What food can I take to Brazil?

If you were to go to Brazil, what kind of food could you take with you in your baggage? The Brazilian government has certain regulations and measures that have been taken in order to prevent pests, diseases as well as hazardous substances from entering the country. However, for the most part, commercially packaged industrialized food products are allowed provided they are properly labeled indicating their origin and appropriate sanitary information. However, there are some important exceptions and restrictions that you should know about.

Restricted Items

There are some foods that can either be completely prohibited or strictly controlled in their amounts allowable for importation:

• Irrespective of the quantity they weigh no artisanal cheeses and cured meat products,
• No raw foods that are not packed
• Temporary ban on pork meat due to swine flu outbreak
• Seeds, beans, and other raw plant materials,
• Special authorization is required for honey, propolis, etc.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) ensures that sanitary standards in animal and plant-based foods are maintained through tight surveillance. Their Agricultural Surveillance International Service (Vigiagro) cooperates with customs officials and health departments during luggage checks by removing any item that is outlawed or lacks proper documentation.

Allowed Items

So what’s acceptable? Here is a list of generally permitted foodstuff which may be transported in a checked luggage or carried onboard as long as it is well packaged commercially sealed items bearing clear marks of recognition:

• Oils
• Alcohol
• Preserved fruits
• Chocolate
• Roasted Coffee Beans
• Juices 
• Coloring Agents 
• Pre-cooked fruits & vegetables 
• Vinegar 
• Pickles 
• Fruit pulps 
• Canned Vegetables  
• Rice   
• Flour 

The packing must show where the product has come from along with any necessary hygiene certification documents. All homemade; unlabelled or artisanal items might get seized at customs.

Also bear in mind, though you may get to carry these items, you will still be required to pay import duty on them as well. The Brazilian Treasury Department has specific regulations on the amount of duty-free goods that can be brought into the country and how they should be declared at the time of entry.

Bringing Meat and Dairy

Meat and dairy are some of the strictest food products for travel. In 2019, all artisanal cheeses and cured meats were banned by Brazil regardless of weight. However; commercially packaged industrial dairy products need to be reviewed for proper labeling so that you do not violate any recent guidelines.

Meanwhile, swine fever in Brazil means that there is a temporary ban on pork meat including if it is commercially packed or preserved in a can out there. Additionally, other types of fresh meat or frozen as well as processed meat having appropriate labels might also pass through customs but it is better not to have any meat product with you.

Read also Medications not allowed in Brazil and What can you not bring to Brazil

Declaring Food Items

Even if they are packed in commercial packages, all foodstuffs must be declared when entering Brazil. If all your food items together with others total above $1,000 in value then you will pay import taxes.

You can fill out an Electronic Declaration of Travelers Goods (e-DBV) online before leaving for Brazil to declare your goods. This enables one to calculate duties owed without wasting time while in line at customs.

Penalties for Violating Food Import Rules

If customs officials discover contraband or wrongly named foodstuffs in your luggage, the chances are that they will take them away. On some occasions, fines and some other punishments may be demanded of you for trying to carry restricted stuff.

On the other hand, the Vigiagro service points out that its primary objective is education and prevention rather than punishment. Thus, as long as you honestly derive your goods without attempting to bring in anything that is completely banned, it is unlikely that you will face severe consequences when an item gets seized.

Points to Remember When Carrying Food into Brazil

To ensure your food products pass through Brazilian customs without any issues:

• Stick to commercially packed foods from factories with distinct labeling
• Avoid bringing homemade plant foods, honey, dairy items, or meat products into Brazil
• All food items should be declared on e-DBV and duties paid if the total value exceeds $1,000 USD.
• Packaging food in a checked bag makes it easier during inspection
• If your item is confiscated do not argue with customs officers – they must comply with the regulations

Following these instructions while being honest about what you are bringing can enable one to consume their favorite snacks from home and also savor Brazil’s incredible cuisine. However, remember not to pack raw meat, unpasteurized cheese, or homemade jam.