Import a Car to Brazil with Crypto | Bitmalo

Importing a car into Brazil has long been known as quite a challenge in the automotive 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 car lovers 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 handle everything else, from inspection and purchase to customs clearance and delivery right to your doorstep 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 detailed inspection. This is not just a casual look; 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 what customs and regulators will ask for later, which means fewer unexpected issues once the vehicle arrives.

After inspection, the purchase stage begins. Unlike many traditional importers, we operate on a full payment upfront model—the buyer pays 100% in advance via USDT, BTC, ETH, or by USD bank transfer. That gives you a secured transaction with full documentation (invoices and TXIDs) and allows us to act as official buyer, 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 lands, 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 doorstep.

Understanding Brazil’s Import Duties

The cost of importing is not just about freight and handling—it’s also about taxes and tariffs. Brazil applies several 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 increase with engine size and type.
• PIS/COFINS-Import – social contributions charged on imports.
• ICMS (State VAT) – varies significantly depending on which state your car is registered in.

Beyond these, there are local port and terminal charges that cover unloading, 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 picture of total landed cost before the car even ships.

Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials

Something important many first-time importers often 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 errors.

Brazil also enforces left-hand drive (LHD) only for standard road registration. Right-hand drive (RHD) cars are not allowed on the road. Beyond these basics, we ensure every file is in line with Senatran/Contran standards. Where emissions or safety certifications are needed, our team sorts out IBAMA or INMETRO documentation and ensures accurate Portuguese translations are included. Customs entries are submitted through Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licenses (LI) filed when required.

Shipping Options: Air vs Sea

People often ask which is better—air or sea. Honestly, it depends on what matters most to you. Air freight into GRU or GIG is much faster, with cars arriving in as quick as 5–10 days door-to-door. This option is popular for high-value cars or when time is of the essence. On the other hand, ocean freight—either containerized or Ro-Ro—is far more cost-efficient, though delivery times can extend to 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on the route and how busy the terminal is. Regardless of mode, we provide door-to-door all-risk insurance and manage every step, 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 pile up thousands in storage costs. By managing everything from inspection and purchase to customs and inland delivery, Bitmalo gives you one reliable partner. Clients also value our ability to settle arrival charges through our broker and re-invoice transparently in crypto or bank transfer, saving you the stress of chasing 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 ensures they are legally ready for the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a used car to Brazil?
Generally, no. Only brand-new cars or collector cars (about 30+ years old) are allowed. 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 where it's coming from and how busy the terminal is.

What taxes should I expect?
At least: 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 other locations.

Final Word

Brazil’s car import environment is not exactly straightforward—but with the right execution partner, it can be smooth and easy to predict. Bitmalo specializes in closing that gap. Whether you’re buying a brand-new exotic or a classic that qualifies as a collector's item, we provide crypto-settled, fully managed imports that reach your doorstep 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.