Doing Business in Brazil (Part 2) - Financial and Legal Considerations Webinar will help new and experienced exporters to gain knowledge of the export financing resources, documentation and legal considerations needed before selling to Brazil. Experts in this areas will join US Commercial Service staff from Brazil during this webinar.

• Imports in Brazil are primarily done using traditional letters of credit (L/C) or documentary collections through established banks with correspondent banking agreements overseas. To a lesser extent, U.S. exporters may choose to operate on an open account or cash in advance basis once they have established a trustworthy relationship with their Brazilian buyers.

• The Brazilian banking system today is high-tech and extremely efficient.

• The Brazilian Government has eliminated most import prohibitions with certain exceptions. In general, all used consumer goods are prohibited from being imported. Used capital goods are allowed only when there is no similar item produced locally.

• The Brazilian court system, in general, is overburdened and contract disputes can often take years to move through the system. The 2009 World Bank “Doing Business” survey found that on average it takes 45 procedures and 616 days to litigate a contract breach at an average cost of 16.5 percent of the claim. Lear how to avoid contract disputes.

• Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual property rights in Brazil.

• The “Consumer Protection Law” of 1992 requires customer support and after-sales servicing. In the case of imported products, the importer or the distributor is responsible for such services. Thus, U.S. manufacturers should appoint agents or distributors that are qualified to provide such services.