Brazilian Congress committee to review import tax on online purchases

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On 28 August 2026, the Brazilian Congress installed a joint committee, chaired by Deputy Reginaldo Lopes and rapporteur Senator Leila Barros, to decide the fate of the 20 percent 'blusinhas tax' on international online purchases under US$50. This tax, enacted in 2024 for platforms like Shein and AliExpress, was reduced to zero by a government-issued provisional measure (MP 1,357) in May 2026. The committee must reach a decision by 8 September, or the 20 percent tax will automatically return to force. The proceedings occurred amidst an election-year climate, with legislators facing a hard deadline before the 4 October elections.

Consequences

If Congress fails to approve the repeal of the tax by 8 September, the 20 percent import levy will be reinstated. The outcome carries significant economic implications for Brazilian industry, which collected R$5 billion in related tax revenue in 2025, and political consequences for legislators facing re-election in October.

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