Import a Car to Brazil with Crypto | Bitmalo

Importing a car into Brazil has long been known as one of the most challenging car transactions globally. 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 put together a process designed to take away that stress: you choose the car, pay securely with crypto or bank transfer, and we arrange everything else, from inspection and purchase to customs clearance and door delivery anywhere in the country.

How the Import Process Works

For most clients, the process starts online. Once you’ve found your preferred vehicle in our Cars inventory, the first step is a tailored inspection. This isn't just a quick look; we do a comprehensive VIN and variant check, verify emissions standards, and confirm the vehicle meets Brazil’s regulatory requirements. Our Brazil-ready condition report is designed to anticipate what customs and regulators will demand later, meaning fewer surprises once the vehicle gets here.

After the inspection, the purchase stage kicks off. Unlike many regular importers, we work with a full up-front settlement model—the buyer pays 100% in advance using USDT, BTC, ETH, or by USD bank transfer. That guarantees a locked-in transaction with full documentation (invoices and TXIDs) and allows us to act as buyer of record, sorting out the title and handling the export.

From there, the car starts its journey to Brazil. Most shipments come through Santos or Paranaguá when traveling by sea, while São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG) are the main entry points for air freight. Once the vehicle lands, our licensed despachante aduaneiro takes care of the full Receita Federal clearance. By the time the car leaves port or airport custody, you’ll already know when to expect it at your door.

Understanding Brazil’s Import Duties

The cost of importing isn’t just about freight and handling—it’s also about taxes and tariffs. Brazil applies multiple layers of taxation that differ based on engine size, vehicle type, and state of final registration. The most common charges include:

• Import Duty (II) – usually 35% for passenger cars.
• IPI (Excise Tax) – rates go up with engine size and type.
• PIS/COFINS-Import – social contributions charged on imports.
• ICMS (State VAT) – varies greatly depending on which state your car is registered in.

Aside from these, there are local port and terminal charges that cover devanning, storage, and handling. One of Bitmalo’s strong points is our transparency: we give an estimate that shows the current tariff schedule for your vehicle’s NCM classification so you have a clear picture of the total landed cost before the car even ships.

Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials

A key thing many first-time importers miss is that Brazil generally doesn't allow used-car imports. The two main exceptions are brand-new (0 km) vehicles and collector cars that are usually 30 years or older. We confirm eligibility for each VIN to prevent expensive errors.

Brazil also insists on left-hand drive (LHD) only for standard road registration. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars cannot be used on the road. Beyond these basics, we make sure every file aligns with Senatran/Contran standards. Where emissions or safety certifications are needed, our team arranges IBAMA or INMETRO documents and ensures correct Portuguese translations are added. Customs entries are submitted through Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licenses (LI) filed when necessary.

Shipping Options: Air vs Sea

Clients often ask which is better—air or sea. Honestly, it depends on what you need most. Air freight into GRU or GIG gives you speed, with cars arriving in as little as 5–10 days door-to-door. This option is common for expensive cars or times when speed is very important. On the flip side, ocean freight—either containerized or Ro-Ro—is much more cost-effective, though the wait can be 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on the route and terminal delays. No matter the method, we provide door-to-door all-risk insurance and manage every step, including dangerous goods documents for EVs and hybrids.

Why Buyers Choose Bitmalo for Brazil

The Brazilian import system rewards precision. A missing certificate or a wrongly translated document can delay clearance by weeks and add up to thousands in storage costs. By handling everything from inspection and purchase to customs and local delivery, Bitmalo gives you one reliable point of contact. Clients also appreciate our ability to settle arrival charges through our broker and re-invoice transparently with crypto or bank transfer, taking away the need to chase port invoices. Add in our Brazil-ready registration pack, which includes DETRAN/RENAVAM guidelines and CRLV-e samples, and you have a solution that doesn’t just move cars—it gets them legally ready for the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring in a used car to Brazil?
Not under normal circumstances. Only brand-new cars or collector cars (about 30+ years old) qualify. We confirm each VIN before going ahead.

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 include 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 system isn't made for simplicity—but with the right execution partner, it can be smooth and predictable. Bitmalo specializes in closing that gap. Whether you’re buying a brand-new exotic or a classic that qualifies for collector status, we offer crypto-settled, fully managed imports that get to your door without the hassle.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not tax or legal advice. Import rules differ based on vehicle, model year, and destination state. Bitmalo confirms the process and costs for your VIN before purchase.