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Manaus).
Guarulhos Airport (GRU) & Viracopos (VCP): The main gateways for air cargo.

Typical Shipping Routes

Most vessels sail via the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) or transit through the Panama Canal, depending on the carrier’s network.

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Shipping Process from China to Brazil

Booking: Secure space 2-3 weeks in advance.
RADAR Check: Ensure the Brazilian importer has an active RADAR license (Siscomex access) to import.
Documentation Approval: Crucial Step. The importer must approve the draft BL and Commercial Invoice before the cargo leaves China to avoid fines.
Export & Transit: Cargo departs China.
Mercante System: The forwarder registers the BL in Brazil’s Mercante system 48 hours before arrival.
Import Clearance (DI): Importer files the Declaração de Importação (DI) and pays taxes.
Canal Parametrização: Customs assigns a channel: Green (Clear), Yellow (Doc check), or Red (Physical inspection).
Delivery: Cargo is released for inland transport.

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Customs Clearance & Duties

Navigating Customs Clearance in Brazil is often cited as the most challenging part of the logistics process due to its bureaucracy and strict adherence to regulations.

Essential Requirements

RADAR License (Siscomex): Before shipping, the Brazilian importer must have an active RADAR license to access the Siscomex system. Without this, customs clearance is impossible, and cargo may be seized or returned.
NCM Code Accuracy: The Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul (NCM) is the Brazilian HS Code. Incorrect classification can lead to heavy fines (minimum 1% of customs value) and delays. It determines the applicable tax rates and administrative requirements.

Duties and Taxes Structure

Brazilian import taxes are cumulative and calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight):

II (Import Duty): Ranges from 0% to 35% depending on the product.
IPI (Industrialized Product Tax): Federal tax on manufactured goods.
PIS & COFINS: Federal social contributions.
ICMS (State VAT): The final tax applied, varying by state (e.g., São Paulo is usually 18%). It is calculated on top of all other duties and costs.

Required Documentation

Discrepancies between documents can cause shipments to be held for months.

Commercial Invoice: Must be signed and include specific details like NCM codes, unit prices, and freight costs.
Packing List: Must match the invoice and physical cargo exactly.
Bill of Lading (BL): Must show the exact NCM code and CNPJ (Tax ID) of the importer.
Wooden Packaging: Any wood pallets or crates must be fumigated and stamped with ISPM 15. Failure to do so requires the entire shipment to be returned.

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What Dantful Can Help?

Dantful International Logistics understands the nuances of the Brazil trade lane.

Documentation Review: We double-check drafts to ensure compliance with Brazilian standards.
Free Time Negotiation: We secure extended container free time to buffer against clearance delays.
Cost-Effective Freight: Competitive rates for Container shipping from China to Brazil.
End-to-End Support: From factory pickup in China to coordination with your Brazilian customs broker.

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FAQs

1. How long does shipping take from China to Brazil?

Sea freight typically takes 35 to 45 days to main ports like Santos. Air freight takes 3 to 7 days. Delays can occur due to transshipments or customs clearance.

2. What is the cheapest way to ship to Brazil?

Sea freight (FCL) is the most economical for large shipments. For smaller volumes (under 15 CBM), LCL is cost-effective, though destination charges should be monitored.

3. What is the cost of container shipping from China to Brazil?

Freight rates fluctuate, but generally, a 20ft container costs between $2,100 and $2,800, and a 40ft container ranges from $3,800 to $4,500. Factors affecting the price include the season (Peak Season Surcharges), fuel costs, and the specific route (e.g., Shenzhen to Santos).

4. What is the import tax from China to Brazil?

Brazil imposes a complex tax structure including Import Duty (II) (0%–35%), IPI (Industrialized Product Tax), PIS and COFINS, plus the state tax ICMS (typically 17%–19%). The total tax burden is calculated on the CIF value and can often exceed 60%–100% of the product cost.