Marketplaces can be understood as a large conglomerate of virtual stores in one place. The significant benefit of this business model is that it allows consumers to research the best selling options for a given product of interest. While these “virtual shopping malls” are a real attraction for buyers, they also bring many challenges, especially for those operating in global e-commerce by importing foreign products to Brazil.
One of the main challenges is to remain in compliance with local legislation, avoiding customs issues such as products being stuck in customs, as well as fraud and the sale of illegal products. These situations can be highly damaging to a brand, driving customers away from your virtual store.
Continue reading to better understand why and how to protect yourself from these types of problems.
5 Reasons to Prepare Your Marketplace from Compliance Issues in Brazil
To say that your company is in compliance means that it is following a set of laws and regulations. Every organization is guided by regulations that vary according to its activity. In Brazil, those who operate with the importation of foreign products need to adhere to customs laws and rules established by other related agencies that may be involved in the inspection process of goods, such as:
- Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA);
- National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO);
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA);
- Federal Police Department (DPF);
- Among others.
Transparency and compliance are essential to avoid losses and embarrassing situations during international operations, as well as to provide customers with a greater sense of security when making purchases in your marketplace. Below are some reasons to always keep your online business in compliance.
1. Faster and More Efficient Deliveries
A compliant marketplace facilitates the customs clearance process, allowing for faster product deliveries to customers. Efficient customs procedures improve the overall customer experience, resulting in greater satisfaction and fewer complaints. Additionally, compliance reduces the risk of shipments being held in customs or facing unexpected delays.
2. Reduced Risk of Costly Errors
Ensuring that your company is in compliance with customs laws can save you from many financial losses. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties imposed by government authorities, such as fines and cargo seizures.
These situations can lead to even greater losses for your marketplace. Sellers may be discouraged from selling to Brazil through your platform due to these problems, leading to a drop in sales and potentially reducing the size of your portfolio.
Likewise, the level of trust among buyers may also decrease, discouraging sales.
3. Legal Protection for the Company
Being in compliance with customs laws helps to avoid conflicts and legal disputes with government authorities, protecting your marketplace from legal proceedings and associated costs.
Furthermore, by operating in compliance with customs regulations, your marketplace is less likely to face issues with goods delivery in Brazil, avoiding legal conflicts with consumers who may feel aggrieved.
4. Streamlined Customs Process
When a commodity arrives in Brazil, the customs clearance process involves verifying and authorizing its release into the national territory. In this process, Brazilian Customs performs physical inspection and analysis of the information declared in the customs documentation.
By being in compliance with the law, shipments can pass through this inspection much faster. Brazilian Customs recently announced the “Remessa Conforme” program, which not only provides faster customs treatment to registered companies but also exempts federal taxes for purchases under US$ 50.
Marketplaces with the compliance seal of the program can enjoy these benefits, gaining priority in the long queue of customs inspections. Shipments from these organizations will go through the “Green Channel,” a lane designed for low-risk operations, i.e., those with a history of compliance with customs regulations and presenting a low likelihood of irregularities.
5. Increased Consumer Trust
As mentioned earlier, compliance failures can lead to legal disputes, penalties, and damage to reputation. By proactively addressing compliance issues, your marketplace demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices, earning the trust of both customers and partners. A reliable marketplace encourages customer loyalty, positive reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations, contributing to long-term success.
How Does Sinerlog Help Your Marketplace Stay Compliant in Brazil?
Now that you are aware of all the benefits of keeping your marketplace compliant in Brazil by importing foreign products in accordance with customs laws, let’s understand how Sinerlog can assist your company in this adaptation process.
Seller Certification
In partnership with SGS, the world leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification, we certify your marketplace’s sellers, demonstrating to consumers and customs authorities that your associated stores are secure.
e-Invoice
Certification is the first step towards issuing the e-Invoice, the standard cross-border invoice produced by Sinerlog. Through this document, you can gather all the necessary information for customs clearance, preventing your goods from being detained by Brazilian Customs.
For companies wishing to register with “Remessa Conforme,” the e-invoice is essential. It serves as legal proof of the international transaction and agreement between the buyer and seller, identifying and protecting all parties involved from possible fraud.
Cross Border e-Portal
With the Cross Border e-Portal, you can provide all the necessary shipment data to customs authorities in advance for swift customs clearance. Our platform sends the information directly to the Brazilian Customs’ inspection system. Thus, if the customs agent needs to check any information about your goods during inspection, they can do so quickly through the system, as all the data will already be available.
Remessa Conforme
Sinerlog is currently the only company worldwide ready to align other organizations with the Remessa Conforme Program. With this, your company has the assurance of complying with customs laws and can enjoy the market advantages granted by Brazilian Customs to program participants: agile customs clearance and tax savings.
To strengthen your marketplace’s compliance efforts, it is crucial to partner with reliable service providers with experience in international trade and compliance, such as Sinerlog. Contact our sales team and learn more about our solutions for cross-border operations!
