The Definitive Guide to Bitumen Importation in Brazil

Definitive Guide to Bitumen Importation in Brazil: From Planning to Application

Bitumen—also known as modified asphalt or asphalt binder—is the backbone of road construction and waterproofing works in Brazil. Highways, airports, industrial roofs, and sealing systems rely on this material to ensure performance, safety, and extended service life. Although the country has significant domestic production, reaching 2.866 million tonnes sold in 2023, demand surpasses supply during public works cycles and construction booms, opening space for strategic imports. (Agência iNFRA)

This comprehensive guide was prepared for Brazilian professionals looking to purchase bitumen abroad—whether for own use, resale, or participation in public tenders. Here, you’ll find an updated market overview, the most commonly used grades, regulatory requirements, tax costs, logistics routes, storage tips, and trends that may impact your investments in the coming years.

1. Overview of the Brazilian Bitumen Market

1.1 Supply, Demand, and Structural Deficit
Historically, Brazilian refineries allocate part of their vacuum residue to produce CAP (asphalt cement). However, temporary unit shutdowns, scheduled maintenance, and the growing use of modified asphalts create a deficit that needs to be covered through imports. The Brazilian Fuel Importers Association (Abicom) reports that, during the 2023–2024 peaks, external purchases maintained supply without noticeable logistical bottlenecks. (Abicom)

1.2 Import Volumes and Values
OEC data shows that, in 2024, Brazil imported approximately USD 125 million worth of petroleum bitumen (NCM 2713.20.00), ranking it 353rd among imported goods. (The Observatory of Economic Complexity) While it represents a modest share of total fuels, the impact of asphalt binder is enormous on construction schedules, as any delay compromises paving contracts.

1.3 Main Sources
United Arab Emirates, United States, Italy, Turkey, and Gulf countries make up the “top five” exporters to the Brazilian market, offering standard grades 50/70 and 60/70, along with 70/100 penetration for colder climates. (NCM data) The growing demand for performance grade (PG 64-22, PG 70-28) also makes Canada and European producers frequent partners.

2. Why Import Bitumen?

• Supply Regularity – Large road projects under the new PAC 3 program require continuous volumes that domestic production can’t always meet.

• Grade Diversification – Importers can specify elastomeric or rubber-modified binders ready to use, reducing lab costs.

• Price Competitiveness – In tight refining scenarios, imported bitumen can be up to 12% cheaper CIF compared to domestic product, especially when negotiated in asphalt tanker loads.

• Technology & Quality – International refineries offer SBS/SBR polymerized bitumen and IoT-ready blends (with integrated temperature sensors), facilitating on-site quality control.

3. Most Common Bitumen Grades Used in Brazil

Each project must comply with ABNT NBR 15511 specifications and DNIT-ES 031/2024 guidelines for asphalt concrete. Mixing grades or altering gradation curves requires a compatibility report issued by a certified lab.

4. Technical Standards and Regulations

4.1 NCM and Fiscal Classification
Petroleum bitumen is classified under NCM 2713.20.00. According to the Import Duty Table, the Import Tax (II) rate is 0%, and IPI is also 0%, while PIS/COFINS sums to 11.75% upon customs clearance. (gainholder.com)

4.2 Import Licensing (LI)
Although not automatically licensed, the LI goes through the Ministry of Infrastructure and ANP review. It’s recommended to submit the request in Siscomex 20–25 days before shipment. Required documents: SDS (FISPQ), certificate of origin, ASTM D5 penetration analysis, and Brookfield viscosity test.

4.3 Performance Standards

• ABNT NBR 15511 – Asphalt binder requirements for paving.

• DNIT ES 310 – Polymer-Modified Bitumen (BMP).

• CONAMA Res. 491/2018 – VOC limits at asphalt plants.

5. Step-by-Step Import Process

• Demand Planning
  Calculate tonnage from theoretical consumption (CBUQ tonnes × 5%) plus processing losses (≈0.2%).

• Supplier Selection
  Request compliance sheets, shipment history to Latin America, and segregation guarantees for the voyage.

• Incoterm Negotiation
  Prefer CFR or CIF if you lack own insurance; use DDP only for container-drum shipments when the supplier has a Brazilian customs agent.

• Chartering Ship or Flexitanks
  ≥5,000 t: dedicated asphalt tanker (130–180°C).
  ≤24 t: 20’ container with heated flexitank; ideal for modified bitumen.

• Customs Clearance
  Register the Import Declaration (DI) in the Single Portal; calculate PIS/COFINS and ICMS.

• Internal Transport
  Thermal oil at 180°C keeps fluidity up to 36h; beyond that, use “Thermo-Bucket” trucks with coil systems.

6. Cost Breakdown and Optimization Tips

Tip: Consider currency hedge (NDF) for contracts over USD 2 million, as BRL/USD fluctuations directly impact cost per tonne.

7. Domestic Logistics: Ports and Modes

7.1 Preferred Ports

• Santos (SP) – Largest hub; record 179.8 Mt in 2024, with 12.5% rise in discharges. (portodesantos.com.br)

• Suape (PE) – Handles ships up to 120,000 DWT; heated tanks from Rlam-Ativo.

• Itaqui (MA) – State ICMS incentives, liquid terminal expansion planned for 2025. (DatamarNews)

• Paranaguá (PR) – Good rail connection to Central-West; differentiated liquid bulk fees.

7.2 Multimodal Integration
Road-rail consolidation cuts logistics costs by up to 8%. VLI operates dedicated locomotives for binders between Santos and Uberaba, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 22% compared to road transport.

8. Safe Storage and Handling

• Vertical insulated tanks with 100 mm rock wool and coil system.

• Ideal storage temperature: 140–160°C; above 180°C increases oxidation.

• Gear pumps in ASTM A216 WCB carbon steel, compatible with ~3000 cP viscosity.

• Required PPE: 400 mm neoprene gloves, face shield, flame-resistant clothing.

• Emergency plan: spill containment with calcitic sand, cooling with water mist.

9. Trends and Innovations

• ESG Bitumen: Binders with pine bio-oil and refinery carbon capture.

• Mixture Data Analytics: IoT sensors in the plant report real-time viscosity, reducing waste.

• Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): Additives allowing processing at 120°C, saving 30% energy, reducing emissions—global CAGR 4% through 2027. (mordorintelligence.com)

• RAP & Recycling: State programs offer tax credits for using 15% recycled pavement (RAP), covering part of the ICMS.

• “Sustainable Asphalt” Bill (2025/PL-1472): Sets minimum recycled content targets in public contracts.

10. Quick Checklist for Buyers

✅ Define volume and grade (50/70, 60/70, PG 64-22, etc.).
✅ Check heated storage capacity.
✅ Request CIF quotes from main suppliers.
✅ Submit LI in Siscomex (20 days prior).
✅ Purchase marine insurance with “Hot Asphalt” clause.
✅ Plan port removal within 5 days.
✅ Issue receipt report (viscosity & penetration).

Conclusion

Importing bitumen can be highly advantageous for Brazilian construction firms, distributors, and public agencies seeking consistent quality, technological innovation, and economies of scale. By following the best practices described—from market analysis to heated delivery at the plant—you’ll reduce logistical risks, avoid tax surprises, and ensure your projects progress on schedule.

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