The belongings are shipped separately from the traveler and must be covered by a transport document issued to the person responsible for the shipment.
Home ›
USA → Brazil › Documents & Customs
USA → Brazil Move
Documents and customs, without the complications.
Returning or moving to Brazil? Before shipping, it is important to know what information will be required, how your household goods enter the country, and which documents need to accompany the process.
Everglades helps organize the process.
You tell us about your circumstances and what you plan to take. We guide you on the information needed for the move and, when included in the proposal, coordinate services related to documentation and customs clearance in Brazil.
The essentials in a few minutes
What you need to understand before shipping your belongings.
Household goods shipped separately from the traveler are treated as unaccompanied baggage. This means the belongings travel as cargo, accompanied by transport documents and subject to customs procedures upon arrival in Brazil.
For treatment as unaccompanied baggage, the shipment must arrive in Brazil within the applicable period in relation to the traveler's arrival.
Release depends on how the shipment is classified, the documents submitted and, when applicable, inspection of the belongings.
What to start gathering
Documents and information commonly used in the process.
The exact documentation varies according to each customer's circumstances. Rather than treating every case the same, we use this information as a starting point.
01
Identification document
Passport and, when applicable, other personal documents related to your entry into or residence in Brazil.
02
Travel information
Expected or documented date of arrival in Brazil and information needed to determine the applicable shipment period.
03
Inventory of belongings
Description and approximate value of the items, organized by box or package to facilitate the documentation process.
04
Transport document
The transport document that accompanies the shipment and must correctly identify the person responsible for it.
05
Proof of residence abroad
In certain cases, this may be required to demonstrate the period of residence outside Brazil and assess benefits that may apply to the move.
06
Additional documents
A power of attorney, proof of purchase or other documents may be requested depending on the belongings and the traveler's circumstances.
In practice
How the documentation for your move works.
You do not need to know customs terminology. We explain which information and documents need to be prepared at each stage.
Origin, destination, travel date, approximate volume and type of belongings to be shipped.
We identify the information and documents needed to prepare your move to Brazil.
Once the documentation is organized, the shipment proceeds to Brazil according to the contracted transport option.
Upon arrival in Brazil, the customs procedures are completed and, after release, the destination services included in the proposal can proceed.
Common questions
Questions that commonly arise before a move to Brazil.
This is often the part that creates the most uncertainty. The answers below help explain the process before you begin gathering the documents.
What is unaccompanied baggage?
It is baggage shipped separately from the traveler as cargo and covered by a transport document or equivalent document. International household moves are commonly processed under this classification.
When can my shipment arrive in Brazil?
As a general rule, for treatment as unaccompanied baggage, the belongings must arrive in Brazil up to three months before or up to six months after the traveler's arrival. The shipment must also come from a place where the traveler stayed or resided.
Are there tax exemptions for someone moving to Brazil?
Exemptions may apply to personal-use items and, in certain situations involving a permanent move or return to Brazil, to furniture and other household goods. Eligibility depends on the traveler's circumstances and the belongings being shipped.
Can I ship new items?
New items are not automatically prohibited, but their tax treatment may be different. Quantity, nature, value and intended use need to be considered, particularly to avoid the appearance of a commercial purpose.
Do I need a list of everything I am shipping?
Yes. The inventory is an important part of the process and should include a description and approximate value, preferably organized by box or package.
What is a Bill of Lading?
It is the transport document used for ocean shipping. For unaccompanied baggage, the transport document must identify the person responsible for the shipment and the number of packages shipped.
How does customs clearance work in Brazil?
Unaccompanied baggage is subject to customs clearance. The documentation is submitted for review, and Brazilian Customs may request additional information or inspect the belongings before release.
Can I include anything in my shipment?
No. Some products are prohibited or subject to specific controls, and goods whose quantity or nature suggests a commercial purpose may fall outside the rules applicable to baggage. Special items should be disclosed before packing.
How Everglades helps
Documentation is part of the move and should not be a surprise at the end.
Our goal is to identify documentation needs during the planning stage so you know what must be provided before shipment and which services are included in the proposal.
Guidance before shipment
We identify the information and documents commonly needed to prepare the shipment.
Organized inventory
We guide the preparation of information about the contents to support transportation and the customs process.
Coordination with customs-clearance professionals
When included in the contracted service, we coordinate the flow of information with the professionals responsible for customs procedures.
Continuity through destination
After release, the shipment proceeds to the destination services defined in the proposal.
Before packing
Have an unusual item? Tell us before packing.
Food, medications, plants, products of animal or plant origin, weapons, controlled items, large quantities of identical products and other special goods may require prior review or specific authorizations. Tell us about these items before pickup so they can be evaluated properly.
Planning to return to Brazil?
Start with your move. Documentation is handled as part of the process.
Tell us the origin, destination and what you plan to take. From there, we can assess the moving option and the next steps for your situation.
Important:the information on this page is general and intended for international-move planning. Documentation requirements, tax treatment, exemptions, authorizations and procedures may vary depending on the traveler, the belongings and current law. Review and release of baggage are under the authority of Brazilian customs officials.