President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Executive Order No. 1,357 on Tuesday (12), eliminating the 20% Import Tax on international purchases up to US$50 — the so-called 'little t-shirt tax.' The change, announced five months before the presidential elections, takes effect Wednesday (13) and will be regulated by a Finance Ministry decree published in the Official Gazette. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"MEDIDA PROVISÓRIA Nº 1.357, DE 12 DE MAIO DE 2026"
"A cinco meses das eleições, o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva anunciou nesta terça-feira o fim da chamada "taxa das blusinhas", a cobrança de 20% para produtos importados de até US$ 50"
According to Finance Ministry Executive Secretary Rogério Ceron, the measure was possible 'after three years in which we managed to combat smuggling and regularize the sector.' The tax had entered force in August 2024, within the Remessa Conforme program that regulates purchases on platforms like Shein, Shopee and AliExpress. The decision maintains only state ICMS tax collection, which varies between 17% and 20%. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O contrabando, que era uma marca presente nesse setor, foi eliminado. Agora, o setor regularizado vai poder usufruir dessa isenção sobre esses produtos"
"A medida não muda regras do ICMS, um imposto estadual que também é cobrado nessas compras"
The measure represents a significant revenue loss: in just the first four months of 2026, the government collected R$1.78 billion from this tax, according to the Federal Revenue Service. In 2025, the tax generated R$5 billion for public coffers. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) criticized the decision, stating it 'will be harmful to Brazilian industry' and could affect more than 135,000 jobs that, according to the entity, were preserved by the taxation. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Apenas nos quatro primeiros meses de 2026, o governo arrecadou R$ 1,78 bilhão em imposto de importação com as encomendas internacionais"
"Permitir a entrada de importações de até US$ 50 sem tributação é o mesmo que financiar a indústria de países como a China"
The issue had been generating divisions within the government, with Palace ministers defending the end of the charge for considering it unpopular, while representatives from the economic area and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin defended its maintenance to protect national industry. The provisional measure needs to be approved by the National Congress within 120 days to remain in force. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O tema vinha gerando um racha dentro do governo. Ministros ligados ao Palácio do Planalto, como José Guimarães (Relações Institucionais), defendiam o fim da taxa"
"A norma tem efeito imediato, mas dependerá de aprovação no Congresso Nacional em até 120 dias para ser mantida"
The provisional measure was signed on May 12, 2026 and takes effect on May 13
The measure zeros only the federal tax, maintaining state ICMS collection
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
The government collected R$1.78 billion in the first four months of 2026 from the tax
CNI estimates that the tax preserved 135,000 jobs
Conflicting versions (1)
Status of MP publication in the Official Gazette
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Which Finance Ministry decree regulates the zeroing of rates mentioned by Rogério Ceron?
Why it's still unknown: The decree that should accompany the provisional measure zeroing the rates was not found in the Official Gazette during the period announced by the secretary
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What is the real fiscal impact of the measure on 2026 revenue targets?
Why it's still unknown: Press sources report lost revenue figures but do not contextualize with the government's annual fiscal targets
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How does the measure specifically affect the operation of the Remessa Conforme program?
Why it's still unknown: Most sources mention that the program continues, but do not detail operational changes for certified platforms