Minister Padilha clarifies doubts about the "Blusinhas Tax" and imported medications
"As it was, the text could raise doubts about the taxation of imported medications by individuals," says the Minister of Institutional Relations
Published on 06/28/2024
Alexandre Padilha, Minister of Institutional Relations Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil
The Minister of Institutional Relations, Alexandre Padilha, stated that the text of Bill 914/2014, which alters the taxation of international purchases, did not make it clear whether the so-called "Blusinhas Tax" would apply to medications imported by individuals.
"As it was, the text could raise doubts about the taxation of imported medications by individuals. Several patient associations, health professionals, and members of the Conselhão expressed this concern," Padilha said.
The minister announced that the federal government will publish, this Friday (28), a Provisional Measure to clarify the issue. "A provisional measure will be issued that will make it clear that the importation of medications by individuals will be exempt from any international taxation," Padilha stated.
Bill 914 is part of the Green Mobility and Innovation Program and was signed into law by President Lula this Thursday (27). The charge will take effect from August 1st.
Despite criticism of the project, Lula signed PL 914/2024. The president even stated that the taxation of international purchases "was irrational."
The lack of clarity in the new charging system for international purchases has generated doubts among many entrepreneurs in the sector. According to the new rules, products priced between $50 and $3,000 will continue to be taxed at 60% Import Tax and 17% ICMS. In this case, a reduction of $20 in the Import Tax has been created.
The Special Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil (RFB) issued a statement informing that the Sescomex Remittance system will be unavailable this Friday (28) to ensure the proper implementation of the new rules for the registration of Import Declaration of Remittance (DIR).
"Medical cannabis is already taxed as a high-cost product. Taxing an import tax would further increase the cost of the product, harming the most needy patients even more. Not to mention that this would affect the cannabidiol market as a whole; even companies would be affected by any potential taxation," points out Fernanda Vanzeli, commercial manager.
