Operational alerts

Customs strike in Brazil

Customs officers have implemented a “zero release approach” until May 23 and it affects all types of shipments, including perishables, temperature-controlled items, and biological materials, with different approach depending on it is formal or courier shipments as follow:

For formal shipments: import shipments valued over 3,000 USD and export shipments valued over 1,000 USD
a. When import declaration is under YELLOW or RED channel (selected for inspection)
b. When DTA is required (bonded transfer): Customs officers are authorizing cargoes to be transshipped (without being cleared) to another Brazilian port/airport, only once a week (at Mondays).
c. When any correction process is required. E.g.: document correction, re-label, etc.
For courier shipments — informal clearance:
Customs officers may take 15 business days to clear shipments subject to informal/courier clearance if selected by them for inspection, excluding perishables, temperature-controlled items, and biological materials. If not selected for inspection, clearance takes between five and seven business days, which is the standard timeframe.

Shipments that are not impacted:

Arrival and customs clearance process at the same airport (avoiding bonded transfer)
Customs clearance channel: GREEN
No corrections required (documents or physical)

Temperature maintenance such as dry ice replenishment while shipments are under customs custody are not affected.

Timeline: Currently, we do not have visibility on when the strike may end or the duration of the 15 business days for informal clearance shipments selected for inspection. The “zero release approach” for formal clearance shipments is expected to last until May 23.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach our Brazil Customer Service team leaders:

Natália Araujo: natalia.araujo@worldcourier.com.br or +55 11 9 5092 7270

Michelle Bambalas: mbambalas@worldcourier.com.br ir +55 11 98902 4837

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

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