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  3. The Ministry of Economy released English and Spanish versions of the Unified Supplier Registry System (SICAF) Operational Manual for foreign companies, designed to guide companies without legal representation in Brazil on the registration process for participating in Brazilian public bids.

The Ministry of Economy released English and Spanish versions of the Unified Supplier Registry System (SICAF) Operational Manual for foreign companies, designed to guide companies without legal representation in Brazil on the registration process for participating in Brazilian public bids.


The Ministry of Economy published an English version and a Spanish version of the Unified Supplier Registry System (SICAF) Operational Manual for foreign companies, through which companies without the legal establishment of an affiliated company in Brazil can participate in Brazilian public bids. As stated in the operational manual, the registration of foreign companies and suppliers in the system is free of charge, and comprises six steps:

  1. Accreditation;
  2. Legal qualification;
  3. Federal and labor tax compliance;
  4. State and/or municipal tax compliance;
  5. Technical qualification; and
  6. Economic-financial qualification.

There are currently (as of July 14) 146 SICAF-registered foreign companies, 81 of which are accredited for public bidding, according to the transparency dashboard launched by the ministry. It collects and publicizes public information on foreign company participation in government procurement in Brazil, as reported in the 22nd edition of the Regulatory Report.

More information is available at SICAF’s website.