Shopping quota at the border and duty-free shops in Foz do Iguaçu – get your questions answered

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Since January 2022, it is possible to purchase up to US$1.000 in goods, tax-free, on a trip to Foz do Iguaçu. The amount is the sum of the overseas purchase quota (US$500) and the domestic quota. duty free shops (US$ 500) in the Land of the Falls.

The process is simple, but since it is new, it raises some questions. To make it easier and allow you to spend more time enjoying the attractions of the border, H2FOZ brings together, in left-wing Below are some of the most common questions about the two quotas.

Purchase quota in Paraguay and Argentina

How much is it? Do I need to declare it if I bought less? How much is the tax if I bought more? How do I pay the tax? Is there a quantity limit? What goods are prohibited? Are children entitled to the quota? If I am returning by plane, what is my quota?

Purchase quota in duty free shops in Foz do Iguacu

What products are on sale in the stores? Are the prices competitive compared to Paraguay? What currency is payment made in? Can I pay with a debit card? Can I pay in installments? What documents do I need to present?

The material is constantly updated, as the rules change or new questions from readers are included. H2FOZ.

Good reading!

What is the value of the purchasing quota in Paraguay or Argentina in 2023?

US$500 per person, to be used once every 30 calendar days.

I purchased less than US$500 in the purchase quota in Paraguay or Argentina. Do I still need to declare it?

For purchases below the quota (observing the permitted products and quantity limits described below), the declaration is optional.

If purchases exceed the US$500 purchase quota in Paraguay or Argentina, how much is the tax?

50% on anything over US$500. If your goods total US$650, for example, the tax will be on the US$150 that exceeded the quota limit. The amount to be paid (50% of US$150) will be US$75.

What can I declare in the purchase quota in Paraguay or Argentina?

Items for personal use that fall under the concept of checked baggage, which is what a traveler brings in their suitcase after a trip abroad. New cell phone? You can declare it. Videogame? Clothes? Perfume? You can also use them. Products for commercial or industrial purposes? You can't.

Which goods do not need to be declared as purchase quotas in Paraguay or Argentina?

Basically books, pamphlets, periodicals and goods for the traveler's own use, in quantities compatible with the circumstances of the trip (dozens of copies of the same book may be considered commercial). website from the IRS, there is a specific page on the subject (click here to consult it).

Are there limits on some types of goods purchase quota in Paraguay or Argentina?

Yes, to prevent the allowance from being used for commercial purchases. The limit for products worth less than US$5 is up to 20 units per person, with a maximum of ten identical units. For goods worth more than US$5, it is possible to bring ten units per person, with a maximum of three identical units. For alcoholic beverages, the limit is 12 liters or bottles. The table is available at website of Revenue.

What goods are prohibited in the shopping quota in Paraguay or Argentina?

Prohibited items include Brazilian products intended for exclusive sale abroad (“export-grade” coffee, for example), replicas of firearms, counterfeit or pirated products, pesticides and agricultural defenses, narcotics and merchandise that is “detrimental to morality, good customs, health or public order”. The full list can be found here.

Can I buy $500 in Paraguay and another $500 in Argentina?

The quota can only be used once every 30 days. If you use it in Paraguay today and make purchases in Argentina tomorrow, you will have to pay tax when declaring, even if the goods are under US$500. An alternative, when traveling as a family, is to declare purchases made in Paraguay under one person's quota and purchases in Argentina under another's quota, observing the limits above.

Are children also entitled to a shopping quota in Paraguay or Argentina?

Yes, like any Brazilian with a CPF. The main difference is quite obvious, but it is always good to clarify: children and adolescents cannot declare goods prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.

I purchased a product that cost $1.000. Can I combine my share with someone else's share so I don't have to pay tax?

No. The $500 exemption is individual and cannot be converted to $1.000 by adding the quotas of two people to arrive at the value of the purchased product.

How do I pay the shopping quota tax in Paraguay or Argentina?

The Federal Revenue Service issues an electronic invoice, the e-DBV, immediately. Payment by debit card can be made at the customs office itself (credit cards are not accepted). If you want to pay in cash, you must go to a bank or post office and return with the paid invoice to collect the goods.

After spending my US$500 allowance abroad, can I buy another US$500 in duty-free shops in Foz?

Yes. The two quotas can be added together, totaling up to US$1.000 per CPF.

Which quota do goods purchased at duty free in Puerto Iguazú count towards?

They count towards the foreign shopping quota, like all goods purchased on the Argentine side of the border. There is no special exemption in Brazil, since the Duty Free Shop in Puerto Iguazú is only exempt from Argentine taxes.

I came to Foz by plane. Is my quota air or land?

Land (US$ 500), because what counts is the place of return to Brazil after shopping in Ciudad del Este (Friendship Bridge) or Puerto Iguazú (Tancredo Neves Bridge). Your purchases must be declared at the Brazilian head of each bridge.

I crossed the bridge and didn't stop at customs. Can I declare it at the airport?

No. Even though it is an international airport, Foz do Iguaçu does not have a customs post for this type of purpose. Goods above the quota or with a possible commercial destination may be seized.

I'm returning from Paraguay or Argentina with an old electronic device in my suitcase. Can the customs authorities seize it?

It is rare, but it can happen. To avoid it, simply prove that the device is used (a notebook or a cell phone with personal files and signs of use, for example) or present the purchase receipt.

I had my goods seized. How can I get them back?

Presenting documents such as an invoice and legal proof of import to the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service.

What products are on sale in the duty free shops in Foz?

Electronics, perfumes, beverages, food, tobacco, international designer clothing, footwear, bags, suitcases, toys, accessories, among others.

Can I pay for purchases with a credit or debit card at duty-free shops in Foz?

Yes. All major credit cards are accepted in establishments in Foz do Iguaçu.

Can I pay for purchases in installments at duty-free shops in Foz?

Here is one of the advantages of duty free shops in Foz: the possibility of paying for your purchases in up to 12 interest-free installments. The minimum installment amount varies depending on the establishment, and is R$100 at Cell Shop Duty Free.

If purchases exceed US$500 in duty-free shops in Foz, how much is the tax?

50% on anything over US$500. If your goods total US$650, for example, the tax will be on the US$150 that exceeded the quota limit. The amount to be paid (50% of US$150) will be US$75.

Is there a limit on the quantity of products in the duty-free shops in Foz?

As with the overseas shopping quota, yes. Main restrictions: 12 liters of alcoholic beverages; 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars and 250 grams of tobacco; 20 items worth more than US$10 each, with a maximum of three identical products.

After spending my US$500 allowance in the duty-free shops in Foz, can I buy another US$500 in Paraguay or Argentina?

Yes. The quota of duty free shops can be added to the quota for purchases abroad, totaling up to US$ 1.000 per CPF.

I live in Foz and the surrounding area. Can I buy from the city's duty-free shops?

Yes, you can, using your $500 allowance once every 30 days. You don't need to have traveled outside the country (as in the case of duty free shops located at airports) to buy in duty free shops malls in Foz do Iguaçu.

In what currency is payment made at duty-free shops in Foz?

In reais, converted to dollars according to the official exchange rate of the day.

What documents do I need to present to buy from duty free shops in Foz?

Photo ID and CPF number. Stores may also ask for information such as address, zip code and contact telephone number for customer identification purposes. Registration, when necessary, is usually quick.

Are the prices at duty-free shops in Foz competitive compared to Paraguay?

Yes. One of the recommendations, in fact, is to research.

What are the opening hours of duty free shops in Foz do Iguaçu?

In January 2022, Cell Shop Duty Free, at Catuaí Palladium Shopping, was open every day from 11 am to 22 pm. Liberty Duty Free, at Cataratas JL Shopping, was open daily from 10 am to 22 pm. On holidays and special occasions, opening hours may vary depending on the opening hours of each store. Shopping.

Should other duty-free shops open in Foz do Iguaçu?

The prediction is yes, inside and outside the malls. Stay tuned on H2FOZ to check out what's new.