The High Demand for Organic and Natural Products in Brazil
The search for healthier, more sustainable and chemical-free food and cosmetics is growing steadily in Brazil. Aware of this trend, many entrepreneurs are turning their eyes to international suppliers that offer organic and natural products with recognized quality. But in order to turn this opportunity into a safe and legal business, it is essential to understand how to import organic and natural products, especially with regard to the necessary certifications.
In addition to logistical strategies, this promising market requires in-depth technical and regulatory knowledge. After all, it's not enough for a product to be labeled “natural” or “organic” in its country of origin. It needs to meet Brazil's requirements, in terms of certification, labeling, composition and customs clearance.
What Defines an Organic and Natural Product for Import Purposes
Before starting the process, it is essential to understand that the concept of “organic” is not just a marketing strategy. It is linked to agricultural, environmental and production practices that follow specific rules, regulated by official bodies. In Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for inspecting and certifying organic products.
Natural products, on the other hand, although they are not regulated by exclusive legislation like organic products, are also controlled by Anvisa, especially when it comes to food, supplements or cosmetics. Importing organic and natural products therefore requires much more than commercial analysis: it involves technical and legal analysis.
Which Certifications are Required to Import Organic Products?
1. MAPA Recognized Certification
For an organic product to be marketed in Brazil, it must be certified by a body officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, the country only accepts imports of organic products from countries that have equivalence agreements with Brazil, or when the product is certified by an accredited body here.
In other words, importing organic and natural products without this certification makes it impossible to market them as “organic”. The product may even enter the country, but it will be classified as conventional, which reduces its market value and can lead to legal problems if it is labeled inappropriately.
2. Registering with the OCS system
All imported organic products must be registered with the National Register of Organic Products, maintained by MAPA. This registration is mandatory, even if the product already has certification of origin. It is based on data from the importer, the manufacturer and the product itself, including information on composition, labeling, international certifications and laboratory reports.
3. Certification for Natural Products
Although natural products don't have specific legislation like organic products, they must meet Anvisa and Receita Federal standards. This means that they must present:
- Detailed composition
- Manufacturer's technical data sheet
- No banned substances in Brazil
- Compliance with labeling and health registration regulations
Natural products with therapeutic claims, for example, need to be registered with Anvisa. Cosmetics classified as grade 1 or 2 must comply with the corresponding RDC and may, in some cases, require toxicological or efficacy tests.
How to Import Organic and Natural Products Safely
1. Checking Brazilian legislation
The first step to importing organic and natural products is to analyze the compatibility of the product with Brazilian regulations. This includes checking whether the ingredients are permitted, whether the certifications of origin are recognized and whether specific licenses or registrations are required.
2. Technical Analysis of Documents
The importer needs to gather a series of technical documents proving the origin and conformity of the products. These include:
- Certificate of organic origin
- Laboratory reports
- Technical data and composition
- Original label and Portuguese translation
- International purchase contract with clear clauses
3. Enabling the Siscomex Radar
In order to import legally, a company must be registered with the Federal Revenue Service's Siscomex system. A importing organic and natural products is made by means of a Single Import Declaration (DUIMP), with analysis of the correct tax classification, detailed description and appropriate tax framework.
4. Health licensing and prior approval
Products that qualify as food, supplements or cosmetics require prior approval from Anvisa, and organic products from the Ministry of Agriculture. This means that imports will only be authorized after all the technical documentation required by these bodies has been submitted and approved.
5. Transportation and Storage
Organic and natural products require special care in logistics, especially when they are sensitive to temperature, humidity and light. A logistics consultancy must ensure that the transportation chain preserves the integrity and certification of the product, with storage in places compatible with its nature.
Common Mistakes When Importing Organic and Natural Products
Among the most common mistakes that hinder the import process are:
- Lack of recognition of certification of origin
- No sworn translation of documentation
- Labeling does not comply with Brazilian legislation
- Attempt to market as “organic” without registering with MAPA
- Use of ingredients prohibited in national territory
Avoiding these mistakes depends on technical planning, experience and knowledge of legal procedures.
The Importance of Relying on a Specialized Import and Export Company
Successfully importing organic and natural products goes far beyond finding good suppliers. It is an operation that requires technical knowledge of health standards, mastery of international legislation and logistical skills. A import-export company is fundamental in this scenario.
It works on the technical analysis of products, validates certifications, sets up licensing processes and organizes the logistics chain so that everything happens quickly and safely. It also reduces the risk of cargo being held up, penalties and financial losses.
How an Import and Export Company Can Help
A specialized company monitors every stage of the process: from the initial analysis of the product's viability to final customs clearance. It prepares and reviews the documentation, interfaces with Anvisa and MAPA, ensures compliance with tax and health requirements and also advises the importer on best commercial practices.
The result is a safe operation, with no surprises and full legal compliance, allowing the product to reach the consumer with credibility, added value and in perfect marketable condition.
