Import a Car to Brazil with Crypto | Bitmalo

Bringing in a car into Brazil has for long been known as one of the trickiest automotive transactions globally. The mix of strict customs regulations, complex taxes, and limitations on second-hand vehicles often leaves buyers confused and exhausted. Still, the demand keeps climbing—Brazilians have an unmatched passion for cars, and enthusiasts are ready to go the extra mile for the perfect ride. At Bitmalo, we’ve set up a system to take away all that stress: you pick your car, pay securely using crypto or bank transfer, and we handle everything else, from inspection and buying to customs clearance and delivering it right to your door anywhere in the country.


How the Import Process Works

For most clients, the journey kicks off online. Once you’ve spotted your preferred ride in our Cars inventory, the first step is a custom inspection. This isn't just a quick look-see; we do a thorough VIN and variant check, confirm emissions standards, and ensure the vehicle meets Brazil’s legal requirements. Our Brazil-ready condition report is set up to anticipate what customs and regulators will demand later, meaning fewer shocks once the vehicle gets here.

After the inspection, the buying stage starts. Unlike many usual importers, we work with a full up-front payment model—the buyer pays 100% in advance using USDT, BTC, ETH, or via USD bank transfer. That guarantees you a locked-in transaction with complete paperwork (invoices and TXIDs) and lets us serve as the buyer of record, sorting out the title and handling the export.

From there, the car starts its journey to Brazil. Most deliveries come through Santos or Paranaguá when shipped 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 complete Receita Federal clearance. By the time the car is released from port or airport custody, you’ll already know when to expect it delivered to 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 imposes multiple levels of taxation that change depending on engine size, vehicle type, and the state where it will finally be registered. The usual charges include:

  • Import Duty (II) – normally 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) – differs a lot based on the state where your car is registered.

Besides these, there are local port and terminal fees that cover unloading, storage, and handling. One of Bitmalo’s strengths is our transparency: we give you an estimate that shows the current tariff schedule for your vehicle’s NCM classification so you get a true picture of the total cost before the car even leaves.


Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials

A crucial point many first-time importers often overlook is that Brazil generally doesn't permit second-hand car imports. The two main exceptions are brand-new (0 km) vehicles and vintage cars that are usually 30 years or older. We verify eligibility for each VIN to prevent expensive blunders.

Brazil also strictly requires left-hand drive (LHD) only for regular road registration. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars are not allowed for road use. Beyond these fundamentals, we make sure every document aligns with Senatran/Contran standards. If emissions or safety certifications are necessary, our team organizes IBAMA or INMETRO paperwork and ensures correct Portuguese translations are provided. Customs declarations are lodged through Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licenses (LI) submitted when needed.


Shipping Options: Air vs Sea

Clients often inquire which is better—air or sea. Honestly, it boils down to what you prioritize. Air freight into GRU or GIG offers speed, with cars landing in as little as 5–10 days door-to-door. This option is quite popular for high-value cars or when time is really tight. On the other hand, ocean freight—either containerized or Ro-Ro—is much more pocket-friendly, though delivery times extend to 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on the route and port traffic. No matter the method, we offer door-to-door all-risk insurance and take care of every stage, including dangerous goods paperwork for EVs and hybrids.


Why Buyers Choose Bitmalo for Brazil

The Brazilian import system really values precision. A missing certificate or a wrongly translated document can hold up clearance for weeks and stack up thousands in storage charges. By handling everything from inspection and buying to customs and local delivery, Bitmalo offers you one reliable partner. Clients also appreciate our capability to settle arrival fees through our broker and then re-invoice clearly using crypto or bank transfer, taking away the hassle of chasing port invoices. Top it off with our Brazil-ready registration pack, which comes with DETRAN/RENAVAM guides and CRLV-e samples, and you get a solution that doesn’t just move cars—it gets them legally good to go on the road.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring in a second-hand car to Brazil?
Not usually. Only brand-new cars or vintage cars (about 30+ years old) qualify. We verify each VIN before moving forward.

How long does shipping take?
Air freight typically lands within 5–10 days door-to-door. Sea freight generally takes 4–9 weeks depending on where it's coming from and port conditions.

What taxes should I budget for?
At least: Import Duty (II), IPI, PIS/COFINS-Import, ICMS, and port/terminal fees. We include these in your first quote.

Do you deliver beyond São Paulo and Rio?
Yes. We organize secure transport to Brasília, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, Belo Horizonte, and other areas.


Final Word

Brazil’s car import scene isn’t set up for simplicity—but with the right partner to get things done, it can be straightforward and reliable. Bitmalo focuses on making that connection. Whether you’re getting a brand-new fancy car or a classic that qualifies for collector status, we offer crypto-settled, fully managed imports that arrive at your door without any headaches.

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