When you think about all the exciting opportunities that Brazil has to offer, with its 250 million consumers, it’s no wonder global businesses are flocking there. The economy is booming, and there are so many amazing business opportunities popping up everywhere. But to really cash in on the gold market, you’ve got to have the right key —- INMETRO Certificate.
What exactly is INMETRO certificate?
INMETRO, short for “Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia“, is the Brazilian National Institute for Quality and Technical Testing, which is responsible for developing Brazilian national standards.
So, when you see the INMETRO mark on a product, it’s like a stamp of approval that tells you the product meets the quality standards needed to be sold in Brazil. It’s not just a legal requirement for customs, it’s also a way for you to feel confident and trust in the product.
What products does the INMETRO certificate apply to?
It can be broadly divided into the following two categories:
Mandatory Products & Voluntary Products
Mandatory Products
The compulsory product category consists of the following categories.It is important to note that after passing the Certificate, the mandatory INMETRO mark must be printed on the products or labels, and the logo of a third-party organisation recognised by INMETRO must be affixed in order to enter the Brazilian market.
Voluntary Category
Certificate applicants voluntarily submit applications for Inmetro testing for non-mandatory product categories with a view to increasing consumer confidence in purchasing.
The Certificate mark can only display the Certificate mark of the issuing body.
- Domestic electric appliance in the IEC60335 series
- Medical products in the IEC60601 series
- Voltage regulators in the IT class
- Inductive electronic ballasts in lamps and lanterns, i.e., electronic ballasts
- Electrical accessories (plugs, sockets, converters, wall switches, circuit breakers, current fuses)
- Auto parts (glass, wheels, brake fluid, shock absorbers, gasoline engine fuel pumps, horns, pistons, piston rings, piston pins, bearings, bulbs, car lights, spare parts for auto parts,etc)
- Motorcycle Bicycle Parts (Bicycle Brakes, Motorcycle Helmets, Bicycle tires, Bicycle Ropes, Bicycle Handlebars, Tire Inner Tubes, Bicycle Rims etc.)
- Power Tools (Plastic Sealing Machine, Electric Glue Gun, Electric Air Gun, Electric Welding Gun, Electric Paint Stripper, Electric Peeling Machine)
- All IT products except voltage regulators
- AV products (Audio and Video products)
- All lamps and lanterns except electronic ballasts and inductive ballasts.
What is the INMETRO certificate standard?
Most are based on IEC and ISO standards, so manufacturers must have ISO certificates.
What is the INMETRO certificate process?
Like many other certificates, Inmetro Certificate requires an application, submission of information, an inspection of the manufacturer, and testing and analysis of the product in the laboratory. However, there are some differences between INMETRO and the main difference is after obtaining the INMETRO certificate.
Submit an application for certificate: submit the product technical parameters, the manufacturer’s quality system information, and the agent’s information.
Document and sample preparation: Prepare product information and manufacturer information, and prepare samples for testing.
Factory Audit: A certifier will arrive at the manufacturer’s facility for an audit.
Sample Delivery: Samples are taken to a laboratory with INMETRO testing qualifications for testing.
The issuing authority reviews the documents
Issuance of certificates
INMETRO registration: registration is carried out by an agent whose registration number is valid for 12 months.
Certificate duration & Certificate cost
For applicants based in China, the estimated time frame is approximately three months.
The cost of Certificate varies depending on the product, with different parameters impacting the final fee.
A single certificate is issued for products being considered as the same family. For example, tires of the same specification and size can be regarded as from the same family.
Just for reference, the cost of an INMETRO certificate for TBR is from USD 13,000 to USD 17,000
How long is an INMETRO certificate valid for?
For tires, wheels, engine parts, etc., the certificate is valid for 4 years;
For glass and home appliances, the certificate is valid for 3 years.
It is important to note that after obtaining the certificate, the product is subject to annual audits (every 12 months) to maintain its validity.
Who will hold the certificate?
The certificate holder is typically agent because the applicant will appoint a Brazilian agent to hold the certificate on their behalf.
This is because, in order to register, manage, and authorize certificates in the INMETRO Orquestra system, as well as undergo regular agent audits, only agents are able to do so. There is a fee for each use of the INMETRO system.
To summarize, for example, if you are a buyer and planning to import tires to Brazil, it is important to note that the certificate must be valid. As tires are a mandatory Certificate product, it is essential that they bear the INMETRO mark on the sidewall or label. Prior to the vessel’s arrival, the licensed agent must enter the importer’s details into the Orquestra system on the INMETRO website. This process incurs a handling fee, which is charged by the agent. Upon arrival at the port, customs will release the goods after verifying the information in the INMETRO system.
Tires made in various countries are being used on every road in Brazil through INMETRO certified bridges. If you have any questions about your tires, please contact our TNR team and we will provide professional advice to meet your demand.
