International Shipping from Canada to Brazil: The Complete Guide

There are significant opportunities for Canadian companies in Brazil across high-growth sectors including infrastructure, education, technology, AI, oil and gas, aerospace, and automotive. However, reaching the Brazilian market requires more than just a product—it requires a reliable logistics strategy to navigate one of the world's most complex customs environments.

The Challenge: Shipping from Canada vs. Importing into Brazil

While the export process from Canada is straightforward, importing parcels into Brazil is notoriously complex. Brazilian customs (Receita Federal) and health authorities (ANVISA) enforce strict regulations. Even small express parcels often require specific local certifications and meticulous documentation to avoid being returned or seized.

Products frequently requiring Brazilian certifications:

• Cosmetics & Health: Often treated like pharmaceuticals; require preliminary licensing.
• Toys: Must meet INMETRO safety standards prior to shipment.
• Consumer Electronics: Many telecom devices require ANATEL certification.

Pro Tip: Whenever possible, partner with a trusted Brazilian distributor to manage local licensing.

Choosing Your Transport Mode: Air vs. Ocean

The best shipping method depends on your volume, budget, and the nature of your goods.

• Air Freight: The fastest door-to-door option. Ideal for shipments under 100kg or high-value electronics.
• Ocean Freight (LCL/FCL): The most economical for bulk goods.
  • LCL (Less than Container Load): Shared space for 1–5 pallets.
  • FCL (Full Container Load): Faster and more secure for full 20’ or 40’ loads.
• Global Couriers: FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer reliable tracking but can be expensive without volume discounts.
• Postal Service: Canada Post is best for small, non-urgent personal items.

Cold Chain Logistics: Shipping Dry Ice to Brazil

Brazil is a global leader in clinical research and agri-tech, creating a high demand for temperature-sensitive logistics. However, the tropical climate and customs delays make Dry Ice Shipping (UN1845) a high-stakes operation.

Navigating ANVISA for Frozen Shipments

In Brazil, the health authority (ANVISA) often holds more power than customs for biological samples, reagents, and pharmaceuticals. Most of these items require an Import License (L.I.) approved before the cargo leaves Canada.

• The Risk: If a shipment arrives at Guarulhos (GRU) without pre-approval, it will be held. Standard dry ice packaging may fail during long bureaucracy-induced delays.
• The Solution: Jet Worldwide calculates dry ice requirements for a minimum 120-hour "buffer" and ensures all RADAR permits are active before booking.

Contact Jet Worldwide for a Brazil Cold Chain Consultation →

Brazil Shipping Cost Estimator (5–30 kg)

Use this tool to estimate transport costs from Canada to major Brazilian cities. Note: Estimates cover transport only; duties/taxes are additional.

Reference Rates (CAD)

Carrier Options for Shipping Canada to Brazil

• Canada Post: Most economical for personal parcels. Delivers via Correios. Expect 2–4 weeks for delivery.
• FedEx / UPS / DHL: Best for commercial shipments requiring high visibility and speed (3–7 business days).
• Jet Worldwide: Specializes in high-value, DDP (Delivery Duty Paid), and cold chain solutions that standard carriers often reject.

The Golden Rule of Brazil Shipping: Tax IDs

Your shipment will be refused entry without the recipient's Tax ID clearly listed on the commercial invoice and waybill:

• CPF (Individuals): 11 digits.
• CNPJ (Companies): 14 digits.

Export Declarations (CERS)

If your shipment is valued at CA$2,000 or more, you must file a Canadian Export Declaration via CERS (formerly B13A). Failure to do so results in heavy fines from the CBSA.

Import Duties and CIF Valuation

Brazil calculates duties based on the CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
Note: Duties can reach 60% of the value, plus state-level ICMS taxes. For business shipments, we recommend DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) terms to ensure your customer doesn't face unexpected fees.