The packaging of imported products is a relevant element in the compliance with customs legislation and facilitation of the customs clearance in the importation.

Importers and distributors usually are wary of the commercialization requirements established by the administrative control authorities, such as ANVISA and INMETRO. Complying with these requirements results in the approval of the Import License – and prohibits an importation in case any irredeemable irregularity is verified.

Notwithstanding the importance of complying with the technical demands in the context of the administrative treatment of the imports, caution with the control practiced by the Customs Authority is essential. For the customs legislation, it is necessary that all packages are duly identified for tracking by means of the customs documents of the goods during the instruction of the process of customs clearance.

Information contained in the documents of instruction of the brokerage must be compatible with the information contained in the packages, if any.

Evidence of inconsistencies in the package may extend the period of customs clearance, resulting in higher costs and even a physical verification of the goods. The Customs Authority is competent to initiate a review based on suspicious of fraud – the special control procedures established by Normative Instruction 1169/2011 – and may paralyze the operations of the until the completion of the special procedure.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.