Taking part in fairs, exhibitions and international events is an excellent opportunity for companies wishing to expand their business, gain global visibility and test their products in strategic markets. However, transporting goods out of the country with the intention of returning requires a specific and careful operation. This is where temporary export for fairs and events, This is a customs modality created to enable this type of movement safely and economically.
In this complete content, you will understand how temporary exports work, what the legal requirements are, the stages of the process, what documents are needed and why having a specialized company makes all the difference.
What is Temporary Export?
A temporary export is a customs procedure that allows goods to be sent abroad with the condition that they return to Brazil within a pre-established period. This model is ideal for products that will be used outside the country in a non-definitive way, such as goods sent for demonstration at fairs, exhibitions, repairs, tests or cultural and sporting events.
The aim of this regime is to facilitate international movement without the exporter having to pay the same taxes and requirements as a definitive export. When approved, the operation is exempt from export taxes, as long as the products return to the country within the agreed timeframe.
Temporary Export for Fairs and Events: When to Use
A temporary export for fairs and events is suitable for companies wishing to take their products abroad for exhibition and demonstration purposes, without these goods being marketed in the destination country.
This modality can be used by manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, startups and even public institutions wishing to promote Brazilian technology, innovation, design or culture outside the country.
Some common examples of use:
- Prototypes of machinery or equipment for technical exhibition
- Garments or footwear for international fashion shows
- Works of art for cultural exhibitions
- Cosmetic products for demonstration events
- Electronic equipment for exhibiting at technology fairs
If the goods will be used for promotional purposes and will return to the country after the event, this is the right option to make the operation viable.
Stages of Temporary Exports for Fairs and Events
The process of temporary export for fairs and events requires special attention to each of its stages. Check out how it works in practice below:
1. Operation Planning
It all starts with planning. You need to map out what will be exported, how long it will take to stay abroad, what documents will be required and which mode of transportation is the most viable. Detailed planning ensures that the process goes ahead on time and without extra costs.
2. Siscomex Registration and Qualification
In order to carry out any export operation, the company needs to be registered with Radar Siscomex. This stage is mandatory even for temporary exports and must be completed before issuing tax and customs documentation.
3. Issuing the invoice and registering the DU-E
The invoice must indicate that it is a temporary export, with the correct description of the goods and the corresponding CFOP. The DU-E (Single Export Declaration) is then registered, an essential document for authorizing the goods to leave the country.
4. Presentation of Goods and Customs Analysis
The goods are presented to the IRS for checking. In some cases, the inspection may be documentary; in others, a physical inspection is carried out. When everything is in order, the goods are released for shipment.
5. Participation in the event and return to Brazil
After the event, the goods must be returned within the period established in the temporary export process. Upon return, the re-importation is cleared on the basis of the original documents, proving that the goods have returned in the same condition.
This re-importation is tax-free, as long as there are no changes to the characteristics of the exported products.
Documents Required for Temporary Exports
A temporary export for fairs and events requires a series of documents for its correct execution. The main ones are:
- Invoice with the nature of a temporary operation
- DU-E (Single Export Declaration)
- Term of Responsibility, if required
- Proof of Siscomex Radar qualification
- International carrier documents
- Product catalog or technical description
- Authorization from consenting bodies (if applicable)
All these documents must be prepared carefully to avoid withholdings, additional requirements or delays in sending them.
Important precautions during the process
Despite being an operation with tax benefits, temporary exports must be carried out with extreme caution. Failure to comply with the return deadline or a change in the purpose of the goods can turn the operation into a definitive export, subjecting the company to taxes and fines.
In addition, any loss, damage or non-return of goods must be formally justified to the Federal Revenue Service, with documentation proving what happened.
The Importance of Relying on a Specialized Company
Carry out a temporary export for fairs and events involves a series of rules, deadlines and technical requirements that can go unnoticed by companies with no experience in foreign trade. One import-export company ensures that the entire process is carried out quickly, legally compliant and without risk to your operation.
This type of partner works from logistics planning, through tax analysis, issuing documents, choosing the most advantageous customs regimes, to returning the goods to Brazil. All of this is accompanied by professionals who understand the legislation and know how to deal with any requirements from the Internal Revenue Service or regulatory bodies.
Professionalism and Safety at Every Stage
Opting for an experienced foreign trade company provides more than just agility. It is the certainty that your participation in international fairs and events will take place in a structured manner, with technical support, correct documentation and total legal security.
With this support, your company can focus on what really matters: presenting your products to the world, generating strategic connections and opening doors to new markets.
