A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND INTERVENING BODIES
6.101 Import and export transactions carried out in Brazil are processed through the Integrated Foreign Trade System (SISCOMEX). Such computerized system allows importers, exporters and other intervening parties to perform their foreign trade operations, input information and take cognizance of tax and administrative requirements.
6.102 The federal government agencies involved in foreign trade and in charge of controlling imports and exports include:
• The Brazilian Monetary Council (CMN), which formulates general financial and monetary policies, including matters relating to foreign exchange;
• The Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN), which is responsible for enforcing such policies;
• The Foreign Trade Chamber (CAMEX),1 which was created to concentrate the decisions relating to foreign trade. Among other duties, CAMEX coordinates the actions taken by distinct government bodies in foreign trade issues; establishes import and export duty rates; and deals with trade remedies (antidumping measures, countervailing duties and safeguards);
• The Foreign Trade Office (SECEX), which—among other duties—establishes foreign trade and customs policy; issues import licenses; monitors drawback activities; and verifies whether goods to be imported have domestic counterparts; and
• The Federal Revenue Office, which reports to the Ministry of Finance and, together with SECEX and CAMEX, is charged with planning, supervising, executing, controlling and evaluating tax activities in the administrative sphere for foreign trade control purposes. It also considers the tax impact of foreign trades on the country’s economy and is also in charge of customs control.
