Settings
Country
Currency
Home
Cars
Insights
Company
Contact
Settings
Search for a car and pay using bank transfer or crypto
Search
About  Terms of Service  Contact 

Import a Car to Brazil with Crypto | Bitmalo

Bringing a car into Brazil has long been known as one of the most challenging automotive transactions globally. The combination of strict customs regulations, multi-layered taxation, and restrictions on pre-owned 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 established a process designed to alleviate that stress: you pick the car, pay securely via crypto or bank transfer, and we orchestrate the rest, from inspection and purchase to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery anywhere in the country.

How the Import Process Works

For most clients, the journey kicks off online. Once you’ve located your preferred vehicle in our Cars inventory, the initial step is a customised inspection. This isn't just a fleeting look; we conduct a comprehensive VIN and variant check, verify emissions standards, and confirm the vehicle complies with Brazil’s regulatory requirements. Our Brazil-compliant condition report is formulated to anticipate what customs and regulators will require later, which translates to fewer surprises once the vehicle lands.

Following the inspection, the purchase stage commences. Unlike many traditional importers, we operate on a full up-front settlement model—the buyer remits 100% in advance via USDT, BTC, ETH, or by USD bank transfer. This ensures a locked-in transaction with complete documentation (invoices and TXIDs) and allows us to act as buyer of record, securing title and managing export.

From there, the car starts its journey to Brazil. Most shipments arrive via Santos or Paranaguá when travelling by sea, while São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG) are the primary gateways for air freight. Once the vehicle lands, our licensed despachante aduaneiro manages the complete Receita Federal clearance. By the time the car departs port or airport custody, you'll already know when to anticipate its arrival at your door.

Understanding Brazil’s Import Duties

The cost of importing isn’t just freight and handling—it's taxes and tariffs. Brazil implements 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.

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 furnish an estimate that reflects the current tariff schedule for your vehicle’s NCM classification so you have a realistic view of the total landed cost before the car even ships.

Eligibility and Regulatory Essentials

A crucial point many first-time importers overlook is that Brazil does not generally permit the import of pre-owned cars. The two main 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 steer clear of expensive errors.

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 fundamentals, we ensure every file is in line with Senatran/Contran standards. Where emissions or safety certifications are necessary, our team arranges IBAMA or INMETRO documentation and ensures accurate Portuguese translations are included. Customs entries are submitted via Siscomex/Portal Único, with DUIMP or import licenses (LI) filed when required.

Shipping Options: Air vs Sea

Clients frequently inquire which is preferable—air or sea. The reality is, it 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 favoured for high-value cars or situations where timing is crucial. Conversely, ocean freight—either containerised or Ro-Ro—is considerably more cost-efficient, although timelines extend to 4–9 weeks door-to-door depending on routing and terminal congestion. Irrespective of the 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 rewards precision. A missing certificate or mistranslated document can delay clearance by weeks and accumulate thousands in storage costs. By managing everything from inspection and purchase to customs and inland delivery, Bitmalo provides you with a single accountable counterparty. Clients also appreciate our ability to settle arrival charges through our broker and re-invoice transparently in crypto or bank transfer, eliminating the need to track down port invoices. Include our Brazil-compliant registration pack, which comprises DETRAN/RENAVAM pointers and CRLV-e samples, and you have a solution that doesn’t just move cars—it renders them legally road-legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a pre-owned 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 lands within 5–10 days door-to-door. Sea freight typically takes 4–9 weeks depending on origin and terminal conditions.

What taxes should I anticipate?
At a 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 insured transport to Brasília, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, Belo Horizonte, and beyond.

In Closing

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 closing that gap. Whether you’re acquiring a brand-new luxury vehicle or a classic eligible for collector status, we provide crypto-settled, fully managed imports that arrive at your door without the hassle.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not to be considered tax or legal advice. Import regulations vary by vehicle, model year, and destination state. Bitmalo confirms the pathway and costs for your VIN prior to purchase.