The Brazilian National Congress is set to examine a provisional measure that would end a 20% tax on international purchases up to US$ 50 [1, 2].
This move targets the so-called “taxa das blusinhas,” a levy that has sparked significant debate among consumers and retailers. The decision to remove the tax reflects a strategic effort by the government to stimulate retail and industry while responding to recent political defeats within the legislature [2, 5].
The legislation, identified as MP nº 1.357/2026 [3], removes the 20% tax rate [1] for goods valued at or below US$ 50 [4]. The measure was introduced as a way to alleviate the financial burden on shoppers who frequently use international e-commerce platforms.
A session to analyze the provisional measure was scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2026 [4]. However, the timeline for final implementation remains tight. The National Congress must approve the measure by Sept. 8, 2026, or the provision will lapse [4].
Legislators in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate are tasked with balancing the interests of domestic manufacturers, and international importers. Local retailers have previously expressed concerns that removing the tax would create an unfair competitive advantage for foreign sellers, a dispute that has already reached the courts [2].
Despite these objections, the government has pushed forward with the measure to regain political momentum in Brasília [2]. The outcome of the congressional vote will determine whether millions of Brazilian consumers continue to pay the import levy on low-value items throughout the remainder of the year.
“The National Congress must approve the measure by Sept. 8, 2026, or the provision will lapse.”
The removal of the 'taxa das blusinhas' represents a pivot in Brazil's trade policy, shifting away from protectionist levies on low-value imports toward a consumer-centric approach. If approved, this will likely increase the volume of cross-border e-commerce but may intensify the friction between the federal government and domestic industry lobbyists who argue that tax exemptions for foreign platforms undermine local production.
