BRAZIL IMPORT GUIDE Step-by-Step Guide to ImportingFrozen Chicken from Brazil

Why Import Frozen Chicken from Brazil?

Brazil is the world's exporter of frozen chicken, supplying over 150 countries with high-quality poultry products at competitive prices.

Whether you are a food importer, distributor, restaurant chain, or wholesaler, sourcing frozen chicken from Brazil can significantly reduce your procurement costs while maintaining excellent product quality.

However, the import process involves multiple steps from finding a verified supplier to navigating customs clearance in your country.

This guide walks you through every single step in plain, practical language so you can import frozen chicken from Brazil with confidence.

📋 What This Guide Covers:

This guide covers 10 core steps: market research and product selection, finding and verifying a Brazilian supplier, understanding documentation requirements, arranging halal certification, negotiating payment terms, booking freight and cold chain logistics, pre-shipment inspections, customs clearance, delivery and quality checks, and building a long-term supply relationship.

STEP

1 Research the Market & Define Your Product Requirements

Know exactly what you need before you start sourcing

Before contacting any supplier, you need a clear picture of what product you want to import. Brazilian exporters offer dozens of different chicken products, cuts, and specifications. Being specific from the start saves time and avoids mismatched quotations.

Choose Your Product Category

Brazilian frozen chicken exports fall into several main categories:

⦁ Whole frozen chicken (with or without giblets)

⦁ Bone-in cuts: leg quarters, drumsticks, thighs, wings, breast with bone

⦁ Boneless cuts: boneless breast (skinless or skin-on), boneless thighs

⦁ Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) used in processed food manufacturing

⦁ Offal: feet, liver, hearts, gizzards

Define Your Specifications

Item Detail

Weight per piece e.g., Leg quarters: 180 to 220g per piece, or 220–280g

IQF or Block frozen IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) or block-frozen affects price and usage

Packaging Carton weight (e.g., 15kg, 18kg, 20kg per master carton)

Storage temp Must be -18°C or below throughout the cold chain

Shelf life Typically 24 months from production; confirm minimum on arrival

Certifications needed Halal, organic, antibiotic-free, hormone-free declare upfront

HS Code 0207.12 (whole), 0207.13 (bone-in cuts), 0207.14 (boneless cuts)

💡 Pro Tip:

Request product photos, specification sheets, and sample packing lists from at least 3 suppliers before comparing prices. Many price differences come from different specifications not actual product quality.

STEP

2 Find & Verify a Legitimate Brazilian Supplier

Never skip due diligence it protects your investment

Where to Find Brazilian Frozen Chicken Exporters

⦁ Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association: ABPA (abpa-br.org) official industry directory

⦁ Trade portals: Alibaba, TradeKey, Global Sources (filter for Brazil-verified suppliers)

⦁ Trade shows: ANUGA, SIAL, Gulfood Brazilian exporters frequently exhibit

⦁ Brazilian government export promotion: ApexBrasil (apexbrasil.com.br)

⦁ Referrals from freight forwarders or customs brokers in your country

How to Verify a Brazilian Supplier Mandatory Checks

1. Verify their SIF Number (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) on the Brazilian MAPA portal (mapa.gov.br). Every legitimate poultry exporter must have an active SIF-registered processing plant.

2. Confirm they are authorized to export to YOUR country. Not all SIF-registered plants are approved for all markets (e.g., EU, China, Saudi Arabia have separate approved-establishment lists).

3. Check the company's CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) on the Receita Federal portal to confirm it is a legitimate registered business.

4. Request their last 3 export health certificates as samples legitimate exporters will provide these without hesitation.

5. Ask for a factory audit report or third-party inspection certificate (BV, SGS, Intertek).

6. Check references: ask for 2–3 existing international buyers you can contact.

⚠️ Red Flags Walk Away If:

The supplier cannot provide a SIF number • They request 100% payment upfront from a new buyer with no escrow • They do not appear on your country's approved establishment list • They cannot provide a sample health certificate • They pressure you to skip inspection

STEP

3 Request Quotations & Negotiate Terms

Price is only one part of the deal

Once you have 3 to 5 verified suppliers, request formal quotations. A complete quotation from a Brazilian frozen chicken exporter should include:

⦁ Product description, specification, and HS code

⦁ Price per kg or per MT (metric ton) in USD

⦁ Incoterms (FOB Santos/Paranaguá, CIF destination port, CFR, etc.)

⦁ Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) typically 1 x 40ft reefer container = ~25–26 MT

⦁ Packaging details (carton weight, pallet configuration)

⦁ Production lead time (usually 2 to 4 weeks after order confirmation)

⦁ Validity of the quotation

Understanding Incoterms for Frozen Chicken

Item Detail

FOB (Free On Board) You pay freight & insurance. Supplier delivers to vessel at Brazilian port.

CFR (Cost & Freight) Supplier pays freight to destination port. You pay insurance.

CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) Supplier pays freight + insurance. Most common for frozen chicken.

DAP (Delivered at Place) Supplier delivers to your warehouse. Higher price but simpler for buyer.

💡 Negotiation Tip:

For your first order, CIF is recommended — it reduces your logistics burden and gives the supplier more control over cold chain integrity until the port of destination. As volume grows, switch to FOB for better freight control and cost savings.

STEP

4 Confirm Halal Certification Requirements

Critical for Muslim-majority markets

If you are importing to a Muslim-majority country or any market requiring halal-certified products, halal certification is non-negotiable and must be arranged before production begins.

Key Facts About Brazilian Halal Certification

⦁ Brazil has several recognized halal certifying bodies. The most widely accepted internationally are: FAMBRAS Halal, CIBAL Halal, and IDH Halal Brasil.

⦁ The halal certificate must be issued by a body recognized by the religious authority in YOUR destination country.

⦁ Always confirm acceptance with your destination country's authority before contracting a supplier.

Item Detail

Saudi Arabia Must be recognized by SFDA Saudi Arabia

UAE Must be recognized by ESMA or relevant emirate authority

Malaysia JAKIM recognition required very strict

Indonesia MUI recognition required

Egypt Egyptian Islamic authority endorsement

UK / EU No mandatory halal cert, but may be required by retailer

⚠️ Important Warning:

A halal certificate from an unrecognized body will result in your shipment being rejected at the destination port. Verify recognition BEFORE placing your order, not after.

STEP

5 Arrange Payment Terms & Trade Finance

Protect yourself financially on every transaction

Common Payment Methods for Brazilian Frozen Chicken

Item Detail

Letter of Credit (L/C) Safest option. Bank guarantees payment upon presentation of correct documents. Recommended for new suppliers.

Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) 30–50% deposit + balance before/after BL. Common once trust is established.

Documents Against Payment (D/P) Bank releases shipping docs only when buyer pays. Lower cost than L/C.

Open Account Full payment after delivery. Only for long-established relationships.

For first-time transactions, a Letter of Credit (LC) provides the best protection for both parties. The LC ensures the supplier is paid only when they present the correct shipping documents, giving you confidence that the paperwork is in order before funds are released.

✅ Best Practice:

Use an LC for your first 2–3 orders with any new supplier. Once you have a verified track record, you can negotiate T/T terms (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against copy of Bill of Lading) to reduce bank fees.

STEP

6 Prepare & Review All Import Documentation

Missing one document can hold your entire shipment

Brazilian frozen chicken exports require a specific set of documents. As an importer, you need to know what to expect and verify every document before the vessel departs.

# Document Issued By Required

1 Health Certificate / CSI (Certificado Sanitário Internacional) MAPA Brazil Always

2 Certificate of Origin Chamber of Commerce Brazil Always

3 Commercial Invoice Exporter Always

4 Packing List Exporter Always

5 Bill of Lading (Reefer B/L at -18°C) Shipping Line Always

6 Halal Certificate Halal Body If required

7 Phytosanitary / Vet Certificate (additional) MAPA Brazil Some countries

8 Certificate of Analysis (COA) Laboratory Often required

9 Fumigation Certificate Pest Control Co. Some countries

10 EUR.1 / GSP Form A (preferential tariff) Customs Brazil If applicable

11 Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate SGS/BV/Intertek Recommended

Health Certificate The Most Critical Document

The Health Certificate (CSI) is issued by an Official Veterinarian from Brazil's MAPA after inspecting the production lot. It must use the bilaterally agreed certificate model between Brazil and your destination country. Always confirm your country's specific model before shipment.

💡 Document Checklist Tip:

Create a document checklist for every shipment and do not authorize payment (or release the LC) until every required document has been received and verified. A 30-minute document review can prevent weeks of customs delays.

STEP

7 Book Freight & Manage the Cold Chain

Temperature integrity is everything in frozen poultry

Choosing Your Freight Route from Brazil

Frozen chicken from Brazil is primarily shipped by sea in 40ft reefer containers. Main Brazilian export ports include:

⦁ Port of Santos (São Paulo) largest port, highest container frequency

⦁ Port of Paranaguá (Paraná) key poultry export port in southern Brazil

⦁ Port of Itajaí (Santa Catarina) major poultry region port

⦁ Port of Rio Grande (Rio Grande do Sul) southern Brazil exports

Cold Chain Requirements

Item Detail

Container type 40ft High Cube Reefer (refrigerated container)

Required temp -18°C continuous (some markets require -20°C)

Pre-cooling Container must be pre-cooled to set temp before loading

Product temp Product core temp must be at or below -18°C at loading

Temp recorder Digital temperature recorder (data logger) mandatory for most markets

Transit time Middle East: 18–25 days | Europe: 20–30 days | Asia: 25–35 days

Freight Forwarder Checklist

1. Use a freight forwarder experienced in reefer/cold chain shipments from Brazil

2. Confirm the forwarder can issue or arrange a reefer B/L specifying -18°C

3. Ensure temperature recorder (data logger) is placed inside the container at loading

4. Get container tracking access so you can monitor the shipment in real time

5. Arrange marine cargo insurance covering temperature-sensitive goods (all-risk or FPA)

⚠️ Cold Chain Warning:

A single temperature excursion (temperature rise above -12°C) during transit can result in the entire container being rejected at destination even if it refreezes afterward. Always insist on a pre-loading temperature check report and data logger records.

STEP

8 Pre-Shipment Inspection

Verify before it leaves Brazil — not after it arrives

A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by an independent third-party company is strongly recommended especially for first-time shipments or large orders. This inspection verifies:

⦁ Product matches the agreed specification (weight, cut, packaging)

⦁ Correct labeling: product name, weight, production date, best-before date, plant SIF number

⦁ Carton condition and pallet configuration

⦁ Product temperature at time of container stuffing

⦁ Container pre-cooling confirmation

⦁ Document spot-check: does the packing list match physical goods?

Recommended Inspection Companies

⦁ SGS (sgs.com) global leader in inspection services

⦁ Bureau Veritas (bureauveritas.com)

⦁ Intertek (intertek.com)

⦁ QIMA (qima.com) strong in Asia and Middle East destination markets

✅ Pro Tip:

The cost of a pre-shipment inspection (typically $300–$600 USD) is minimal compared to the cost of a rejected or non-conforming container (which can be $20,000–$60,000 USD or more). Always inspect.

STEP

9 Clear Customs in Your Country

Preparation is key to avoiding costly delays

Once the vessel arrives at your destination port, your customs broker will handle import clearance. To ensure smooth clearance, prepare the following in advance:

Before the Vessel Arrives

1. Share the full document set with your customs broker at least 5–7 days before vessel arrival

2. Confirm your country's import permits or licenses are valid for frozen poultry

3. Pre-notify relevant authorities where required (EU: TRACES NT; UK: IPAFFS; US: FSIS prior notice)

4. Ensure import duties and VAT funds are available clearance may require immediate payment

5. Confirm cold storage space is booked at destination containers cannot wait at port

Common Customs Clearance Requirements

Item Detail

Import License Required in many countries apply well in advance

Veterinary/Customs Inspection Physical inspection of a sample of goods on arrival

Lab Testing Microbiological and residue tests can take 3–7 business days

Import Duty Varies by country and HS code confirm rate before ordering

VAT / GST Applied on CIF value plus import duty in most countries

Cold Storage at Port Book in advance demurrage on reefer containers is expensive

💡 Key Advice:

Partner with a licensed customs broker who specializes in food and animal product imports in your country. A specialist broker knows exactly which documents each authority wants, can pre-lodge entries electronically, and can intervene quickly if there are any queries.

STEP

10 Receive Goods, Inspect & Build a Long-Term Supply Chain

Your first import is just the beginning

On Arrival: Quality Checks

1. Verify the temperature data logger records confirm -18°C was maintained throughout

2. Inspect carton condition for any damage or signs of temperature abuse

3. Check product labels match the invoice and packing list

4. Take photos of the container and goods at time of delivery for your records

5. Conduct an internal quality check: weight verification, visual product check, smell test

6. Retain samples from every shipment for your own traceability records

Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Brazilian Supplier

A reliable supply chain is built over multiple shipments. Here is how to turn a first successful import into a long-term partnership.

⦁ Provide feedback after every shipment good suppliers value constructive input

⦁ Pay on time, every time reliability as a buyer earns better pricing and priority allocation

⦁ Visit the supplier's factory in Brazil at least once per year for major buyers

⦁ Negotiate annual contracts with price review mechanisms (linked to CBOT, Aves Mercado, or agreed indices)

⦁ Diversify slightly maintain 2 approved suppliers to protect against plant suspensions or supply disruptions

⦁ Stay updated on Brazilian regulatory news via MAPA and ABPA announcements

Master Import Checklist: Frozen Chicken from Brazil

Item Detail

☐ Step 1 Define product specs, HS code, certifications needed

☐ Step 2 Find 3–5 suppliers, verify SIF number and export authorization

☐ Step 3 Request quotations, compare Incoterms and specs

☐ Step 4 Confirm halal certifier is recognized in destination country

☐ Step 5 Open LC or agree T/T payment terms

☐ Step 6 Confirm full document list with your customs broker

☐ Step 7 Book reefer freight, arrange cargo insurance, confirm cold chain

☐ Step 8 Book pre-shipment inspection with SGS/BV/Intertek

☐ Step 9 Pre-notify customs, book cold storage, prepare duties payment

☐ Step 10 Receive goods, verify data logger, conduct quality checks

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Frozen Chicken from Brazil

⦁ Not verifying the SIF number before signing a contract

⦁ Using a halal certifier not recognized by the destination market

⦁ Skipping pre-shipment inspection to save money

⦁ Not pre-booking cold storage at destination port

⦁ Using the wrong certificate model (not the bilaterally agreed version)

⦁ Ignoring container temperature records until there is a problem

⦁ Paying 100% upfront to an unverified new supplier

⦁ Not checking import duties and total landed cost before ordering

⦁ Failing to pre-notify authorities (EU TRACES NT, UK IPAFFS, US FSIS) before arrival

⦁ Working with a customs broker who does not specialize in animal products

Importing frozen chicken from Brazil is a rewarding opportunity for food businesses around the world but it requires careful preparation, verified suppliers, and strict documentation compliance.

Follow the 10 steps in this guide and you will be well-equipped to navigate the process from first quotation to successful delivery.

The most important principles are: verify everything before you commit, never skip pre-shipment inspection, and partner with specialists a good customs broker and freight forwarder with frozen food experience will save you far more than their fees.

🇧🇷 Ready to Start?

Begin with Step 1 define your product specifications clearly. Everything else flows from knowing exactly what you want to import. Good luck with your first shipment!