Any Brazilian company with an active CNPJ can engage in international trade, but it requires specific registrations and compliance with federal regulations. The process starts with Radar and Siscomex access, and understanding these systems is essential before your first shipment crosses the border.

Radar: Your Gateway to Foreign Trade

Radar (Registro e Rastreamento da Atuação dos Intervenientes Aduaneiros) is the mandatory registration that authorizes a company to import and export through Brazilian customs. Without Radar, your CNPJ cannot process any international trade operation.

Radar Modalities

Modality	Import limit (6 months)	Requirements
Express	Up to USD 50,000	Simplified documentation
Limited	Up to USD 150,000	Financial capacity proof required
Unlimited	No limit	Full financial capacity demonstration

How to Apply for Radar

1. Prepare documentation: CNPJ card, social contract, partner documents, proof of fiscal address, financial statements
2. Submit via e-CAC: Access the Receita Federal portal with a digital certificate
3. Analysis period: 10–30 business days depending on modality
4. Approval: Radar number issued and linked to your CNPJ

Common Reasons for Radar Denial

• Irregular CNPJ status (debts, missing filings)
• Insufficient financial capacity for requested modality
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Partners with CPF restrictions

Siscomex: The Trade Operations System

Siscomex (Sistema Integrado de Comércio Exterior) is the electronic platform where all import and export operations are registered and processed. After obtaining Radar, you need Siscomex access to process shipments.

Key Siscomex Modules

Module	Function
Siscomex Importação	Import declarations (DI/DUIMP)
Siscomex Exportação	Export declarations (DE/DU-E)
Siscomex Carga	Cargo tracking and manifest
Portal Único	Unified foreign trade portal (replacing legacy modules)

Importing: Key Considerations

Taxes on Imports

Tax	Rate	Base
II (Import Tax)	0–35% depending on product (NCM code)	CIF value (cost + insurance + freight)
IPI (Industrialized Products Tax)	Varies by product	CIF + II
PIS-Importação	2.1% (general)	CIF value
COFINS-Importação	9.65% (general)	CIF value
ICMS	State rate (usually 17–20%)	Calculated on all above

The cumulative tax burden on imports commonly reaches 40–60% of the product’s original value.

Import Process Overview

1. Negotiate with supplier and define Incoterms
2. Hire a customs broker (despachante aduaneiro) — highly recommended
3. Register the import declaration in Siscomex
4. Pay import taxes before cargo release
5. Customs clearance — green (automatic), yellow (document review), red (physical inspection)
6. Release and delivery of goods

Simplified Import (Importa Fácil)

For small imports (up to USD 3,000 via postal service), Correios offers the Importa Fácil service with simplified customs procedures.

Exporting: Key Benefits

Brazil offers significant tax incentives for exports, making it one of the most tax-efficient activities for Brazilian companies.

Export Tax Benefits

Benefit	Details
ICMS exemption	Exports are exempt from state ICMS
IPI exemption	No IPI on exported products
PIS/COFINS at zero rate	Federal contributions do not apply to exports
ISS exemption	Service exports are exempt (with conditions)
IRPJ/CSLL	Normal taxation applies, but export revenue is not penalized

Export Process Overview

1. Register the export in Siscomex (DU-E — Declaração Única de Exportação)
2. Issue the export invoice (Nota Fiscal de Exportação)
3. Cargo inspection at the port/airport (if selected)
4. Customs clearance and shipment
5. Exchange closure — convert foreign currency through your bank

Service Exports

Companies that provide services to foreign clients can also benefit from export treatment:

• ISS exemption (service must be consumed abroad, payment in foreign currency)
• PIS/COFINS at zero rate
• No ICMS (services are not subject to ICMS)
• Exchange contract through authorized bank

Requirements for Your Company

Requirement	Import	Export
Active CNPJ	Yes	Yes
Radar registration	Yes	Yes
Siscomex access	Yes	Yes
Digital certificate	Yes	Yes
Customs broker	Recommended	Optional for simple operations
Inscrição Estadual	Required for goods	Required for goods
Exchange contract	Yes	Yes

Starting Small: Practical Tips

1. Begin with Express Radar — it is faster to obtain and sufficient for testing the market
2. Hire a customs broker for your first operations — the learning curve is steep
3. Understand NCM codes — the product classification determines all applicable taxes
4. Plan for cash flow — import taxes are paid upfront before you can sell the goods
5. Consider a trading company — if you want to import/export without handling customs directly

SedeFiscal and Foreign Trade

Your Radar registration requires a valid fiscal address matching your CNPJ. SedeFiscal provides the address documentation needed for Radar applications, including proof of establishment. For companies that need Inscrição Estadual for import/export of physical goods, SedeFiscal offers fiscal address plans with state registration support, ensuring your address meets all requirements for foreign trade operations.

International trade opens significant opportunities for Brazilian companies. Start with proper Radar registration and build your operations systematically — the tax benefits for exports alone make it worth the setup effort.

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