How to Export from Bangladesh to Brazil

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for New Exporters

Md. Joynal Abdin
Business Consultant | Entrepreneur | International Trade Specialist
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)
Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

Brazil is one of the largest economies and consumer markets in the world, making it an attractive destination for Bangladeshi exporters looking to diversify beyond traditional markets in Europe, North America and Asia. For a new exporter, however, entering the Brazilian market requires more than simply finding a buyer and shipping products.

A successful Bangladesh-to-Brazil export transaction involves several connected stages: selecting the right product, researching Brazilian demand, identifying a reliable importer, confirming product regulations, determining the correct HS/NCM classification, negotiating price and payment terms, preparing export documentation, completing Bangladesh Customs procedures, arranging international transportation, and ensuring that the Brazilian importer can legally clear the goods.

Bangladesh already has a bilateral trade framework with Brazil. The Trade Agreement between the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Brazil provides for facilities for imports and exports within the laws and regulations of the two countries, with schedules of indicative products including jute, jute manufactures, fish and shrimp, tea, spices, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, wires and cables, chemicals and other products.

This guide explains the complete export process in practical terms so that a new Bangladeshi exporter can understand what needs to happen from the first market-research step to final payment and delivery in Brazil.

Important: Brazilian import rules can vary significantly by product. Before accepting an order, the exporter and Brazilian importer should verify the applicable NCM classification, tariff, licensing, sanitary requirements and other regulatory conditions for the specific product.

1. Understand the Bangladesh–Brazil Export Opportunity

The first step is to understand why a Brazilian buyer would purchase your product from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is particularly competitive in industries where it has established manufacturing capabilities, large production capacity and international export experience. Potential product categories include:

Ready-made garments
Knitwear
Woven garments
Home textiles
Jute and jute products
Leather and leather goods
Footwear
Pharmaceuticals
Handicrafts
Tea
Spices
Processed food
Seafood
Plastic products
Light engineering products
Wires and cables
Furniture and household products
Textile yarn and fabrics
Selected chemical products

The Bangladesh–Brazil Trade Agreement’s indicative export schedule specifically includes products such as raw jute, jute manufactures, paper products, silk products, processed fish and shrimp, handloom products, tea, spices, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, wires and cables, chemicals and several other categories.

However, an item appearing in a bilateral trade schedule does not automatically mean that it enjoys duty-free or preferential access to Brazil. The Brazilian importer must still verify the applicable tariff, NCM classification and regulatory requirements.

The correct approach is therefore:

Product → Market Demand → NCM/HS Classification → Tariff → Regulations → Buyer → Price → Shipment

2. Select the Right Product to Export

A common mistake made by new exporters is starting with the question: “What can I export to Brazil?” A better question is: “Which Bangladeshi product has a realistic competitive advantage in Brazil?”

Evaluate your product using at least seven criteria.

2.1 Brazilian demand

Research whether Brazilian companies already import the product and whether import volumes are significant.

2.2 Competition

Identify competitors from China, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia and other exporting countries.

2.3 Product differentiation

Your product should offer one or more advantages:

Competitive price
Better quality
Unique design
Sustainable production
Flexible MOQ
Custom manufacturing
Reliable delivery
Certifications
Private-label capability

2.4 Import regulations

Some products face substantially greater regulatory requirements than others.

For example, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical products, chemicals and certain industrial products may require additional approvals or regulatory compliance in Brazil.

2.5 Logistics

Consider whether the product can economically travel from Bangladesh to Brazil by sea or air.

2.6 Margin

Calculate the complete landed cost rather than looking only at your factory price.

2.7 Repeat-order potential

Products capable of generating recurring B2B orders are generally more attractive than products that depend entirely on occasional transactions.

3. Conduct Brazilian Market Research Before Finding Buyers

Do not begin contacting hundreds of Brazilian companies without understanding the market.

Your market research should answer:

Who imports this product?
What quantities do they import?
Which countries supply them?
What prices are competitive?
Which Brazilian states have the strongest demand?
What specifications do buyers require?
What certifications are necessary?
What packaging is expected?
What payment terms are common?
Which ports are normally used?
What is the applicable NCM code?
Are there import restrictions or licenses?

Brazil’s official trade and customs systems provide important information about NCM classification, tariffs and administrative treatment.

The Brazilian government explains that NCM is the classification system used by Mercosur countries, and Brazil generally applies the Mercosur Common External Tariff (TEC), subject to exceptions and specific arrangements.

For serious market research, exporters should therefore research both the product and its Brazilian NCM code.

4. Identify the Correct HS Code and Brazilian NCM

This is one of the most important stages of exporting to Brazil. Bangladesh generally works with HS classification, while Brazil uses the NCM – Nomenclatura Comum do Mercosul. The first six digits normally correspond to the international Harmonized System, while Brazil’s NCM extends the classification to eight digits.

Why is this important? Because the NCM can affect:

Import duty
Tax treatment
Import licensing
Regulatory agencies
Product restrictions
Statistical classification
Required certificates
Customs procedures

Brazil’s Receita Federal provides the Sistema Classif, a free platform containing information about NCM classification and related tax and administrative treatment.

Practical recommendation

Before quoting a Brazilian buyer, ask the importer to confirm: “Please confirm the Brazilian NCM code applicable to this product.” Then independently verify the classification with your customs broker or trade specialist. Never guess an NCM merely because the product name appears similar.

5. Check Brazilian Import Requirements Before Accepting an Order

A Brazilian buyer may be interested in your product but still be unable to import it under the proposed transaction. Brazil’s import system can require licensing depending on the product and operation. The Brazilian Receita Federal states that importers must check whether the merchandise is subject to licensing or other requirements through the relevant Siscomex procedures.

Brazil’s Treatment Administrative system covers requirements such as:

Licenses
Certificates
Authorizations
Monitoring
Risk analysis
Product-specific controls

The Brazilian government specifically recommends checking the applicable administrative treatment for the intended NCM before proceeding.

Products requiring special attention

Extra caution is required for:

Food
Agricultural products
Seafood
Pharmaceuticals
Medical devices
Cosmetics
Chemicals
Animal products
Plant products
Certain electrical products
Products subject to technical standards

For example, pharmaceutical, medical and certain health-related products can involve ANVISA requirements and authorized Brazilian import/distribution arrangements. Therefore, the exporter should never promise a buyer that a product can be freely imported until the Brazilian side has confirmed the requirements.

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6. Register Your Business for Exporting from Bangladesh

A Bangladeshi company intending to export commercially needs the appropriate business and export registrations. Depending on the business structure and product, the exporter should have the necessary:

Trade License
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
VAT/BIN registration
Export Registration Certificate (ERC)
Bank account with an Authorized Dealer (AD) bank
Chamber/association membership where required or useful
Product-specific registrations or approvals

Bangladesh Customs identifies documents such as the export contract or purchase order, commercial invoice, packing list, EXP form, certificate of origin, VAT registration and TIN among the core documentation associated with export customs clearance.

Product-specific requirements may also apply. For example, Bangladesh Customs identifies phytosanitary certification for certain agricultural exports and additional health or quality certificates for regulated products.

7. Find Genuine Brazilian Buyers

Finding the right Brazilian importer is often harder than producing the product. Potential buyer categories include:

Importers
Distributors
Wholesalers
Retail chains
Manufacturers
Brand owners
Buying houses
E-commerce companies
Supermarket groups
Specialized distributors
Government or institutional buyers

Where can you find Brazilian buyers? Use multiple channels:

Brazilian trade fairs
Business chambers
Trade associations
Importer databases
B2B platforms
LinkedIn
Brazilian company directories
Industry associations
Trade missions
Government and trade-promotion organizations
Business matchmaking programs
Direct email marketing

For Bangladesh exporters, business matchmaking can be especially useful because Brazil is geographically distant and Portuguese is the principal business language.

A professional buyer approach should include:

Company introduction
Product catalogue
Product specifications
Export markets
MOQ
Price indication
Certifications
Production capacity
Lead time
Packaging details
Payment terms
Contact information

Do not send a generic 20-page catalogue to every company. Prepare a targeted presentation for the specific Brazilian market.

8. Verify the Brazilian Buyer Before Signing the Contract

Buyer verification is essential. A new exporter should investigate:

Legal company name
CNPJ
Registered address
Website
Business activity
Import history
Directors/owners
Bank information
Trade references
Existing suppliers
Creditworthiness
Litigation or reputation issues where relevant

Ask the buyer for their:

Company registration details
Importer information
NCM
Required licenses
Delivery port
Customs broker details
Tax and regulatory requirements
Purchase specifications

For high-value transactions, consider professional commercial due diligence before committing significant production or extending credit.

9. Prepare a Professional Export Quotation

Your quotation should be much more detailed than simply saying: “Our price is USD 5 per piece.” A proper quotation should include:

Product name
Product specifications
HS code
Quantity
Unit price
Currency
MOQ
Packaging
Lead time
Port of loading
Destination port
Incoterm
Payment terms
Validity
Inspection conditions
Certifications
Sample policy

Example

Suppose you export garments from Bangladesh to Brazil.

Your quotation might state:

Product: 100% Cotton T-Shirt
Quantity: 10,000 pieces
Unit Price: USD X.XX
Incoterm: FOB Chattogram
Lead Time: XX days after confirmed payment/LC
Payment: Irrevocable L/C at sight
Port of Loading: Chattogram, Bangladesh
Destination: Santos, Brazil
Packing: Export-standard carton packing
Inspection: As agreed
Certificate of Origin: Available

The actual commercial terms should be negotiated according to the transaction.

10. Choose the Correct Incoterm

Incoterms determine the allocation of responsibilities, costs and risks between exporter and importer. Common options include:

For a new exporter, FOB, CFR or CIF may be easier to understand than highly complex destination-based arrangements, but the appropriate Incoterm depends on the product, buyer, freight structure and risk allocation.

FOB: The seller handles the goods up to the agreed loading point and export formalities, while the buyer generally handles the main ocean freight and destination-side responsibilities.

CFR: The seller pays the ocean freight to the destination port, while risk transfer occurs according to the Incoterm rules.

CIF: The seller pays the cost, insurance and freight to the named destination port, subject to the applicable Incoterms rules.

Do not confuse cost responsibility with risk transfer. Incoterms should be clearly written in the contract, preferably with the named place or port and the applicable Incoterms edition.

11. Calculate the Complete Export Price

Before agreeing to a price, calculate: Production Cost

Packaging
Inland Transportation
C&F/Customs Charges
Port Charges
Documentation
Inspection
Bank Charges
Freight
Insurance
Commission
Financing Cost
Contingency
Profit

Then determine whether the Brazilian buyer can sell the product profitably after:

Brazilian import duty
Applicable taxes
Customs charges
Port expenses
Customs brokerage
Inland transportation
Distributor margin
Retail margin

This is where many export deals fail. A price that looks attractive from Bangladesh may become uncompetitive after Brazilian import costs. Brazil’s official tariff information can be checked through the government’s tariff panel, which allows searches by NCM and provides information on applicable tariff structures and exceptions.

12. Negotiate Payment Terms Carefully

Payment risk is one of the most serious risks for a new exporter. Possible methods include:

Advance Payment: The buyer pays before production or shipment.

Advantage: Lower exporter risk.

Disadvantage: Difficult to obtain from a new buyer.

Letter of Credit: A documentary letter of credit can provide stronger payment security if correctly structured and issued by an acceptable bank.

Documentary Collection: Documents are handled through banks under agreed collection terms.

Open Account: The exporter ships first and receives payment later.

This can be commercially attractive to buyers but exposes a new exporter to greater credit risk. For the first transaction with an unfamiliar Brazilian buyer, avoid unnecessarily risky payment arrangements. Your bank’s Authorized Dealer should review the proposed payment structure and documentation.

13. Sign a Proper Export Contract or Receive a Confirmed Purchase Order

Do not start production based only on WhatsApp conversations. The commercial contract should clearly specify:

Buyer and seller
Product description
Quantity
Price
Currency
Incoterm
Delivery schedule
Payment terms
Packaging
Quality standards
Inspection
Documents
Insurance
Shipment terms
Claims procedure
Warranty, if applicable
Force majeure
Dispute resolution
Applicable law
Cancellation conditions

A properly drafted contract reduces misunderstandings later.

Economic Landscape of Brazil and Opportunities for Bangladesh

14. Prepare the Export Documentation in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Customs requires an export declaration, commonly known as the Bill of Export/Shipping Bill, before goods can be loaded for export. Core documents generally include:

Export L/C, or export contract/purchase order where applicable
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
EXP Form certified by the Authorized Dealer bank
Certificate of Origin
VAT/BIN documentation
TIN
Product-specific certificates, permits or NOCs where required

Bangladesh Customs specifically lists these documents in its export procedure. Depending on the product, additional documents may include:

Phytosanitary Certificate
Health Certificate
Veterinary Certificate
Quality Certificate
Fumigation Certificate
Halal Certificate
Inspection Certificate
Test Report
Utilization Declaration/Permission
Other regulatory approvals

For food and agricultural products, Bangladesh Customs identifies additional health, phytosanitary and other certificates depending on the product.

15. Prepare the Commercial Invoice Correctly

The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents in the transaction. It should normally contain:

Exporter name and address
Importer name and address
Invoice number
Date
Purchase order/contract number
Product description
HS/NCM information where appropriate
Quantity
Unit price
Total value
Currency
Incoterm
Country of origin
Gross weight
Net weight
Shipping details
Payment terms

The description must be specific enough for customs authorities to understand exactly what is being imported.

Avoid vague descriptions such as: “Garments” Prefer: “100% Cotton Men’s Knitted T-Shirts, Short Sleeve” provided that accurately describes the goods.

16. Prepare Packing and Shipping Documents

The packing list should normally show:

Number of cartons
Carton numbers
Product description
Quantity per carton
Total quantity
Net weight
Gross weight
Carton dimensions
Volume/CBM
Marks and numbers

The transportation document will normally be a:

Bill of Lading for ocean freight
Air Waybill for air freight

Brazilian import documentation also commonly includes the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, proof of origin and other transaction documents.

17. Complete Bangladesh Customs Clearance

Once the goods are ready, your C&F agent or authorized customs representative can assist with the export customs process. The export declaration is submitted to Bangladesh Customs. Customs reviews the documentation and may conduct physical examination depending on the shipment and applicable procedures.

After approval, the cargo can be loaded for export. Bangladesh Customs states that export is completed when the vessel, aircraft or other transport leaves the port and the relevant customs process confirms shipment. For a first-time exporter, using an experienced C&F agent can significantly reduce documentation errors.

18. Arrange International Shipping from Bangladesh to Brazil

Most commercial cargo between Bangladesh and Brazil will move by sea because of the geographic distance and the cost advantage for containerized shipments. Common logistics considerations include:

Port of loading
Destination port
Full Container Load (FCL)
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Transit time
Transshipment
Freight rate
Container availability
Port charges
Insurance
Destination handling

The Brazilian buyer should normally confirm the preferred destination port.

Santos is particularly important for international cargo, but the appropriate Brazilian port depends on the buyer’s location, logistics network and product. For urgent samples or small high-value shipments, air freight may be considered.

19. Brazilian Import Clearance

The process does not end when the vessel leaves Chattogram. The Brazilian importer must complete the destination-side procedures. Brazil operates its import processes through Siscomex and the Portal Único de Comércio Exterior, with the newer DUIMP process being progressively adopted for eligible operations. Brazil’s government explains that import declarations may be processed through DI, DSI or DUIMP depending on the transaction and applicable rules.

The Brazilian importer or its legal representative generally handles:

Import declaration
Import licensing where applicable
Customs documentation
Tax payment
Regulatory approvals
Customs inspection
Cargo release
Inland transportation

The exporter must therefore provide accurate documentation that matches the commercial transaction.

20. Brazil’s Import Licensing Must Be Checked Before Shipment

This deserves special emphasis. Brazil’s import licensing requirements can vary according to the product and NCM. The Brazilian government states that some imports are subject to licensing and that, depending on the case, the relevant authorization may need to be obtained before shipment or before customs clearance.

Therefore, before shipping: Ask the Brazilian importer to confirm in writing that all required import licenses and approvals are in place or that the shipment is legally eligible to proceed.

This is particularly important for regulated products.

21. Brazilian Customs Assessment and Taxes

The Brazilian importer may have to pay various taxes and charges depending on the product, transaction and jurisdiction. Potential components can include:

Import Duty
IPI
PIS/COFINS-Import
ICMS
Other applicable charges

The exact tax burden varies according to the NCM, customs value, state and applicable rules. Therefore, never calculate Brazilian landed cost using only the Bangladesh FOB/CIF price. The importer should prepare a complete landed-cost calculation before confirming the order.

22. Customs Clearance and Delivery to the Brazilian Buyer

Once the Brazilian customs and regulatory requirements have been satisfied, the cargo can be released. The buyer or logistics provider then arranges:

Port release
Customs clearance completion
Terminal handling
Inland transportation
Warehouse delivery
Final inspection
Inventory receipt

At this stage, the exporter should remain available to answer documentation or product questions.

A shipment can be delayed by seemingly small discrepancies, such as:

Incorrect product description
Wrong quantity
Weight mismatch
Incorrect invoice value
Inconsistent packing list
Incorrect NCM
Missing certificate
Incorrect consignee information

Accuracy is therefore essential.

23. Receive and Reconcile Export Proceeds

After shipment, monitor the payment carefully. Maintain records of:

Commercial invoice
Export contract
EXP form
Shipping documents
Bank documents
Bill of Lading/AWB
Certificate of Origin
Customs documents
Payment receipt
Buyer correspondence

The exporter should work closely with its Authorized Dealer bank regarding export proceeds and related foreign-exchange documentation.

Do not treat payment receipt as an informal administrative issue. Proper realization and documentation of export proceeds are an important part of compliant international trade.

Top 10 Export Products from Bangladesh to Brazil and Brazil to Bangladesh

24. Handle the First Shipment as a Pilot Shipment

A new exporter does not need to begin with a massive container order. A better strategy can be:

Sample → Trial Order → Small Commercial Shipment → Repeat Order → Larger Contract

This allows both parties to test:

Product quality
Packaging
Transit performance
Customs documentation
Brazilian import procedures
Buyer communication
Payment reliability
Market acceptance

Once the first transaction succeeds, gradually increase the volume.

25. Common Mistakes New Bangladesh Exporters Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Finding the buyer before checking import requirements

A buyer’s interest does not guarantee that the product can be imported under the proposed terms.

Mistake 2: Guessing the NCM

Incorrect classification can create customs and regulatory problems.

Mistake 3: Quoting only the factory price

Always calculate the complete export and landed cost.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Portuguese communication

Professional Portuguese-language communication can significantly improve buyer confidence.

Mistake 5: Shipping before confirming Brazilian import requirements

This can result in costly delays.

Mistake 6: Giving credit to an unknown buyer

Verify the buyer before agreeing to open-account terms.

Mistake 7: Using inconsistent documents

The invoice, packing list, contract, shipping documents and customs declaration should be consistent.

Mistake 8: Ignoring product-specific certificates

Food, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, chemicals and other regulated products require additional attention.

Mistake 9: Depending on one buyer

Develop a pipeline of multiple Brazilian importers and distributors.

Mistake 10: Treating Brazil like a small market

Brazil is a large and diverse country. A market-entry strategy should identify specific states, industries, distributors and customer segments.

26. A Practical Bangladesh-to-Brazil Export Checklist

Before shipping your first order, confirm the following:

Product selected based on Brazilian market demand
Brazilian competitor research completed
HS code verified
Brazilian NCM confirmed
Brazilian tariff checked
Import licensing requirements checked
Product-specific regulatory requirements checked
Brazilian buyer verified
Buyer CNPJ and importer information confirmed
Commercial quotation prepared
Incoterm agreed
Payment terms agreed
Purchase order/export contract signed
Sample approved where applicable
Production completed
Quality inspection completed
Commercial invoice prepared
Packing list prepared
Certificate of Origin arranged
EXP form processed through the Authorized Dealer bank
Required product certificates obtained
Bill of Export/Shipping Bill prepared
Bangladesh Customs clearance completed
Freight booked
Insurance arranged where applicable
Bill of Lading/AWB received
Shipping documents sent to buyer/bank
Brazilian import declaration prepared by importer
Import license obtained where required
Brazilian customs clearance completed
Goods delivered
Payment received
Export records properly maintained

Conclusion

Exporting from Bangladesh to Brazil is achievable, but success requires preparation, compliance and careful buyer management.

The process can be summarized as:

Select the right product
↓
2. Research Brazilian demand
↓
3. Identify HS/NCM classification
↓
4. Check tariffs and import regulations
↓
5. Find and verify Brazilian buyers
↓
6. Prepare quotation and negotiate Incoterms
↓
7. Agree payment terms
↓
8. Sign contract/receive purchase order
↓
9. Produce and inspect goods
↓
10. Prepare export documents
↓
11. Complete Bangladesh Customs clearance
↓
12. Ship from Bangladesh
↓
13. Brazilian importer completes Siscomex/customs procedures
↓
14. Customs clearance and delivery in Brazil
↓
15. Receive payment and maintain records
↓
16. Develop repeat business

The most important principle for a new exporter is simple: Do not start with the shipment. Start with market research, buyer verification and regulatory checking.

Brazil’s import system is highly dependent on correct product classification and administrative treatment. The Brazilian government specifically provides tools for checking NCM, tariff and administrative requirements, while Bangladesh Customs sets out the documentation and export-clearance requirements on the Bangladesh side.

For exporters of garments, textiles, jute products, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, food, seafood, spices, handicrafts and other Bangladeshi products, Brazil can represent a significant market opportunity when approached systematically.

A successful Bangladesh–Brazil export business is not created by one shipment. It is built through the right product, the right buyer, the right price, correct documentation, regulatory compliance, reliable logistics and consistent after-sales communication.

If you are a Bangladeshi manufacturer or exporter planning to enter the Brazilian market, the best starting point is to identify your product’s Brazilian NCM, calculate its landed cost, verify the import requirements and build a qualified list of potential Brazilian buyers before investing heavily in production or shipment.