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The Ministry of Economy enacted import tariff reductions for solar panels, electric converters, and other products used in solar power generation, as a means to promote renewable energy sources.


GECEX Resolutions n.º 270/2021 and n.º 271/2021 from the Foreign Trade Chamber (CAMEX) at the Ministry of Economy reduced the import duties applied to 4 tariff lines (Mercosur Common Nomenclature Codes – NCM, in the Portuguese acronym) related to solar power generation, as a means to promote renewable energy sources. Those tariff lines were included in the list of exceptions to the Mercosur Common External Tariff (TEC, in the Portuguese acronym), ruled by CAMEX Resolution n.º 125/2016 (updated version available on CAMEX’s website).

The following NCM codes related to solar power generation were benefited by the reduction in import tariff rates:

  • 8504.40.30 (Electric converters of continuous current): from 14% to 7%;
  • “Ex 031” of 8507.60.00 (Electric storage batteries lithium-ion; under the product characteristics of “Ex 031”): from 18% to 9%;
  • 8541.40.17 (Organic solar cells): replaced the former 8541.50.16 NCM Code – 0%; and
  • 8541.40.32 (Solar cells in modules or panels): from 12% to 6%.

The new reductions also include the exemption (from 14% to 0%) of import tariffs on nuclear reactor parts (NCM Code 8401.40.00).

Additionally, the solar panels (NCM Code 8541.40.32) are included in the permanent 10% cut in import tariffs under GECEX Resolution n.º 173/2021, while the electric converters (NCM Code 8504.40.30) are included in the temporary 10% cut in import tariffs under GECEX Resolution n.º 269/2021 – more information in the 30th edition of the Regulatory Report).

According to the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL)’s Generation Information System, photovoltaic generation in Brazil (UFV) surpassed 4.5 GW in operating capacity in November 2021 (the complete Dashboard is available here). However, it accounts for only 2.5% of the national capacity. Wind generation (EOL) reached 20 GW in operating capacity in the same month, accounting for more than 11% of the Brazilian electricity matrix, while hydroelectrical sources (UHE, PCH, CGH) represent more than 60% of the national capacity.