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Home / Incentive lawsLaw 8.010/90

Your research deserves access to the best technology.

Law 8.010/90 provides a pathway to import equipment and supplies for scientific and technological research with tax benefits. PGTI SOLUTION helps turn that opportunity into a well-planned acquisition.

Understand the benefit

An incentive to expand research capacity.

The law was created to improve Brazilian science’s access to goods from abroad. Benefits depend on the scientific and technological purpose of the import and the importer’s eligibility. The starting point is therefore your institution, project and intended use of each item.

IIImport Duty
IPITax on Industrialized Products
AFRMMAdditional Freight Charge for Merchant Marine Renewal

Who can use this pathway?

Researchers and scientists, science and technology institutions and nonprofit entities active in research, innovation or education programs may qualify with the accreditation required by CNPq. CNPq itself is also a statutory beneficiary.

Universities, institutes, technology centers and laboratories must be assessed according to their legal status and activities. An organization’s name alone does not establish eligibility. Educational institutions must demonstrate research activity.

Technology with a defined purpose: research.

Machinery, equipment, devices, instruments, replacement parts, accessories, raw materials and intermediate products are among the categories covered for research. The technical justification should explain why each item is needed and how it will be used.

IT solutions, computing infrastructure and instrumentation can be assessed when tied to an eligible activity. Assessment concerns the specific item and transaction, not just the product’s commercial category.

What needs to be in place before purchasing.

  • Valid CNPq accreditation for the beneficiary’s category.
  • A documented link between the goods and scientific and technological research, including purpose and specifications.
  • The institutional, tax and commercial documents required for the operation.
  • Quota review, CNPq consent and approvals from other authorities where applicable.

Requirements depend on the beneficiary, product and transaction pathway. PGTI supports process organization; accreditation, project approval and consent are granted by the competent authorities.

Tax benefits with a complete view of costs.

Law 8.010/90 provides II, IPI and AFRMM exemptions for covered goods. It also provides relief from domestic-similarity review and administrative simplifications, subject to implementing rules and CNPq oversight.

PIS/Cofins import contributions have their own rules and require a separate eligibility check. ICMS depends on state law and procedures. Freight, insurance, foreign exchange, storage and service costs remain relevant despite an exemption.

The law does not set a single savings percentage. Results depend on applicable taxes, goods classification, the transaction and associated costs. The commercial estimate of up to 60% requires an individual simulation; it is not an automatic discount promise.

From assessment to implementation

Support throughout the entire operation.

Illustrative scene of precision laboratory equipment adjustment
  1. 01

    Understand and assess

    We map the beneficiary, project, accreditation and transaction requirements.

  2. 02

    Specify and source

    We define products and solutions and connect your needs with international manufacturers and distributors.

  3. 03

    Plan the acquisition

    We organize specifications, proposals and information supporting the required assessments and approvals.

  4. 04

    Coordinate importing

    We coordinate the process and operational interfaces. Storage and logistics can be included in the scope.

  5. 05

    Put technology to work

    Solutions can be implemented with PGTI Brasil according to the project’s needs.

Frequently asked questions

Clarity for your next step.

Does my university automatically qualify?

Legal status, research activity and CNPq accreditation must be checked. Being an educational institution does not by itself replace those requirements.

Can I import any computer or equipment?

The item must relate to research and be used consistently with the exemption. An ordinary administrative or commercial purchase should not be treated as a research import.

Does accreditation eliminate all import procedures?

No. It is one step in the process. The transaction must still meet documentation, import-control, consent and competent-authority requirements.

Do the two laws provide exactly the same benefits?

No. Beneficiaries, taxes and procedures can differ. Companies with R&D projects require a specific assessment under the Law 8.032/90 pathway.

Official sources and further reading

Content reviewed on October 23, 2026. Each transaction must meet the applicable law and procedures.

Shall we assess your project?

Turn the incentive into access to technology.

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