How to Import Garlic from China to Brazil: Complete 2026 Guide

Brazil is the largest economy in South America and one of the world's most significant garlic importers. Despite having domestic garlic production, local supply covers only a fraction of national demand. The vast majority of garlic consumed in Brazil arrives by sea from China, shipped in refrigerated containers through the Port of Santos. For importers, understanding the regulatory framework, port logistics, and documentation requirements is essential to running a profitable garlic import business.

This guide is written for Brazilian trading companies, wholesale distributors, and supermarket procurement teams who want to source garlic directly from China. It covers market data, the full import process, tariffs, shipping routes, documentation, and a cost breakdown comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Santos terms.

Brazil Garlic Market Overview

Brazil consumes approximately 250,000-300,000 metric tons of garlic per year. Domestic production, concentrated in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina, supplies roughly 40,000-60,000 MT annually. This leaves an import gap of over 200,000 MT, making Brazil one of the top garlic importers in the world.

China supplies more than 90% of Brazil's garlic imports. Other minor sources include Argentina and Spain, but Chinese garlic dominates due to competitive pricing, consistent quality, and year-round availability. The Brazilian garlic market is seasonal, with peak demand during religious holidays, year-end festivities, and the winter months when garlic is heavily used in traditional cooking.

The CEAGESP (Companhia de Entrepostos e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo) wholesale market in São Paulo is the largest garlic distribution hub in Brazil. Garlic arriving at Santos Port is typically trucked to CEAGESP within 1-2 days, then distributed to regional wholesale markets (CEASAs) across the country. Importers who can deliver fresh, well-preserved garlic to CEAGESP quickly after vessel arrival have a significant competitive advantage.

Why Import Garlic from China?

China produces over 60% of the world's garlic, and Shandong Province is the heart of China's garlic export industry. The region's loamy soil, distinct four-season climate, and decades of farming expertise produce garlic with uniform bulbs, tight skin, and excellent storage characteristics — qualities that matter greatly when shipping across the Pacific to Brazil.

For Brazilian importers, the advantages of sourcing from China include:

• Year-round supply: Shandong's cold storage infrastructure (holding tens of thousands of MT) allows garlic to be shipped any month of the year, even though harvest occurs in June.
• Price competitiveness: Chinese garlic is significantly cheaper than garlic from Argentina or Spain, even after adding ocean freight and 14% tariff.
• Scale and variety: Chinese exporters can fill multiple 40HQ containers per week and offer both Normal White and Pure White varieties in sizes from 4.5cm to 6.5cm+.
• Cold-chain expertise: Experienced exporters understand how to set and monitor reefer container temperatures for the long 35-40 day voyage to Brazil.

If you want to compare the two main garlic varieties available from China, see our detailed comparison at Pure White Garlic and Normal White Garlic product pages.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Importing garlic from China to Brazil involves seven key steps. Each step has specific requirements under Brazilian regulations, and skipping any can result in customs delays, fines, or cargo spoilage. Below is the complete process.

Step 1: Find a Reliable Chinese Garlic Supplier

Start by identifying Chinese garlic exporters with proven experience shipping to Brazil. A supplier familiar with the Brazilian market will know the preferred garlic specifications, packaging formats, and documentation requirements, reducing the risk of customs problems. Look for suppliers with ISO 22000 or HACCP certification, large cold storage capacity, and a track record of exporting to South America.

Request the supplier's business license, export qualifications, and references from existing Brazilian clients. A transparent supplier will readily provide these. You can also request a third-party inspection (SGS, BV, or Intertek) before shipment to independently verify garlic quality, size, and packing. For a comprehensive supplier verification checklist, see our guide on how to choose a garlic supplier in China.

Step 2: Confirm Product Specifications

Brazilian buyers predominantly prefer Pure White garlic because of its cleaner appearance and longer shelf life. Given the 35-40 day voyage from Qingdao to Santos, shelf life is a critical factor — garlic that arrives sprouting or with mold will be rejected or heavily discounted at CEAGESP.

The most popular specifications for the Brazilian market are:

For detailed packaging options and container loading methods, refer to our garlic packaging options guide and our container loading guide.

Step 3: Understand Import Regulations & Tariffs

Brazil regulates garlic imports through several government bodies. Understanding the regulatory framework before you place an order prevents costly surprises at customs.

• Mercosul Common External Tariff (CET): Fresh garlic (HS code 0703.20.10) carries a CET of approximately 14%. This is the base import duty applied to garlic entering Brazil from outside the Mercosul bloc.
• Anti-dumping duties: Brazil has historically applied anti-dumping measures on garlic from China. Always check the current rate with SECEX (Secretaria de Comércio Exterior) before confirming your order, as these duties can change.
• SISCOMEX registration: Every importer must be registered in SISCOMEX and hold a valid RADAR license. The RADAR license classifies importers by annual trade volume and determines the scope of import operations permitted.
• Import License (LI): Garlic requires a non-automatic Import License (LI), which must be requested through SISCOMEX before the goods are shipped from China. Processing takes 10-30 days.
• V MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture): The Departamento de Inspeção de Produtos de Origem Vegetal (DIPOV) under MAPA oversees phytosanitary compliance for plant products including garlic.

Step 4: Arrange Shipping & Logistics

Garlic is shipped from Qingdao Port in Shandong, China's primary garlic export terminal. The voyage to Brazil is one of the longest garlic shipping routes in the world, so container temperature management and ventilation are critical.

The main destination ports for garlic in Brazil are:

• Port of Santos: The largest port in Latin America, handling the majority of Brazil's garlic imports. Located in São Paulo state, it offers the fastest connection to CEAGESP wholesale market. This is the primary entry point for garlic.
• Port of Paranaguá: The second-largest container port in Brazil, located in Paraná state. It serves importers in southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul) and offers an alternative when Santos is congested.

Major shipping lines operating the Qingdao-Brazil route include Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. Transit times are 35-40 days to Santos and 37-42 days to Paranaguá. Most services involve transshipment at hubs such as Singapore, Port Klang, or Cape Town. Book reefer containers well in advance, especially during peak shipping season (August-November) ahead of year-end demand.

The reefer container must be pre-cooled and set to -2°C to -3°C with ventilation at 25-30 CBM per hour. This temperature range keeps garlic dormant without freezing it, preventing sprouting and mold during the long voyage. For a deep dive on cold-chain settings, see our fresh garlic storage guide.

Step 5: Prepare Required Documents

Accurate documentation is critical for Brazilian customs. Missing or incorrect documents will cause the shipment to be held at Santos, incurring demurrage charges of $75-150 per container per day. The required document set includes:

• Commercial Invoice: Must include full seller and buyer details, product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterms, and currency. Should be in English or Portuguese.
• Packing List: Must show net weight, gross weight, number of cartons/bags, and container number. Accuracy here is critical — Brazilian customs cross-checks this against the container at inspection.
• Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping line. For L/C payments, the B/L must be consigned as per the letter of credit terms.
• Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by China Customs (GACC). This is mandatory for all plant product imports into Brazil. MAPA inspectors will verify this document at the port.
• Certificate of Origin: Issued by CCPIT or a local chamber of commerce in China. This document declares the goods' origin and is used for tariff classification.
• Fumigation Certificate: Confirms the garlic was treated to eliminate pests, required for phytosanitary compliance.
• Import License (LI): Approved through SISCOMEX before shipment. The LI number must appear on shipping documents.

Step 6: Customs Clearance in Brazil

Upon arrival at Santos or Paranaguá, the shipment enters the customs clearance process through SISCOMEX. The importer (or their customs broker) files the Import Declaration (DI), which includes all shipping documents, the LI number, and payment of all applicable duties and taxes. Brazilian customs uses a risk-based channel system: green (automatic release), yellow (document review), red (physical inspection). Garlic shipments are frequently directed to the red channel due to phytosanitary concerns.

If selected for physical inspection, MAPA officials will open the container and examine the garlic for pests, diseases, and labeling compliance. This adds 2-5 days to the clearance timeline. Ensure your customs broker is experienced with agricultural imports and maintains good communication with MAPA inspectors at the port.

Taxes and duties payable at clearance include the 14% CET import duty, IPI (industrialized products tax, generally low or zero for fresh garlic), PIS/COFINS (federal contributions totaling approximately 11.6-12.5%), and ICMS (state-level VAT, typically 18% in São Paulo). These are calculated on the CIF value plus duty. Work with your broker to get an accurate landed cost estimate before importing.

Step 7: Cold Storage & Distribution

After customs release, the garlic must be moved to a cold storage facility quickly. Santos and São Paulo have numerous cold storage warehouses, but capacity can be tight during peak import season. Arrange cold storage before the vessel arrives to avoid demurrage and container detention charges.

From cold storage, garlic is distributed to wholesale markets (CEAGESP in São Paulo, CEASA markets in other states), supermarket distribution centers, and food processors. Maintain the cold chain at 0°C to -1°C during storage and distribution to maximize shelf life. Garlic that has been properly shipped and stored at -2°C to -3°C for 40 days at sea can still have 2-3 months of shelf life after arrival, provided the cold chain is maintained.

Brazil-Specific Requirements & Regulations

Brazil has several import requirements that differ from other markets. Understanding these specifics will help you avoid delays:

• RADAR License: Before you can file any import declaration, your company must obtain a RADAR license from the Brazilian Federal Revenue (Receita Federal). There are three categories — Limited, Unlimited, and Express — based on your import history and financial standing. First-time importers typically start with the Limited category, capped at $150,000 USD annually.
• Portuguese labeling: While garlic in bulk packaging does not require retail labels, any pre-packaged garlic for direct consumer sale must have labels in Portuguese, including product name, origin, net weight, and importer information.
• MAPA phytosanitary inspection: All garlic shipments are subject to MAPA inspection at the port. If live pests or prohibited diseases are found, the shipment may be treated, re-exported, or destroyed at the importer's expense.
• Anti-dumping monitoring: Brazil monitors garlic imports from China for potential anti-dumping duties. Importers should verify current measures with SECEX, as duty rates and product scope can change periodically.

Recommended Garlic Specifications for the Brazilian Market

Based on market feedback from Brazilian wholesale buyers and supermarket chains, the following specifications consistently perform best:

For a complete breakdown of garlic sizes and how they are measured, see our garlic size standard guide. To understand current pricing for these specifications, check our garlic price page.

Shipping Routes: Qingdao to Santos

The Qingdao-to-Santos route is one of the longest garlic shipping lanes globally. Understanding the route helps importers plan their supply chain and manage expectations for delivery timing.

Garlic is loaded into a 40HQ reefer container at Qingdao Port, typically within 1-2 days of production and packing. The container is connected to power on the vessel and maintained at -2°C to -3°C throughout the voyage. Most services route through the South China Sea, with transshipment at Singapore or Port Klang (Malaysia), then across the Indian Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope to the South Atlantic. Some faster direct services are available with Maersk and MSC, reducing transit to 33-35 days.

Shipping lines servicing this route include Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. Maersk often offers the most reliable reefer service with advanced container monitoring. MSC provides competitive pricing. CMA CGM is a good option for consolidated shipments. Freight rates fluctuate based on season, fuel surcharges, and container availability — always request a live quote from your freight forwarder or supplier.

Cost Breakdown: FOB Qingdao vs CIF Santos

Understanding the full landed cost is essential for pricing your garlic competitively in the Brazilian market. The two most common Incoterms are FOB Qingdao (buyer arranges freight) and CIF Santos (supplier arranges freight and insurance). Below is an indicative cost comparison for one 40HQ reefer container of Pure White garlic 5.5cm, loaded at 28MT.

Note: Figures are indicative and for reference only. Garlic prices fluctuate seasonally. Ocean freight rates change monthly. Tax calculations depend on the ICMS rate of the destination state. Always request a current quote for accurate pricing.

The choice between FOB and CIF depends on your logistics expertise. First-time importers benefit from CIF because the supplier handles the complex 35-40 day reefer shipment. Experienced importers with established freight forwarder relationships can save $300-800 per container on FOB terms by negotiating their own freight rates. For a detailed explanation of Incoterms and price calculations, see our FOB vs CIF price calculation guide.

FAQ: Importing Garlic from China to Brazil

What documents are required to import garlic into Brazil?

You need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate issued by China Customs, Certificate of Origin, and a fumigation certificate. You also need an active SISCOMEX registration with a RADAR license and an approved Import License (LI) obtained through SISCOMEX before the shipment departs from China.

What is the import tariff for garlic from China to Brazil?

Fresh garlic (HS code 0703.20.10) falls under the Mercosul Common External Tariff (CET) at approximately 14%. Brazil has historically applied additional anti-dumping duties on garlic from China, so importers must verify current rates with SECEX before confirming any order. Additional taxes include PIS/COFINS and ICMS (state VAT).

How long does it take to ship garlic from China to Brazil?

Ocean freight from Qingdao Port to Santos takes 35-40 days. Including 5-7 days for production, quality inspection, and container loading in China, plus 3-5 days for customs clearance at Santos, the total lead time from order confirmation to warehouse delivery is typically 6-8 weeks. Planning ahead is essential given this long lead time.

Which garlic specifications are most popular in the Brazilian market?

Brazilian buyers prefer Pure White garlic in 5.5cm and 6.0cm sizes. Pure White garlic has a cleaner appearance and longer shelf life, which is critical for the 35-40 day transit from China. Packaging is typically 10kg cartons for supermarket channels or 20kg mesh bags for wholesale distribution through CEAGESP and CEASA markets.

Do I need SISCOMEX registration to import garlic into Brazil?

Yes. SISCOMEX registration is mandatory for all importers in Brazil. You must register your company, obtain a RADAR license (which authorizes import operations), and file the Import Declaration (DI) through SISCOMEX for every shipment. The RADAR license application process takes 2-4 weeks for first-time applicants. Work with a Brazilian customs broker to navigate the registration and clearance process efficiently.