Brazil's Flat 35% Tariff from 1 July Resets Landed Cost

The key point: For importers selling into Brazil, 1 July 2026 is the line in the sand: the MOVER green-mobility grace period ended and a flat 35% import duty now applies to every vehicle, wiping out the rate edge EVs once enjoyed.The practical point is that your landed-cost model must be rebuilt from scratch, not patched onto last year's low-tax assumptions.Whoever prices the tax correctly first controls the Brazilian market this year.

The context is a stepwise phase-out.In short, the tariff line is flat, but 'build in Brazil' remains a channel that can cut cost materially.

The math makes it concrete.São Paulo state ICMS is just 3% for EVs but 18% for ordinary cars.Clear it in an 18% ICMS state and the cost climbs several thousand dollars more.

Three hard effects hit importers.First, quotes must fold the tax-on-tax ICMS into landed cost, not just the 35% duty.Second, the state of clearance directly sets total tax; EV-friendly states like São Paulo save a large slice.Together, these mean you cannot pick models on FOB price alone.

Before ordering, do three things.First, ask the supplier whether the model has CAT, LCVM and INMETRO certification for Brazil, without which it cannot clear.Second, add a separate ICMS line in your quote model and roll it at the target state's rate.Third, prefer brands already building or assembling in Brazil or nearby.Send the spec sheet to get a Brazil landed-cost estimate for a specific model.

What certifications are required to import used cars from China?
Requirements vary by destination (e.g. EAEU needs SBKTS/OTTC, GCC for the Middle East). EZ Auto handles compliant documents and certification per the destination customs, confirming clearance before shipment to avoid port hold-ups.

What recent policy changes affect Chinese vehicle exports?
EV subsidies are phasing out while export licensing and shipping capacity fluctuate. EZ Auto tracks destination tariffs and certification changes and updates them in the News section for procurement decisions.

Can an individual buy a car directly from China for export?
Possible, but with document and customs hurdles. Most buyers order through a licensed exporter like EZ Auto, which handles the contract, export declaration and destination paperwork; you only handle pickup and local registration.

What export documents are needed for used cars?
Core documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, export customs declaration, bill of lading and the destination's import clearance papers. EZ Auto prepares the full set before shipment to ensure smooth clearance abroad and avoid demurrage.

Do destination countries limit the age of imported vehicles?
New cars are mostly unrestricted; used cars often face an age cap (e.g. some Middle East and Africa markets require within 5-8 years). EZ Auto checks the destination's age rule before shipping and screens out non-compliant units to avoid rejection at port.

This article is published by EZ Auto. EZ Auto (Cheyixing Automobile Import & Export) specializes in exporting Chinese vehicles — new, used and parts — serving Latin America, Central Asia & CIS, Africa, the Middle East and the EU, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.