If you've ordered anything internationally and had it shipped to Brazil, you already know: the customs process here is slow, opaque, and expensive. Packages routinely disappear into the Receita Federal system for weeks. Some never come out.
This guide covers how the process actually works, what's happening when your tracking stops, and what you can do about it.
Why Packages to Brazil Take So Long
Brazil's customs process (fiscalização da Receita Federal) inspects a significant percentage of incoming international packages — far more than most countries. This creates backlogs at the main customs facilities in São Paulo (Guarulhos), Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba.
Common reasons a package stalls:
Taxação (customs tax assessment)
Brazil charges import duty and ICMS (state tax) on international purchases above R$50 (for most individual purchases) or USD $50 (for non-Remessa Conforme shipments). If your package is above the threshold, Correios will hold it until you pay. You receive a notification via the Correios tracking page and email.
Remessa Conforme vs. non-compliant shipments
Brazil's Remessa Conforme program (formalized in 2024) allows purchases up to USD $50 from registered platforms (AliExpress, Shein, Shopee, and others) with a flat 20% import tax paid at checkout. Packages from non-registered platforms face the older, higher duty structure and a more intensive customs review.
Documentation review
If the commercial invoice or customs declaration is incomplete, inconsistent, or shows a declared value customs officers find suspicious, the package gets held for manual review.
Random inspection
Like any customs system, Brazil conducts random physical inspections that can add 1–4 weeks to transit time.
What Tracking Stages Mean on Correios
Correios tracking codes can be confusing. Common stages for international packages:
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Objeto postado | Posted by sender |
| Objeto em trânsito | In transit internationally |
| Objeto chegou ao Brasil | Arrived in Brazil, entering customs |
| Aguardando pagamento de impostos | Waiting for duty payment — you need to pay |
| Em processo de desembaraço aduaneiro | Under customs clearance (can take days to weeks) |
| Objeto saiu do centro de distribuição | Left customs, heading to you |
| Tentativa de entrega | Delivery attempt made |
| Objeto entregue | Delivered |
If your package is stuck at "Em processo de desembaraço aduaneiro" for more than 30 days, something is wrong beyond normal processing time.
How Long Is Normal?
For context on typical timelines to Brazil:
- AliExpress standard shipping (Cainiao): 30–60 days is normal; 90 days is not unusual
- DHL Express / FedEx Express: 5–15 days including customs
- US Postal Service to Correios: 20–45 days; customs can add 1–4 weeks
- Packages stuck in customs: 15–30 days is common; 60+ days is cause for action
When to Consider a Package Lost
Packages to Brazil are officially considered lost by most platforms after 60–90 days from the ship date. Given normal transit times, this means:
- AliExpress: Open a dispute when your Buyer Protection window is within 2 weeks of expiring, regardless of whether the package has "arrived in Brazil" in tracking
- eBay: Open an "item not received" case after the estimated delivery window passes
- Credit card chargeback: File within 120 days of the expected delivery date
Don't assume the package is coming just because tracking shows it entered Brazil. "Arrived in Brazil" is not close to "delivered."
What to Do If Your Package Is Stuck
Step 1: Check if duty payment is required
Go to the Correios website (correios.com.br) and enter your tracking number. If the status is "Aguardando pagamento de impostos," you'll see a link to pay through the Correios or Receita Federal system.
Step 2: Contact Correios
Call Correios at 0800 725 7282 or go to a Correios agency with your tracking number. For packages stuck at customs, they can open a formal inquiry (consulta de encomenda).
Step 3: Contact the seller
Even if the package is in Brazil, put the seller on notice that you may need to open a dispute. If the package has been in customs for 30+ days without any action required from you, the seller may be able to provide documentation to Receita Federal to unblock it.
If the Package Is Officially Lost
AliExpress: Open a dispute through "My Orders." Select "I didn't receive my order." For AliExpress specifically, tracking showing the package entered Brazil but never left customs is generally strong evidence for a dispute.
eBay: Open an "item not received" case. A package stuck in Brazilian customs for 60+ days qualifies.
Amazon: File an A-to-z Guarantee claim. Note that Amazon's international sellers vary widely in how they handle Brazil-specific issues.
Credit card chargeback: File "item not received" with your card issuer. Bring tracking screenshots showing the last status and the date. Brazilian customs delays are well-documented and card issuers are generally familiar with these claims.
What About Packages Taxed at Customs?
If your package was taxed and you paid, but it still hasn't been delivered after 15+ business days, contact Correios again. Payment of taxes should trigger release and delivery scheduling.
If you paid customs duties and then the package went missing in the domestic Correios network, you have a claim for the full value — including the duties paid. Document the duty payment with screenshots of the payment confirmation.
Tips for Reducing Brazil Customs Problems
- Shop from Remessa Conforme platforms (AliExpress, Shein, Shopee, Magalu, and others) where tax is pre-collected and customs clearance is faster
- Declare accurate values — undervaluing packages to avoid duties creates holds and risks seizure
- Use express shipping for time-sensitive or high-value items — DHL Express and FedEx clear Brazilian customs significantly faster than economy options
- Track from day one and keep the tracking number accessible — you'll need it for any customs inquiry
Bottom Line
Brazil customs delays are not unusual — but 60+ days at a customs facility without movement is a signal that something needs your attention. Check for duty payment requirements first, then contact Correios, then contact the seller. If the package never arrives, platform disputes and credit card chargebacks both work for Brazilian buyers.
Customs rules and thresholds in Brazil are subject to change. Verify current de minimis thresholds and Remessa Conforme registered platforms at the Receita Federal website (receita.fazenda.gov.br).