Webinar | Programa Acredita Exportação

Welcome to the Acredita Exportação Webinar

Introduction and Purpose

• The webinar is organized by CNI in partnership with the federal government, specifically Receita Federal do Brasil and MDIC, along with the Rede Sim.

• Rony Pimentel expresses satisfaction in hosting the webinar and acknowledges key representatives from government agencies.

• The main focus is on accessing remaining tax credits related to exports of goods and services.

Importance of Acredita Exportação Program

• CNI has been committed for years to enhancing competitiveness for Brazilian exporting companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• The program addresses a historical gap by allowing micro-enterprises under Simples Nacional access to tax credit mechanisms.

• Acredita Exportação is part of a broader ecosystem supporting exportation, including discussions on credit and insurance.

Benefits of the Acredita Exportação Program

Key Features

• Implemented through complementary law and regulated by decree, it offers a concrete benefit: up to 3% refund on exported value.

• The goal is operational access to these credits for eligible companies.

Objectives of the Webinar

• By the end of this session, participants should understand both the relevance of this program and how companies can access these resources.

Opening Remarks from Government Representatives

Contributions from Renato Agostinho

• Renato Agostinho emphasizes that technical explanations will follow regarding commerce operations from SESECS and Receita Federal.

• He thanks CNI's Rony Pimentel for organizing this initiative based on demand from FIEP.

Focus on Micro and Small Enterprises

• The aim is to educate micro and small business owners about Acredita Exportação benefits.

Understanding Acredita Exportação

Mechanism Overview

• This program allows refunds on taxes paid throughout production aimed at exporting industrialized goods.

• Refund occurs via tax credits equivalent to 3% of export revenues until December 2026.

Impact on Competitiveness

• It aims to reduce costs for small exporters, enhance competitiveness in external sales, expand Brazil's export base, and address current tax system distortions affecting exports.

Addressing Tax Distortions

Historical Context

• The program builds upon previous initiatives like Reintegra, targeting residual taxation issues faced by exporters.

Future Changes

• Upcoming reforms such as CBS implementation may eliminate federal-level residual taxation but challenges remain at state levels.

Current Landscape of Brazilian Exports

Statistics Highlighting Challenges

• In 2025, Brazil saw a record number of exporting firms—29,818—with only 40% being micro or small businesses contributing minimally (0.8%) to total exports valued at $348 billion.

Complementary Initiatives

• Other governmental initiatives like drawback regimes also support SMEs aiming to boost their export numbers alongside Acredita Exportação.

Overview of the Federal Program for Micro and Small Enterprises

Introduction to the Program

• The federal government aims to correct distortions related to the Simples Nacional, as discussed by Rony and elaborated by Agostinho.

Benefits for Micro and Small Enterprises

• Microenterprises, small businesses, and MEIs (Microempreendedor Individual) are eligible for a benefit known as reintegro.

• The Acredito de Importação offers a stronger reintegra at a 3% rate compared to the traditional 0.1%.

Legislative Discussions

• Initial discussions on this project involve legislative approval in Congress before implementation.

Role of Receita Federal

• Receita Federal plays a crucial role in executing the program, ensuring that benefits reach taxpayers effectively.

Current Status of Requests

• The program is operational with electronic requests via Pérdico Comp; approximately 2.5 million credits have been requested and analyzed.

• Despite potential eligibility for 11,000 contributors, actual requests remain low; efforts are ongoing to provide guidance through FAQs and instructional videos.

Importance of Cooperation Among Stakeholders

Collaboration Highlights

• Emphasis on cooperation between CNI (Confederação Nacional da Indústria), industry federations, and government entities like Receita Federal and MDIC.

Acknowledgment of Efforts

• Recognition of collective efforts leading to restitution benefits up to 3% for eligible companies.

Webinar Organization Appreciation

• Gratitude expressed towards teams from CNI, MDIC, Receita Federal involved in organizing the webinar.

Instruments Supporting Brazilian Exports

Overview of Export Financing Instruments

• Discussion on available instruments that facilitate access to credit for users of Simples Nacional.

Focus on Acredita Exportação Program

• Introduction of Afonso Lopes de Carvalho who will discuss financing incentives related to exports.

Significance of Financial Instruments in Exporting

Necessity for Competitive Financing

• Highlighting that competitive products alone aren't enough; adequate financing options are essential for successful exporting.

Global Context of Credit Instruments

• Official credit instruments exist globally; over 100 countries utilize them with significant public involvement.

Recent Developments in Export Credit Policies

Legislative Changes Impacting Credit Access

• Recent laws have modified official export credit policies aimed at improving accessibility.

Research Insights on Financing Usage

• Notably, only 35% of surveyed companies utilize export financing; many small businesses may be unaware of available public instruments.

Insurance Utilization Concerns

• Approximately 44% do not use any insurance; some prefer letters of credit over potentially more beneficial insurance options.

Public Credit Instruments Available

Types of Public Credit Instruments

• Overview provided about three types: credit, insurance, and equalization mechanisms available through BNDES (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social).

BNDES Financing Options Explained

• BNDES offers pre-export financing which can support production costs if there’s an existing export proposal.

• Post-export financing is also available through BNDES allowing extended payment terms up to 15 years after product delivery.

Overview of Export Financing Options

BNDES and ProEx Financing

• The financing options typically involve a rate from BNDES, which is the TLP plus a spread, aimed at enhancing competitiveness for accessing various markets.

• Both exporters and importers can initiate financing, providing flexibility in how credit is accessed.

• ProEx financing is managed by Banco do Brasil and offers competitive rates for export financing. It utilizes Union resources to support strategic operations.

Key Features of ProEx Financing

• This financing option provides terms ranging from 6 months to 15 years, covering both pre-shipment and post-shipment needs, with recent changes allowing pre-export financing as well.

• Currently, there are approximately 2 billion available for ProEx financing; however, availability may vary based on demand and usage.

Understanding ProEx Equalization

• ProEx Equalization helps align domestic interest rates closer to international levels by subsidizing interest through Treasury resources, making Brazilian exports more competitive.

• This program addresses situations where competitors offer better interest rates abroad despite potentially inferior product quality.

Importance of Export Credit Insurance

Role of Export Credit Insurance

• Export credit insurance is crucial when dealing with uncertain political or commercial environments in certain Latin American countries where Brazil competes effectively but faces risks.

• The Brazilian Agency for Guaranteeing (BGF) oversees this insurance, which has undergone regulatory changes affecting eligibility criteria for companies seeking coverage.

Coverage Details

• For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the insurance covers up to 98% against commercial risk and 100% against political risk for short to medium-term transactions. Long-term coverage is also available under specific conditions.

Identifying Financial Needs

Assessing Financial Instruments Based on Business Needs

• Companies lacking guarantees should consider export credit insurance as it synergizes well with other financial products to unlock banking guarantees effectively.

• If capital is needed before shipment for production purposes, options include BNDES X-in or PROX funding specifically designed for manufacturing goods intended for export.

Addressing High Interest Rates

• In cases where high-interest rates hinder competitiveness internationally, businesses should explore the ProEx Equalization program to reduce their borrowing costs closer to global standards.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Final Remarks

• Acknowledgment of the importance of these financial instruments in supporting Brazilian exports was made during the presentation's conclusion by Afonso, encouraging participants to ask questions via chat for further clarification from CNI representatives or government officials.

Introduction to Programa Acredita Exportação

Benefits of Programa Acredita Exportação

• Marcelo Simões dos Reis introduced the program aimed at assisting micro and small enterprises in gaining access to international markets while addressing historical issues related to Brazil's tax system that affect export competitiveness due to accumulated taxes along production chains.

This structured overview captures key insights from the transcript while linking back directly to relevant timestamps for easy reference during study sessions or discussions about export financing options in Brazil.

Discussion on Federal Tax Contributions and Cumulativity

Overview of PIS-PASEP and COFINS

• The discussion begins with the identification of two federal taxes: PIS-PASEP and COFINS, highlighting their cumulative nature in relation to ICMS, a state tax.

• It is noted that ISS also has a cumulative aspect, but the focus remains on federal tax residues.

Impact of Tax Reform

• The ongoing tax reform aims to eliminate cumulativity across all value-added taxes, starting with PIS-PASEP and COFINS. This change is intended to address systemic distortions within the current taxation framework.

• The reform's goal is to correct issues related to tax residue affecting export competitiveness.

Incentives for Exportation vs Competitive Equivalence

Dual Purpose of Tax Refund Programs

• The speaker posits that the refund of tax residues serves dual purposes: incentivizing exports while ensuring competitive parity with global markets. This approach allows companies to adjust pricing effectively in international markets.

• Countries vary in their success at achieving non-cumulativity; however, the ideal scenario promotes no cumulativity at all as pursued by the upcoming reforms.

Global Competitiveness

• A key premise discussed is the importance of not exporting taxes related to value-added contributions (PIS, PASEP, COFINS), achievable through non-cumulativity which facilitates broad credit recovery for businesses' inputs.

Challenges in Current Tax System

Issues with Delayed Credit Recovery

• There are significant challenges regarding delayed recovery of credits due to partial non-cumulativity provisions leading to what is termed "hidden cumulativity." This situation adversely affects company cash flow, especially given high-interest rates prevalent in Brazil.

Example from Furniture Production Chain

• An illustrative example from a hypothetical furniture production chain highlights various stages where input costs accumulate due to ineffective credit recovery mechanisms under current laws governing PIS-PASEP and COFINS. Specific inputs like diesel and machinery are mentioned as critical components affected by these regulations.

Accumulation of Tax Costs Across Production Stages

Cascading Effects on Pricing

• Throughout different stages of production, accumulated taxes lead directly or indirectly into final product pricing due to legislative restrictions on credit recognition or excessive delays in refunds, resulting in elevated overall tax burdens for businesses.

Variability Among Companies

• There exists variability among companies within each production segment based on their suppliers' adherence to either cumulative or non-cumulative regimes; this inconsistency contributes further complexity and cost accumulation within supply chains.

Understanding Reintegra Program History

Historical Context of Reintegra

• Established in 2011 with an initial rate set at 3%, Reintegra aimed at addressing these systemic issues but has since been limited significantly (currently at 0.1%). This program represents government efforts toward correcting economic disparities caused by existing taxation structures impacting productivity globally.

Importance for Business Owners

• It’s emphasized that business owners must recognize that funds received through programs like Reintegra are not free money but rather governmental attempts at rectifying structural inequities within Brazil's economy compared to other nations’ systems.

Overview of Reintegra and Acredita Exportação Programs

Changes in Tax Rates

• The reintegra program faced competition from other public policies, leading to a tax rate reduction to 0.1% in 2018.

• The rate gradually decreased to 0.1% and is now set at 3%, specifically for micro and small enterprises due to budgetary constraints.

Impact on Micro and Small Enterprises

• Micro and small businesses bear significant burdens from accumulated tax costs; the focus on these entities is crucial as they represent over 11,000 companies.

• Many businesses accustomed to the Simples Nacional may not routinely calculate tax credits, which could explain low utilization rates of the system.

Credit Claiming Process

• From August last year, those opting for Simples Nacional can claim a credit of 3% on their export revenue.

• Credits can be claimed quarterly according to legislation; the first quarter was unique as it only covered two months (August and September).

Deadlines and Inflation Considerations

• Claims for Acredita Exportação must be made within five years; however, inflation adjustments do not apply if there are delays in claims by taxpayers.

• All exports until December 31 this year are eligible for reimbursement or compensation regarding accumulated tax residues.

Future of Reintegra Program

• The reintegra program is expected to end by January 1, 2027, as part of efforts to eliminate cumulative taxation in the system.

• This change aims to eradicate hidden cumulative taxes that arise from delays in refunding accumulated tax credits throughout production chains.

Legislative Framework and Compliance

Legal Provisions

• Article 39 of Complementary Law No. 214 outlines reduced deadlines compared to current practices concerning PIS-PASEP and COFINS compliance.

• Standard processing times are set at 30, 60, or up to 180 days based on company compliance levels with the Federal Revenue Service.

Practical Implementation Insights

• There’s an opportunity for the Federal Revenue Service to clarify how beneficiaries can effectively access these benefits.

Detailed Processes for Accessing Credits

Introduction of Jandira Soares' Presentation

• Jandira Soares will elaborate on processes related to credit requests and operational aspects following a question about accessing credits.

Structure of Acredita Exportação Program

• Acredita Exportação operates under the broader reintegra program aimed at supporting micro, small businesses, and MEIs involved in exporting activities.

Key Features:

• It aims to return part of taxes paid by exporters; exports should ideally be exempt from taxation per constitutional principles.

• Small enterprises receive preferential treatment with a higher refund rate (3%) compared to general reintegra rates (0.1%).

Eligibility Criteria

• Exclusively available for small businesses that export goods produced or transformed within Brazil; direct sales or sales through commercial exporters qualify if products meet industrialization criteria.

Basic Requirements for Export and Reimbursement

Industrialization Requirement

• The basic requirement for a product to qualify is that it must have been industrialized or transformed within the country. Importing and exporting products without any form of industrialization does not generate rights.

Documentation for Export

• A minimum amount of national product is required, and the document proving exportation is the Declaração Única de Exportação (DUI).

• The nota fiscal serves as proof of sale to foreign markets, necessitating proper documentation to be presented to tax authorities.

Reporting Obligations

• While physical documents are not required, companies must inform tax authorities about their DUI and corresponding nota fiscal related to sales and exports.

Eligibility Criteria for Companies

Company Size Limitations

• Eligibility is limited to micro and small enterprises with annual revenues capped at 4.8 million BRL, regardless of whether they opt into the Simples Nacional tax regime.

Value Addition Requirement

• Services or products lacking significant value addition do not qualify; simply importing and exporting identical items (e.g., pencils) does not meet requirements.

Reimbursement Process Overview

Percentage Reimbursement on Exports

• Companies can request a reimbursement of 3% on exported values quarterly.

• This program aims to refund tax residues incurred during the export process.

Program Timeline

• Requests for reimbursement can be made quarterly after the end of each quarter, starting from August 1, 2025.

Requesting Reimbursements: Key Dates

Initial Request Period

• The first opportunity for companies to claim credits began on August 1, 2025, applicable only for exports conducted from that date onward.

Extended Request Window

• Companies have up to five years from their initial eligibility date (e.g., October 1, 2025, for Q3 claims).

Submission Process Details

Required Documentation

• To initiate a reimbursement request, two key documents are necessary: confirmation of sale via nota fiscal de exportação and confirmation of shipment through DUI.

Using Perdecomp Software

• Taxpayers must download the Perdecomp software (PGD), which allows offline completion before submission through Receita NET.

Options After Request Submission

Cash vs. Credit Compensation

• Taxpayers can choose between receiving cash reimbursements or using credits against other taxes owed after submitting their requests.

Restrictions on Compensations

• It’s important to note that debts under Simples Nacional cannot be compensated with these credits; however, other types may be eligible.

Challenges in Utilizing the Program

Awareness Issues

• Many small businesses remain unaware of this program's existence; efforts are being made alongside MIDIC to raise awareness among potential beneficiaries.

Desmistificando o Programa Perdecomp e Reintegra

Objetivo do Programa

• O programa visa desmistificar o uso do Perdecomp, permitindo que as empresas aproveitem efetivamente os benefícios relacionados ao reintegra.

• A intenção é facilitar a compreensão e utilização do programa por parte das empresas, especialmente aquelas que podem se beneficiar da devolução de tributos.

Dificuldades na Utilização

• Algumas empresas enfrentam dificuldades com o preenchimento das fichas necessárias para utilizar o programa Perdecomp, mas são relativamente poucas as informações exigidas.

• Manuais passo a passo já estão disponíveis no site da Receita Federal para auxiliar os contribuintes no pedido de ressarcimento do reintegra.

Público-Alvo e Benefícios

• O público-alvo inclui optantes ou não do Simples, como EPP, microempresas ou microempreendedores individuais, que podem solicitar até 3% de devolução sobre o valor exportado através do Perdecomp.

• Os pedidos podem ser feitos via depósito em conta ou compensação de tributos federais conforme informado pelo contribuinte.

Base Legal e Apoio Institucional

Legislação e Parcerias

• A base legal para o programa é a Complementar 216, com apoio de instituições como SEBRAE, CNI, Fiesp e Ciesp.

• Um infográfico resume as informações essenciais para que as empresas verifiquem sua elegibilidade ao programa após exportações realizadas desde 1º de agosto.

Acesso ao Programa

Recursos Disponíveis

• QR codes foram disponibilizados para acesso direto ao programa e download do PdComp, facilitando a identificação dos direitos das empresas em relação aos créditos tributários.

Preenchimento do Programa Perdecomp

Instruções Iniciais

• Ao iniciar o preenchimento no Perdecomp, é necessário informar dados básicos como CNPJ da empresa e qualificação relevante para o pedido de ressarcimento relacionado ao reintegra.

Etapas do Preenchimento

• Após inserir os dados iniciais, a próxima tela requer informações sobre o tipo de documento (pedido de ressarcimento) e crédito (reintegra). É importante distinguir entre créditos relativos à ação judicial ou não.

Detalhes Específicos no Formulário

Informações Necessárias

• As únicas informações essenciais incluem notas fiscais de venda e declarações únicas de exportação; estas devem ser coletadas antes do preenchimento detalhado no sistema.

Exportações Diretas vs Comerciais

• O formulário permite registrar tanto exportações diretas quanto vendas feitas através de uma empresa comercial exportadora; ambas devem ser informadas adequadamente nas respectivas fichas dentro do sistema.

Conclusão sobre Processo

Simplificação da Experiência

• O processo foi descrito como simples; qualquer dúvida pode ser esclarecida pela equipe responsável pelo suporte ao usuário durante a utilização do sistema Perdecomp.

Comments and Questions from the Webinar

Discussion on Export Sales via Commercial Exporter

• A participant raised a question regarding sales through commercial exporters, specifically about accessing the "Declaração Única de Exportação" (DUI) and how to register it. This was highlighted as an important point for clarification.

• It was confirmed that sales via commercial exporters are eligible for reintegration, emphasizing the necessity of having the DUI information to prove effective goods exportation. Participants were advised to contact their commercial exporter for this document.

Clarification on Required Documentation

• The key documentation required includes the number of the export declaration and invoice number, which are essential for processing claims related to exports. This ensures compliance with regulations.

Inquiry About Product Eligibility for Reimbursement

• José Oliveira inquired about identifying products eligible for reimbursement under the program, representing a cocoa growers' cooperative. This question will be addressed later as it requires further investigation into eligibility criteria.

Timeline for Refund Requests

• A discussion ensued regarding performance timelines; requests can be made until 2031 or within five years from December 2026, depending on when they were initiated post-quarterly periods. This provides clarity on deadlines for potential refunds.

Accessing Relevant Legislation

• Ivan asked where he could find a list of eligible products, which is available through specific decrees accessible via QR codes provided in informational materials related to the program. The relevant decree mentioned is 8.415, detailing applicable NCM codes that qualify for reimbursement under Reintegra initiatives.

Processing Times and Expectations

Expected Timelines for Credit Refunds

• Ivan expressed concern over pending credit refunds after approval; typically, these should not take long unless there are inconsistencies in account information or existing debts affecting payment processes. Generally, approved requests should see resolution within one to two months at most if no issues arise with account details.

Automation in Processing Claims

• The process of requesting reimbursements under Reintegra is highly automated, leading to expectations of quick resolutions—often between three to six months—due to efficient handling by authorities managing these claims effectively since over 98% have been processed swiftly thus far.

Challenges with Accessing Programs

Issues with Perdecomp Software

• Jandira discussed challenges faced by users trying to access necessary software (Perdecomp) needed for filing refund requests; users must download both the software and accompanying tables used by Perdecomp which can complicate usage due to update requirements often overlooked by users during installation processes.

Suggestions for Improvement

• There was agreement among participants regarding enhancing automation within government systems to facilitate easier access and retrieval of necessary documents like invoices and export declarations directly from databases rather than requiring manual uploads from users’ end—a suggestion aimed at improving user experience moving forward amidst ongoing legislative changes impacting programs like Reintegra before year-end deadlines approach.

Closing Remarks

Final Thoughts on Program Concerns

• Tânia raised concerns about upcoming changes related to drawback suspension starting in 2027; while not part of this session's agenda, it reflects broader industry worries being monitored closely by CNI representatives who assure continued vigilance over such developments affecting stakeholders involved in export activities moving forward into future regulatory landscapes ahead.

CNI Webinar on Tax Credit Recovery

Introduction and Context

• The CNI (National Confederation of Industry) is making resources available to share information about a tax credit recovery system aimed at exporters.

• Acknowledgment of the opportunity provided by CNI to discuss public policy instruments that support businesses.

Importance of Tax Credit Recovery

• Emphasis on the necessity of this policy for enhancing the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises in international markets.

• Public budget allocations are directed towards addressing the financial needs of these smaller companies, allowing them to either lower prices or manage costs effectively.

Final Remarks and Call to Action

• Closing remarks highlight the importance of guiding taxpayers in utilizing their rights regarding tax credits.

• The goal is to ensure that eligible contributors can access necessary tools and guidance for effective participation in this program.

Engagement with Stakeholders

• A call for industry federations and international business centers to disseminate information about the program widely among interested companies.

Conclusion

• Gratitude expressed on behalf of CNI for participant engagement, with an invitation for future discussions on relevant topics related to foreign trade.