Brazil Requires Taxpayer ID Numbers on International Packages

Sending a package from the US to Brazil? As of January 1, 2020, the rules have changed. All international packages must now identify the recipient’s Brazilian taxpayer ID number. For individuals, it’s their CPF; for companies, it’s their CNPJ. A passport number can also be used if the recipient is a foreigner.

The new rule comes following months of random (yet frequent) requests from the Brazilian tax authorities (Receita Federal) and the Brazilian postal service (Correios) for this information. But now, the information is required for all packages before they can pass customs clearance.

Why, you ask? It’s another way for the Brazilian government to track the payment (or nonpayment) of taxes. It’s not uncommon for goods sent to Brazil from the US to be taxed at 60% of their declared value, although the exact amount will depend on the item (and some might argue the customs agent).

If a package doesn’t include the recipient’s taxpayer ID number, it will either be returned to the sender or destroyed. Yes, you read that correctly. That $500 gift you sent to your girlfriend in Brazil may be destroyed!

The easiest way to avoid problems is to include the recipient’s taxpayer ID number on the package itself. If you forget, it can be added online after the fact. The Correios website allows the recipient to link their CPF, CNPJ, or passport number to the package using the package’s tracking number.

We told you that taxpayer ID numbers are used for everything in Brazil. This is just one more example.