Ministry of Finance denies taxation of international purchases

For the second time, the Ministry of Finance denies news that reported the end of the exemption for small online purchases made abroad.

This Wednesday (12), the folder issued a note stating that the measure was never on the agenda and that the Government's objective is different.

According to the document, what is wanted is an increase in inspection of foreign stores that, according to the Treasury, make irregular sales of imported products.

Also according to the portfolio led by Fernando Haddad, the exemption continues to be valid for transactions between individuals.

“This benefit [the exemption on orders up to $50] applies only to individual-to-individual shipping. If, based on it, companies are splitting purchases, and pretending to be natural persons, they are acting illegally”, said the Ministry of Finance in a note.

In another part of the note, it is informed that a provisional measure will be edited to establish the declarations by international companies, even before the arrival of the goods to the country.

“What the Ministry of Finance intends to do is strengthen inspection. From the provisional measure, the exporter will have to provide an advance declaration with data on the exporter and who buys it, in addition to the product”, informed the text.

In addition, the statement emphasizes that there will be no type of practical legal change for consumers who already carry out legal purchase and sale transactions over the internet and pay the Import Tax of 60% on the value of the product.

Finally, the Ministry stated that the new measures will combat tax evasion and “digital smuggling”, supposedly benefiting Brazilian companies.

"Brazilian companies also benefit, especially small companies, which are the ones that employ the most and correctly pay their taxes", said the note.

Comunication error?

On Tuesday (11), the day before the issuance of the new statement, the Federal Revenue Service issued a statement denying the intention to abolish the Import Tax exemption for person-to-person remittances physical.

However, the note generated perplexity among many consumers due to its mention of eliminating the “disparity in treatment between shipments made by legal entities and individuals” in transactions below US$ 50, which are widely practiced in the country.

With the statements issued in this Wednesday's note (12), many consumers and businessmen are hoping that the Ministry of Finance will go back with some positions.

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