Rio regulates 'tax free', a mechanism that guarantees tax refunds to tourists who shop in the state
By O Globo — Rio de Janeiro
Governor Cláudio Castro signed, on Tuesday (02), the decree that
regulates Tax Free. Through this mechanism, foreign tourists who
buy products in the State of Rio de Janeiro will be entitled to a refund,
in the form of cashback, of the Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services
(ICMS). The benefit will be valid for goods, such as clothing, food, beverages
and electronics, with a minimum value per invoice of 23 Ufirs, the equivalent
to R$ 109.26, and purchased in person at accredited stores with a
credit card issued abroad. RJ is the first Brazilian state to offer the
advantage. The regulation will be published in an extra edition of the Official Gazette
this Tuesday. The next step will be the bidding of the company that will operate the
sistema.
– With the regulation of Tax Free, Rio de Janeiro is in tune with
the great tourist destinations of the world. And, in addition to making our destination
even more attractive to foreign visitors, the measure contributes to
boost our economy and generate new job opportunities. It is a
good benefit for tourists and for the people of Rio de Janeiro – said Castro.
According to the decree that regulates the measure, requests for refund
can be made by filling out an electronic form issued
by the establishment after presenting the identification documents of
buyer – passport issued abroad or identity card, in the case
of residents in Mercosur countries. Cashback will be posted directly on
credit card. Before Tax Free comes into force, it will still be necessary
a complementary regulation from the State Department of Finance.
– This is a practice already successfully adopted in Brazil's neighboring countries, such as
Argentina and Uruguay. In addition to encouraging the arrival of foreign visitors,
we want to ensure compliance with current legislation and promote a more attractive
environment for consumption, which will ensure greater investment
business – said the Secretary of State for Finance, Juliano Pasqual.
Increase in tourism
The measure should also contribute to the growth of international tourism.
According to the State Department of Tourism, Rio has already received more than
1.1 million foreign tourists between January and June this year – a
an increase of 51% compared to the same period in 2024.
– Tax Free places Rio de Janeiro at the forefront of international tourism.
We are the first state in the country to offer this benefit, which positions us
on an equal footing with major global destinations. In addition to stimulating
consumption, this measure boosts the permanence of tourists, strengthens
air connectivity and stimulates commerce in all regions of the state. It is
an action that combines tax intelligence, strategic vision and appreciation of
our economy – declared the Secretary of State for Tourism, Gustavo Tutuca.
A study by the Fecomércio Institute of Research and Analysis of Rio de Janeiro
(IFEC RJ) points out that Tax Free has the potential to double the amount spent por
tourists in the state, going from US$ 212 million to US$ 411 million annually
– which would represent an impact of more than R$ 2 billion on the economy
fluminense.
— This is a strategic policy, consolidated in many countries, to
increase tourist consumption, valuing formal commerce, stimulating retail
competitiveness which, in this case, still positions the State at a prominent level
in the national scenario. It is a factor of tourist attractiveness in essence —
said Otavio Leite, consultant to the Presidency of Fecomércio RJ.
In addition to being based in Rio de Janeiro, stores that want to be accredited to
grant Tax Free will need to be subject to the ICMS
normal calculation regime, document the operations subject to the regime, keep
regular in the State Taxpayers Registry and up to date with
tax obligations. The return does not include the provision of services and the goods
included in this category, such as meals and drinks offered in bars,
restaurants and hotels.