The Limit on Purchases Made by Brazilians Abroad to US$1,000

January started full of good news for Brazilian tourists who want to buy abroad and get rid of taxes. The new quota for tax-free purchases went from US$500 to US$1,000 per person.

Since 1995 the quota has not been readjusted, so the news caught many of surprise. The new quota is valid both for products purchased in other countries and for products purchased in the so-called Duty Frees, the duty free stores in ports and airports.

It is worth remembering, however, that the decree, according to the Federal Revenue, is only valid for passengers arriving in Brazil by air or sea.

That is, whoever is going to cross the border of Brazil by waterway or land, such as Foz do Iguaçu, in Paraná, Cidade Del Este, in Paraguay, and other routes, the quota remains at the limit of US$ 500.

With the adjusted amount, if you exceed the spending limit on purchases, the traveler must pay the import tax of 50% on the amount spent more. It is worth remembering that if the passenger who does not pay is caught, he may be fined up to 100% on the excess amount.

This quota refers to US$ 1,000 per month, so , if the passenger travels abroad more than once in the same month, he can only use one quota. The limit value cannot be transferred and is not cumulative.

Finally, it is important to clarify that some products are not taxed, therefore, items considered for personal use do not enter in this account, such as books, used camera, used watch, used cell phone, clothes, perfumes and personal care items.

In addition, if the traveler buys a smartphone, he can use it as an object of personal use if it is the only cell phone in the luggage.