Importing a Chinese electric vehicle into Brazil can seem like a maze of costs, regulations, and logistics. This case study walks through a real shipment of a BYD Han to the Port of Santos, breaking down every step from inquiry to customs clearance. We’ll show you the actual CIF landed cost components, the documents required, and how to avoid delays. Whether you’re a dealer or an individual buyer, this guide gives you a clear, practical roadmap for your own import.
What does a BYD Han cost to ship to Brazil?
The BYD Han is a flagship electric sedan with a FOB price starting at $25,969 (indicative for 2026, confirm at time of shipment). For Brazil, the CIF landed cost includes several layers:
- FOB price: $25,969
- Freight and insurance: approximately $2,200 (RoRo from Shanghai to Santos)
- Import duty (II): 10% of CIF value (Brazil’s current BEV rate for 2026)
- ICMS: varies by state (18% in São Paulo)
- PIS/COFINS: 11.75% combined
- Customs clearance and port fees: around $800
So the total CIF landed cost before taxes is roughly $28,169. After all taxes, expect a final landed cost in the range of $38,000–$42,000 depending on the state. We provide a full breakdown within 24 hours of your inquiry.
How long does shipping take from China to Brazil?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping from Shanghai to Santos typically takes 30–35 days. Container shipping may take 40–45 days due to transshipment. In our case study, the BYD Han was loaded in Shanghai on a RoRo vessel and arrived at Santos in 33 days. Customs clearance added another 5–7 days because all documents were in order. Total door-to-door time: about 45 days. We recommend RoRo for vehicles that can be driven on and off, as it’s generally cheaper and faster for single units. For multiple units, containers can be more cost-effective.
What documents are needed to clear customs in Brazil?
Brazilian customs requires a specific set of documents for vehicle imports. For our BYD Han shipment, we provided:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading (BL)
- Certificate of Origin
- Export declaration
- RENAVAM registration (for road use)
- LI (Import License) obtained prior to shipment
The Import License (LI) is critical—it must be approved before the vehicle arrives. We handle the entire document set and coordinate with your customs broker. Missing any document can lead to storage fees of $100–$200 per day. Our team ensures all paperwork is correct and sent ahead of time.
What are the homologation requirements for a BYD Han in Brazil?
Homologation is the process of certifying that a vehicle meets local safety and emissions standards. Brazil requires all imported vehicles to be homologated by DENATRAN. For electric vehicles, additional battery safety certifications may apply. The BYD Han already has a strong reputation in Latin America, but each unit must still go through the process. We assist by providing the necessary technical documents and working with local homologation agencies. Expect homologation to cost around $1,500–$2,500 and take 2–4 weeks after arrival. Some importers choose to ship before homologation is complete, but we recommend starting the process early to avoid delays.
How is the CIF landed cost calculated for Brazil?
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It’s the total value of the goods at the port of destination. For our BYD Han, the CIF value was $28,169. From there, Brazilian taxes are applied:
- Import Duty (II): 10% of CIF = $2,817
- IPI: 0% for electric vehicles (incentive)
- ICMS: 18% of (CIF + II + IPI + PIS/COFINS) = approximately $6,200
- PIS/COFINS: 11.75% of CIF = $3,310
Total taxes: about $12,327. Add clearance and port fees ($800), and the final landed cost is approximately $41,296. This is before any dealer markup or local transportation. We provide a detailed CIF quote within 24 hours, tailored to your destination state and port.
What are the payment terms for exporting a BYD Han?
Typical terms are a deposit to confirm the order, with the balance paid before shipment or against documents. For this case study, the buyer paid a 30% deposit via bank transfer, and the remaining 70% was paid when the Bill of Lading was issued. We accept T/T (telegraphic transfer) and can accommodate letters of credit for larger orders. All payments are in USD. We lock stock and prepare export documents once the deposit is received. This ensures your vehicle is reserved and not sold to another buyer.
How does China EV Export handle the shipping and logistics?
China EV Export (chinaevexport.net) manages the entire process. From our office in Hefei, we coordinate with shipping lines, prepare all export documents, and work with your customs broker in Brazil. We offer both RoRo and container shipping. For the BYD Han, we chose RoRo because it was more economical for a single unit. We provide real-time tracking and updates via WhatsApp. Our WhatsApp number is +8615556920288, and we respond to inquiries within 24 hours. We also have import guides for Brazil and other left-hand-drive markets like Mexico, Chile, and the UAE.
What are the common pitfalls when importing an EV to Brazil?
Several issues can trip up first-time importers:
- Missing Import License (LI): Without it, the vehicle cannot be cleared. Apply early.
- Incorrect HS code: The HS code for electric vehicles is 8703.80.00. Using the wrong code can lead to fines.
- Undervalued invoice: Brazilian customs may reject declared values that are too low, causing delays and penalties.
- Incomplete homologation: Driving an unhomologated vehicle is illegal. Ensure the process is complete before registration.
- Port storage fees: Santos charges high storage fees after the free period (usually 5 days). Have your broker ready.
We help you avoid these by providing a checklist and coordinating with your local broker. Our 24-hour quote turnaround means you can plan your budget accurately.
Why choose China EV Export for your BYD Han shipment?
We specialize in exporting Chinese EVs to left-hand-drive markets. With 320 models available, including the BYD Han, we offer competitive FOB prices and transparent CIF landed costs. Our team handles the entire export process: from confirming stock to delivering documents to your port. We don’t hide fees. Our quotes include FOB, freight, insurance, duty, and clearance estimates. We also provide after-sales support for homologation and registration. Contact us via WhatsApp at +8615556920288 or email mengluca2026@gmail.com for a quote within 24 hours. Let us make your EV import smooth and predictable.
How do I get a quote for shipping a BYD Han to Brazil?
Send us the model, destination port (e.g., Santos, Paranaguá), and quantity via WhatsApp or our inquiry form. We’ll return a full CIF landed-cost quote within 24 hours. The quote will include FOB price, estimated freight and insurance, Brazilian taxes, and clearance fees. We’ll also outline the document requirements and timeline. There’s no obligation, and we’re happy to answer any questions. Whether you’re importing one unit or a fleet, we’ll give you the same transparent, detailed breakdown. Start your import today with China EV Export.