President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on Tuesday, April 12, 2026, eliminating the federal import tax on international purchases up to US$ 50 [1, 2].
The move, popularly known as the end of the "blusinhas tax," aims to stimulate domestic consumption by making small-scale international shopping more affordable for citizens [1, 2].
Under the new measure, the federal government will no longer collect import duties on goods below the US$ 50 threshold [1]. This change targets low-value items, often clothing and small accessories, that are frequently ordered from global e-commerce platforms.
Despite the removal of the federal levy, consumers will still face state-level costs. The state-level ICMS tax remains in effect, with rates continuing to range between 17% and 20% [1].
Reports regarding the finality of this decision have varied across different media outlets. While some sources report the measure was signed in Brasília on April 12, 2026 [2], other reports indicate that government officials have previously described the end of the tax as a measure under study rather than a finalized decision [1].
The provisional measure was signed at the presidential office in Brasília [1]. The administration intends for the exemption to lower the barrier for consumers accessing international markets, though the continued application of state taxes means that items will not be entirely tax-free [1].
“President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure... eliminating the federal import tax on international purchases up to US$ 50”
This policy shift represents a pivot in Brazil's approach to cross-border e-commerce, attempting to balance consumer purchasing power with state revenue. While the removal of the federal tax lowers the entry price for global goods, the persistence of the ICMS tax ensures that state governments maintain a revenue stream from these transactions. The discrepancy in reporting suggests potential internal government debate or a phased rollout of the policy.
