The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) released on Wednesday a study in which it questions the legality of seven fees charged in Brazil in import and export operations. According to the study “Challenges to the Competitiveness of Brazilian Exports”, the problems range from the collection of values disproportionate to the cost of services provided by the Brazilian State, the application of taxes on products that do not even need to be controlled, until the abusive readjustment of charges.
According to the CNI, the “irregular” charge makes the importation of cinematographic films and electric energy, for example. The problem also affects, according to the study, the importation of vehicles and motorized machines, like harvesters, and products subject to sanitary control.
“In practice, these fees are collected by so-called consenting bodies, those responsible for releasing import and export operations. Without alternative, Brazilian companies must bear this cost, which can become abusive, “says the CNI. According to the survey, the tariffs charged by the relevant agencies appear as the second main customs barrier identified by exporting companies.
“In many cases, the collection of these fees may become illegal and, in addition to generating legal uncertainty, causes undue costs for businesses. This is all in the context of an already high Cost-Brazil, “says CNI Industrial Development Director Carlos Abijaodi.
The CNI sent the questioning about the various rates to the consenting bodies and will work with the government, through the Forum of Competitiveness of Exports and the Business Coalition for Trade Facilitation and Barriers, to change these charges. The CNI argues that most of the fees are eliminated or that the form of collection is changed.
Check below the list of seven fees charged in foreign trade and questioned by CNI.
– Condecine Remessa – 11% rate on the remittance abroad of amounts related to income from the exploitation of cinematographic and video-phonographic works, or by their acquisition or importation.
– Electric Energy Services Inspection Fee (TFSEE) – incident on the importation of electricity, calculated at the rate of 0.4% over the amount of the annual economic benefit earned by the concessionaire, without a roof.
– Licensing and Control Fee (TLC) – Charge of a fee for authorization for import of radioactive and nuclear materials calculated at the rate of 0.5% on the value of raw materials and minerals or 1% on the value of radioactive sources, unlimited.
– Licensing fee for imported Vehicles, Engines or Machinery (LCVM) – issuance of authorization to import certain vehicles and machines. The calculation formula includes an extra cost related to the number of imported vehicles. The higher the number of vehicles imported, the higher the rate.
– Rate for the issue of authorization to import metallic mercury – the calculation formula includes as one of its variables the quantity of metallic mercury (measured in kilograms).
– Sanitary Surveillance Inspection Fee (TFVS) – charged on import and other procedures related to products subject to sanitary control. The rate is calculated in fixed amounts, with discounts of 15%, 30%, 60%, 90% or 95%, according to the value of the annual turnover of the companies.
– Utilization Rate of the Integrated Foreign Trade System (Siscomex) – charged at the registration of the Import Declaration at Siscomex.
Source: Isto É / Agência de Notícias CNI
