CNI sues STF against end of "blouse tax"
The CNI (National Confederation of Industry) filed this Friday (22) a lawsuit with the STF (Supreme Federal Court) against the federal government's provisional measure that zeroed the import tax on international purchases of up to US$50, a charge that became known as the "blouse tax".
The entity questions the government's decision to revoke the 20% tax on low-value international orders made by Brazilians.
In the action, the CNI argues that the exemption creates a scenario of unfair competition by benefiting foreign platforms to the detriment of national industry and Brazilian retail. According to the entity, the measure compromises the competitiveness of local companies and threatens the maintenance of jobs in the country.
The request was presented through an ADI (Direct Action of Unconstitutionality).
In the process, the confederation maintains that the rule violates constitutional principles of tax equality and free enterprise by granting favored treatment to low-cost imported products.
The entity also questions the issuance of the provisional measure on the grounds of lack of urgency and relevance, requirements required by the Constitution for the adoption of this type of instrument. According to the CNI, the topic was already being discussed by Congress, which would eliminate the need for a unilateral decision by the Executive.
The announcement of the revocation by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) was made five months before the presidential elections. Since the creation of the charge, the blouse fee has been frequently criticized by consumers for affecting small-value purchases on foreign websites.
In an interview with CNN Brasil, the Minister of Finance, Dario Durigan stated that the government may resume the charge in the future if it considers the measure necessary to balance the market.
According to Durigan, the tax has a "regulatory character", that is, it is not primarily focused on revenue, but on controlling the economic dynamics of the sector, and could be re-applied in the event of disproportionate growth in low-value imports.
The end of the "blouse tax"
For shipments of foreign products purchased on websites, for example, the 20% import tax that was in force was zeroed on purchases of up to US$50.
It is worth noting that the end of the "blouse tax" will be an exemption granted only on purchases made by individuals.
As a result, there will no longer be any federal taxes imposed on these purchases. Only state ICMS (Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services) taxes will continue to be charged.
On CNN, Durigan says Congress will keep the "blouse tax" falling | MARKET CLOSURE
Source: CNN