São Paulo – The Brazilian Federal Revenue Department has published the regulations for Simples Internacional, a tax regime designed to streamline access to foreign trade for micro and small businesses currently registered under the Simples Nacional regime. The new rules are already in effect, according to Agência Sebrae – the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) was one of the organizations that have contributed to outlining and developing the new regime.
The regulations state that a logistical operator – either the Brazilian Postal Service or any duly accredited private transportation company – is tasked with handling all export procedures. Companies will concern themselves exclusively with producing their products and striking deals with their customers.
No export license will be required, and products will be given priority in customs checks and physical, chemical and sanitary analysis.
The government’s intention is to increase the share of small businesses in total exports from Brazil. A survey done by Sebrae with think-tank Fundação Centro de Estudos de Comércio Exterior (Funcex), micro and small businesses accounted for 0.89% of foreign sales in 2014. That share rose to 1.03% in 2015, surpassing the 1% mark for the first time since 2009.
The Simples Internacional regime will incorporate 11.6 million micro-individual entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses whose revenues are lower than or equal to BRL 3.6 million per year. The streamlined process is optional. In order to go about the traditional procedure, businesses are required to get an exporter’s accreditation, registration, tax residence, and an ‘online zip code’ at the government website Portal Único de Comércio Exterior (Siscomex).
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
