Plan will replace government’s intention to tax purchases between individuals at online retailers.| Photo: André Borges/EFE

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said this Monday (29) that a new plan to tax purchases made abroad will be finalized in the coming days, but the rates have not yet been decided. The measure comes just over a month after the government backtracked on its intention to suspend tax exemption for international purchases of up to US$ 50 between individuals.

“I wouldn’t say this week, but in the next few days. It’s at the end, it’s already ending. [A alíquota] it’s not decided yet,” he told reporters.

The new plan should establish new parameters for the performance of online retail giants in Brazil, such as Shein, Shopee and AliExpress, which the government claimed used the benefit improperly to evade taxes. According to the minister, taxation with the end of the exemption for individuals would allow raising revenue by up to R$ 8 billion per year.

The new rules should regulate sales at online retailers in accordance with Brazilian operating rules, such as a 60% tax on international shipments.