Entity criticizes end of exemption for orders of US$ 50 – 04/12/2023 – Market

Camara-e.net (Brazilian Chamber of the Digital Economy) said this Wednesday (12) that it is concerned about the discussions that have taken place at the Ministry of Finance regarding the end of the import tax exemption for orders of up to US$ 50 (R$ 250) sent by individuals and also intended for individuals.

According to the entity, the rule in force for over 20 years benefits millions of Brazilians, especially those with low incomes.

The entity claims to have tried to contact the Federal Revenue to present contributions about the proposed changes, but was not answered.

“The changes announced so far may have negative consequences for society, as products sold by international e]commerce will have an overprice of at least 60%, something completely outside of international standards”, says the entity.

Camara-e.net also says it foresees an immediate increase in inflation, insecurity of foreign companies that act as integrators in this sector and that intend to invest in the country, in addition to impacting thousands of jobs generated by the sector.

“It is necessary to consider the duration of the rules and the consolidation of different business models and customs, which have developed within a scenario of legal certainty and predictability built over decades.”

In a note, the Ministry of Finance said that there was never an exemption of US$ 50 for online purchases from abroad, and that, therefore, “it makes no sense to say that the intention is to end what does not exist”.

“Nothing changes for the buyer and for the online seller who acts legally”, says the ministry.

“What the Ministry of Finance intends to do is reinforce inspection. As of the provisional measure, the exporter will have to provide an advance declaration with data on the exporter and who buys it, in addition to the product.”

Regarding the end of the US$ 50 exemption from individuals to individuals, the Treasury says that, with the changes announced, there will be no change for those who currently buy and sell legally over the internet.

“The changes will benefit the consumer who will receive their online purchases faster, with more security and quality. This is because the products will have the release process streamlined, based on the information provided by the legal seller, while they are still in transit to the country . Brazilian companies also benefit, especially small companies, which are the ones that employ the most and correctly pay their taxes.”