President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on Tuesday eliminating the 20% federal tax on international purchases up to US$ 50 from platforms in the Remessa Conforme program. Companies including Amazon, Shein, Shopee, AliExpress, Magazine Luiza and Mercado Livre have already removed the charge. The change reverses a 2024 Congress decision.
The provisional measure signed by Lula on Tuesday (12) again zeros the Import Tax for low-value shipments from certified companies in the Remessa Conforme program. Forty-five platforms currently take part in the system created by the Federal Revenue in 2023.
Companies contacted by Folha confirmed they have immediately removed the charge. Shein said it has implemented the rule and promised refunds for any amounts collected in error. Amazon and AliExpress stated they are updating their websites to reflect the change.
Minister Guilherme Boulos said the tax was created by Congress as a rider in the Mover automotive program bill. He criticized domestic retailers that supported the levy and asked whether São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas will zero the state ICMS on the same purchases.
State ICMS continues to be charged on imports up to US$ 50. The Brazilian Textile Retail Association repudiated the decision and said it creates unfair competition with national industry.
