How to Import Hair to Brazil
Hair commerce is increasing in Brazil and becoming an important import good due to the growth of the beauty industry, where hair is used in the production of wigs and extensions. In this article, you will learn how to import hair to Brazil.
Human hair is a widely sought after product in the retail, wholesale and international trade markets. Brazil mainly buys hair from India, the world's largest exporter of this product. In Brazil, the average price of locks of hair can range from BRL 200 to BRL 500, according to the quality and length of the hair. The main customers are beauty salons and producers of wigs. Brazil also exports hair to Africa, Europe and the United States.
Hair Import Procedures
In Brazil, customs does not allow end users to import natural human hair. ANVISA, which is the National Health Surveillance Agency, accepts only imports ordered by companies.
To import human hair for making wigs and extensions, you must issue the import license in SISCOMEX, undergoing inspection by the health authority before customs clearance. Hair is considered as a product that poses health risks, so some sanitary procedures such as sterilization and disinfection are required. The import license is an electronic document that must be completed online by the importer or by the customs broker, through the unified system of foreign trade.
The importer of the hair is exempt from the operation permit by ANVISA, however the agency demands that the goods must be packaged with labelling presenting information confirming that the hair has passed sterilization or disinfection treatments.
Documents issued by the importer
Besides the import license, there are other documents necessary to proceed with the import of hair in Brazil. They are issued by the importer and must be authorized by government organizations. All the documents must be submitted in the original form plus a copy:
- Petition for sanitary surveillance and sanitary clearance
- Original Union Collection Guide, GRU, proving the payment of the sanitary surveillance inspection fee
- Access authorization for physical inspection of the hair in the shipment
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Product information with its respective allotment
- Statement of the register holder authorizing the import by a third party, when applicable
- Document to prove the arrival of the product in the customs enclosure and their respective location
Taxes
These types of goods, in large quantities, cannot be brought into Brazil via checked-in luggage.
The legal entity must have an incorporated company and get approval from ANVISA. The importer must pay all taxes that add up to around 30% of tax on industrialized products, import tax, contribution to social security financing known as COFINS, and social integration program known as PIS.