Shipping Household Goods From the US: Your Options Compared

Every move abroad forces the same question: what is worth taking? A container full of furniture can cost more than replacing the furniture. A few boxes of books, tools and kitchen things you love may be worth every cent. This guide sets out the options and the Brazilian customs rules that shape them.

Customs treatment of household goods is detailed, and the outcome depends on your situation and status. Use this as an outline and read the Receita Federal's page on moving to Brasil before you book anything.

The options

1. Bring it as luggage. Extra checked bags are the simplest route for a limited amount of personal things. They go through customs with you, under the rules for accompanied baggage. See Customs basics.

2. Ship it as unaccompanied baggage. Goods sent separately, as cargo, can be treated as your baggage rather than as an import, if the rules are met. This is how most household moves are cleared.

3. Air freight. Faster and usually more expensive than sea freight, suited to a small volume of things you need soon after arrival. Whether it is cleared as unaccompanied baggage depends on the same rules.

4. Sea freight. Shared or full container shipping, usually the cheapest per cubic meter for large volumes, and the slowest.

5. Sell and buy again. Often the right answer for large furniture and appliances. Brazilian electrical standards and plug types differ from the US, so some appliances are poor candidates for shipping anyway. Check voltage before you pack anything with a plug.

6. Mail or courier. Fine for a few small items, but parcels are taxed under the parcel rules, not as baggage. See Duties on packages and online orders.

Unaccompanied baggage: the time window

The Receita's page on moving to Brasil sets out the core rule. Unaccompanied baggage must:

• Arrive as cargo up to 3 months before, or up to 6 months after, the traveler's arrival in Brasil.
• Come from the country or countries where the traveler was staying or from which they are coming.

The Receita states that baggage arriving outside the window may lose baggage treatment and fall under the ordinary import rules, and that a fine can apply. Plan shipping dates around your own arrival date.

Clearing it

The gov.br service for registering unaccompanied baggage describes clearance through a simplified import declaration (DSI) in the Siscomex system. The documents mentioned include a list of the goods, the cargo transport document, and proof of the traveler's arrival. Which goods qualify, how tax exemptions apply, and whether you need a customs broker depend on your case. Check the official page.

Choosing between them

Ask four questions about each thing you own:

• Can I replace it in Brasil for less than shipping it? Large, cheap, heavy items usually lose.
• Will it work there? Voltage, plug type and phone or TV standards.
• Do I need it soon? If yes, luggage or air. If not, sea.
• Is it irreplaceable? Family items, papers and tools you know well are often worth shipping.

Getting quotes

Ask several international movers for written quotes based on the same inventory. Make sure each quote states:

• Whether it is door to door or port to port.
• Who handles Brazilian customs clearance, and whether that cost is included.
• Insurance options and what they exclude.
• Storage charges if the goods arrive before you can receive them.
• Estimated transit time.

Do not choose on the headline price alone. A cheap quote that leaves clearance and port charges to you can end up costing more.

Packing and paperwork

• Make a detailed inventory, box by box, with values. Customs and insurers both need it.
• Keep receipts for valuable items.
• Do not pack restricted items. Ask your mover for the current list, and check the official page.
• Keep your passport stamp or other proof of arrival date safe. It matters for the window.

Checklist

• Decide what to bring, ship, sell or replace.
• Note your arrival date, then the 3-months-before and 6-months-after window.
• Get written quotes based on one inventory.
• Confirm who clears customs and what that costs.
• Prepare inventory, receipts and proof of arrival.

When the boxes arrive, they need a place to go. See Renting an apartment.