Brazil's National Congress is reviewing a provisional measure that would eliminate a 20% import tax on low-value online purchases [1].

The decision affects millions of consumers who use international e-commerce platforms. Removing the tax, known as the “taxa das blusinhas,” could lower costs for shoppers but may impact government revenue and domestic industry protections.

The mixed commission of the National Congress is analyzing MP 1.357/2026 [4]. This measure targets the import tax applied to online purchases with a maximum value of U.S. $50 [2]. The tax has served as a significant revenue stream for the Brazilian Treasury, collecting R$ 1.85 billion up to May [3].

Scheduling for the commission's analysis has been inconsistent. A session was originally scheduled for 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31 [5]. However, reports indicate the session was postponed to Tuesday, Sept. 1 [6]. Other reports suggest a further postponement to Thursday, Aug. 13 [7]—though this date precedes the August 31 session.

The debate centers on the balance between consumer affordability and the protection of local businesses. Proponents of the tax argue it prevents unfair competition from foreign platforms, while those supporting MP 1.357/2026 view the levy as an unnecessary barrier to trade.

While some reports suggest President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva decreed the end of the tax on Sept. 12 [8], other sources said the commission is still analyzing the measure and the tax remains in place [4]. The mixed commission must reach an agreement on the provisional measure before it can be fully implemented as law.

“The tax has served as a significant revenue stream for the Brazilian Treasury, collecting R$ 1.85 billion up to May.”

The struggle to finalize MP 1.357/2026 reflects a broader tension in Brazilian economic policy between populist consumer relief and protectionist industrial goals. If the 20% tax is removed, the government loses a billion-real revenue stream, but it may reduce the cost of living for lower-income citizens who rely on affordable imported clothing, and electronics.