Import a Car to Brazil with Crypto | Bitmalo
Importing a car into Brazil has long been known as one of the most challenging automotive transactions in the world. The combination of strict customs rules, layered taxation, and restrictions on used vehicles often leaves buyers overwhelmed. Yet demand continues to grow—Brazil’s passion for cars is unmatched, and enthusiasts are willing to go the extra mile for the right vehicle. At Bitmalo, we’ve built a process designed to eliminate that stress: you choose the car, pay securely in crypto or bank transfer, and we orchestrate the rest, from inspection and purchase to customs clearance and door delivery anywhere in the country.
How the Import Process Works
For most clients, the journey begins online. Once you’ve found your preferred vehicle in our Cars inventory, the first step is a tailored inspection. This is not just a quick glance; we run a comprehensive VIN and variant check, verify emissions standards, and confirm the vehicle matches Brazil’s regulatory requirements. Our Brazil-ready condition report is designed to anticipate what customs and regulators will ask for later, which means fewer surprises once the vehicle arrives.
After inspection, the purchase stage begins. Unlike many traditional importers, we operate on a full up-front settlement model—the buyer pays 100% in advance via USDT, BTC, ETH, or by USD bank transfer. That gives you a locked-in transaction with full documentation (invoices and TXIDs) and allows us to act as buyer of record, securing title and managing export.
From there, the car begins its journey to Brazil. Most shipments arrive through Santos or Paranaguá when travelling by sea, while São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG) are the main gateways for air freight. Once the vehicle touches down, our licensed despachante aduaneiro handles the full Receita Federal clearance. By the time the car leaves port or airport custody, you already know when to expect it at your door.
Understanding Brazil’s Import Duties
The cost of importing isn’t just freight and handling—it’s taxes and tariffs. Brazil applies multiple layers of taxation that vary depending on engine displacement, vehicle type, and state of final registration. The most common charges include:
- Import Duty (II) – typically 35% for passenger cars.
- IPI (Excise Tax) – rates rise with engine size and type.
- PIS/COFINS-Import – social contributions levied on imports.
- ICMS (State VAT) – varies significantly depending on which state your car is registered in.
On top of these, there are local port and terminal charges that cover devanning, storage, and handling. One of Bitmalo’s advantages is our transparency: we provide an estimate that reflects the current tariff schedule for your vehicle’s NCM classification so you have a realistic view of total landed cost before the car even ships.
Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials
A key point many first-time importers miss is that Brazil does not generally allow used-car imports. The two major exceptions are brand-new (0 km) vehicles and collector cars that are typically 30 years or older. We confirm eligibility on a per-VIN basis to avoid costly mistakes.
Brazil also enforces left-hand drive (LHD) only for standard road registration. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars are not eligible for road use. Beyond these basics, we ensure every file is aligned with Senatran/Contran standards. Where emissions or safety certifications are needed, our team arranges IBAMA or INMETRO documentation and ensures accurate Portuguese translations are included. Customs entries are submitted through Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licences (LI) filed when required.
Shipping Options: Air vs Sea
Clients often ask which is better—air or sea. The truth is, it depends on your priorities. Air freight into GRU or GIG offers speed, with cars arriving in as little as 5–10 days door-to-door. This option is popular for high-value cars or situations where timing is critical. On the other hand, ocean freight—either containerised or Ro-Ro—is far more cost-efficient, though timelines stretch to 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on routing and terminal congestion. Regardless of mode, we provide door-to-door all-risk insurance and handle every step, including dangerous goods paperwork for EVs and hybrids.
Why Buyers Choose Bitmalo for Brazil
The Brazilian import system rewards precision. A missing certificate or mistranslated document can delay clearance by weeks and rack up thousands in storage costs. By managing everything from inspection and purchase to customs and inland delivery, Bitmalo gives you one accountable counterparty. Clients also value our ability to settle arrival charges through our broker and re-invoice transparently in crypto or bank transfer, removing the need to chase port invoices. Add in our Brazil-ready registration pack, which includes DETRAN/RENAVAM pointers and CRLV-e samples, and you have a solution that doesn’t just move cars—it gets them legally road-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a used car to Brazil?
Not under normal circumstances. Only brand-new cars or collector cars (about 30+ years old) are eligible. We confirm each VIN before proceeding.
How long does shipping take?
Air freight usually arrives within 5–10 days door-to-door. Sea freight typically takes 4–9 weeks depending on origin and terminal conditions.
What taxes should I expect?
At minimum: Import Duty (II), IPI, PIS/COFINS-Import, ICMS, and port/terminal charges. We reflect these in your initial quote.
Do you deliver outside São Paulo and Rio?
Yes. We arrange covered transport to Brasília, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, Belo Horizonte, and beyond.
Final Word
Brazil’s car import environment is not designed for simplicity—but with the right execution partner, it can be smooth and predictable. Bitmalo specialises in bridging that gap. Whether you’re buying a brand-new exotic or a classic eligible for collector status, we provide crypto-settled, fully managed imports that reach your door without the stress.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Import rules vary by vehicle, model year, and destination state. Bitmalo confirms the pathway and costs for your VIN before purchase.