Importing a Vehicle to Brazil with Cryptocurrency | Bitmalo

Importing a vehicle into Brazil has long been known as one of the most intricate automotive transactions in the world. The combination of strict customs rules, layered taxation, and restrictions on used vehicles often daunts buyers. Yet demand continues to grow—Brazil’s passion for cars is unmatched, and enthusiasts are willing to make the additional effort for the right vehicle. At Bitmalo, we’ve built a process designed to alleviate that burden: you choose the car, pay securely in crypto or bank transfer, and we manage the entire process, from inspection and purchase to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery anywhere in the nation.

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 customised inspection. This is not just a cursory check; 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 foresee the requirements of customs and regulators, which means minimal unexpected issues once the vehicle arrives.

After inspection, the purchase stage begins. Unlike many traditional importers, we operate on a complete upfront payment model—the buyer pays 100% in advance via USDT, BTC, ETH, or by USD bank transfer. That gives you a guaranteed 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 traveling by sea, while São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG) are the main gateways for air freight. Once the vehicle arrives, our licensed despachante aduaneiro handles the full Receita Federal clearance. By the time the car leaves port or airport possession, you already know when to anticipate its delivery to your address.

Understanding Brazil’s Import Duties

The cost of importing encompasses more than just freight and handling; it includes taxes and tariffs. Brazil imposes various 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.

In addition to 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 clear understanding of the total landed cost prior to the vehicle's shipment.

Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials

A crucial detail often overlooked by first-time importers is that Brazil does not generally allow used-car imports. The two major exceptions are brand-new (0 km) vehicles and collector vehicles that are generally 30 years or older. We confirm eligibility on a per-VIN basis to prevent expensive errors.

Brazil also mandates left-hand drive (LHD) only for standard road registration. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars are unsuitable for road usage. Beyond these basics, we ensure every file conforms to Senatran/Contran standards. Where emissions or safety certifications are needed, our team secures IBAMA or INMETRO documentation and ensures precise Portuguese translations are provided. Customs entries are submitted through Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licenses (LI) filed as necessary.

Shipping Options: Air vs Sea

Clients often ask which mode is preferable—air or sea. Ultimately, the choice hinges 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 vehicles or scenarios where prompt delivery is essential. On the other hand, ocean freight—either containerized or Ro-Ro—is far more cost-efficient, though timeframes extend to 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on route and terminal density. Regardless of mode, we provide door-to-door all-risk insurance and manage each stage, including dangerous goods paperwork for EVs and hybrids.

Why Buyers Choose Bitmalo for Brazil

The Brazilian import system demands precision. A missing certificate or mistranslated document can delay clearance by weeks and accrue significant storage expenses. By managing everything from inspection and purchase to customs and inland delivery, Bitmalo gives you a single responsible point of contact. Clients also value our ability to settle arrival charges through our broker and re-invoice transparently in crypto or bank transfer, eliminating the necessity of pursuing port invoices. Add in our Brazil-ready registration pack, which includes DETRAN/RENAVAM guidance and CRLV-e examples, and you have a solution that not only transports vehicles but also ensures they are legally prepared for road use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a used car to Brazil?
Generally, no. Only brand-new cars or collector vehicles (approximately 30 years old or older) 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 circumstances.

What taxes should I expect?
As a minimum: Import Duty (II), IPI, PIS/COFINS-Import, ICMS, and port/terminal charges. These are included in your preliminary quotation.

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

Final Word

Brazil’s car import environment is not inherently straightforward—but with the right execution partner, it can be smooth and predictable. Bitmalo specializes in addressing that complexity. Whether you’re buying a new exotic vehicle or a classic vehicle qualifying for collector status, we provide crypto-settled, fully managed imports that are delivered to your location without complication.

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.