Market
Fresh garlic in Brazil is an import-dependent consumer market with meaningful domestic production, and imports are shaped by trade defense measures, including definitive anti-dumping duties on garlic originating in China (NCM 0703.20.10 and 0703.20.90). Domestic production is reported across multiple states (e.g., Goiás, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and Bahia), with Embrapa noting that pre-plant cold treatment (vernalization) expanded where noble purple garlic cultivars can be grown beyond colder southern areas. Wholesale distribution and price formation are strongly influenced by CEASA/CEAGESP-style wholesale markets, where commercial classification by bulb size and minimum quality requirements are used in trade. Imported garlic marketed for direct human consumption must also comply with Brazil’s horticultural identity/quality and labeling rules under MAPA Instrução Normativa nº 69/2018.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic production
Domestic RoleStaple culinary ingredient supplied by both domestic growers and imports; domestic production is primarily oriented to internal consumption.
Risks
Trade Remedy HighBrazil lists definitive anti-dumping duties on garlic imports originating in China (NCM 0703.20.10 and 0703.20.90). Incorrect origin treatment, pricing assumptions, or compliance failures can trigger significant duty exposure, disrupt shipments, and block competitiveness in wholesale channels.Model duty-inclusive landed cost up front; maintain robust origin documentation and supplier transparency; monitor MDIC/SECEX trade defense updates for garlic and align contracts to duty/decision changes.
Phytosanitary MediumFresh garlic is a plant product subject to MAPA/Vigiagro plant health controls; documentary or inspection nonconformities (including phytosanitary requirements) can cause holds, treatments, return, or destruction depending on findings and the applicable requirements.Confirm Brazil-specific import phytosanitary requirements for the origin and commodity; run pre-shipment inspection and documentation checks; ensure supplier can support any required additional declarations on the phytosanitary certificate.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImported horticultural products packaged for direct human consumption must meet Brazil’s minimum identity/quality and labeling/marking rules under MAPA IN nº 69/2018 (including lot and origin marking). Noncompliance can trigger relabeling, delays, or rejection.Align packaging artwork and case labeling to MAPA IN nº 69/2018 requirements; keep lot traceability consistent across documents and physical markings; validate labeling language requirements before shipment.
Logistics MediumSea freight and port/clearance delays can degrade garlic quality (humidity/mold/sprouting risks) and increase downgrade/rejection in wholesale standards, impacting realized price in CEASA/CEAGESP channels.Use moisture/ventilation-appropriate packaging and container management; plan buffer time for inspection and clearance; set quality acceptance criteria aligned to wholesale market classification practices.
FAQ
Is imported garlic to Brazil subject to anti-dumping duties?Yes. MDIC/SECEX lists definitive anti-dumping duties in force for garlic (NCM 0703.20.10 and 0703.20.90) when the origin is China, which can materially affect landed cost and competitiveness.
What are the minimum labeling elements Brazil requires for imported packaged fresh garlic sold directly for human consumption?MAPA Instrução Normativa nº 69/2018 states that imported horticultural products that are packaged and intended directly for human consumption must show at least the product name/identification, lot identification, country of origin, and the importer’s identification (name/address and CNPJ or CPF).
Which Brazilian reference is commonly used for minimum identity and quality checks for garlic in wholesale trade?Brazil’s MAPA IN nº 69/2018 sets minimum identity and quality requirements for horticultural products, and CEAGESP publishes garlic reference materials aligned to that rule (including examples of defects and classification by bulb size used in wholesale practice).