Sending samples and showcasing products in Brazil
Getting your products in the hands of potential distributors, resellers or even buyers in Brazil is an effective way to prove the quality of the product and ensure that they meet the buyer's expectations. We will discuss in this article how to get your samples to your clients in Brazil.
Even though Brazilians are beginning to gain confidence in ordering products online and via catalogues, there is no shadow of a doubt that most Brazilians that work in procurement departments still prefer to assess the quality of the products through samples. As opposed to pictures and products specifications, samples may be the crucial part of the sales process.
The habit of visiting trade shows for closer contact with suppliers and the line of products offered or even site visits to the manufacturing facilities abroad is slowly being left behind as companies are desperately cutting costs. For the suppliers there are not many alternatives and most end up resorting to the cumbersome practice of importing samples, on a one-to-one basis.
Importing samples to Brazil
Unfortunately, any import process to Brazil is rather bureaucratic, but samples with no commercial value are often eligible to the simplified import process, as long as the total value of the imported goods does not exceed USD 3.000 and they do not need an import license. However, the word simplified should not be misunderstood as hassle free - the importer will still need to complete a simplified import declaration form, known as DSI, and submit all remaining import documentation, but the registration with SISCOMEX and the use of a broker to perform the clearance is not required.
Samples are often sent using courier services, which allows the sender to be responsible for the payment of all local taxes, otherwise the recipient will have the pay the fees related to the import, which is 60% of the customs value plus ICMS if applicable. The ICMS will apply depending on the state where the sample is delivered.
In cases where products require environmental, sanitary, safety or other types of inspections or verifications from local authorities, your samples will only be cleared upon the approval of the corresponding authority. The authorities that are commonly involved in the entry of imports of goods to Brazil are ANVISA, IBAMA, MAPA, ANATEL and Inmetro.
When speaking about samples, one of the main concerns from the sender is not only the paperwork needed, but also to make sure that it reaches the buyer in a reasonable amount of time. As the custom clearance process can take anything from a few days to several weeks, and in worst cases even months, should the product require inspection by local authorities, the time component becomes rather critical.
Importing samples above USD 3000
Samples with a total value above USD 3000 can no longer benefit from the simplified import process. This means that the recipient of the samples must hire a custom broker or have a RADAR license, which would allow them to handle the importing process themselves.
The RADAR license is necessary to access the SISCOMEX system to obtain both the import declaration, known as DI, and the import license if the samples are required to have a license. Most import operations in Brazil are exempt from licensing, however for some products, it is necessary to obtain an automatic or non-automatic import license, called LI. Automatic import licenses are the most common ones.
If the product does not require an import license, the importer must authorise the embarking of the goods and when the customs clearance process starts, upon arrival in Brazil, the importer must present the DI issued through SISCOMEX.
This process is far more complex and can be rather inconvenient if the buyer is not familiar with the import process as it requires more engagement from the recipient’s end.
Storing and showcasing your samples in Brazil
A simple solution to overcome these issues is offered by a company based in Campinas called Space Samples. The company offers a unique shared showroom service which handles the import process for any type of samples on behalf of the supplier, and stores them at their facilities. Their services also includes logistics within Brazil, allowing a streamlined process in case samples need to be shipped to another part of the country.
Space Samples have meeting rooms and video conference rooms which can be used by the suppliers to invite potential prospects to evaluate the samples. They also have the capability to create a customised showroom built upon their clients design and specifications to create a full immersive experience for your prospects.
Another differential of Space Samples is that they will make sure your samples are always presented in a proper manner, which means that they will keep them clean, change batteries, top fluids and whatever else you would do to best present it to your potential client.