How to make your first export from Brazil, from scratch

Exporting from Brazil is less complex than it seems once the process is broken into steps. This guide summarizes the path we follow with first-time exporters.

1. Registration

Exporters must be registered in Siscomex (RADAR) with an up-to-date record on the Single Window (Portal Único). A fast alternative is to export through a trading company that already holds the license and infrastructure: the company sells to the trading company, which carries out the export.

2. HS classification and requirements

Define the product's NCM/HS code. It tells you whether an agency must approve the shipment, such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) for coffee and other plant products. Also check what the destination country requires: labeling, product or exporter registration and certificates.

3. Price, Incoterm and payment

Build the price with every cost up to the delivery point: product, packaging, freight to the port, customs clearance and port charges. The Incoterm defines who pays for what and where your responsibility ends. FOB and FCA are the most common for new exporters.

Agree on payment terms too: advance payment, documentary collection (documents released against payment) or a letter of credit, depending on trust between the parties. The proceeds enter Brazil through a foreign exchange contract with a bank.

4. Documents and shipment

• Commercial invoice and packing list;
• Transport document: bill of lading (B/L) for ocean freight or air waybill (AWB) for air;
• Certificate of origin, when the destination requires it or a trade agreement lowers the duty; for coffee, also the International Coffee Organization (ICO) certificate;
• Phytosanitary certificate, when the destination country requires it. It depends on the country: the United States, for example, does not require one for green coffee.

Export clearance is filed through the Single Export Declaration (DU-E) on the Portal Único. With the Varginha dry port, clearance can happen inland and the cargo travels sealed to the port of loading.

How WW Trading helps

We support every step, from registration to shipment: classification, documents, clearance, freight and contact with the buyer.