AFRMM exemption extended for North and Northeast ports to 2032

The Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies approved this Wednesday (12) the extension of the non-incidence of the Adicional ao Frete para Renovação da Marinha Mercante (AFRMM) for goods originating or destined to ports in the North and Northeast. The extension, approved by 327 votes to 26, extends the benefit that would end in January 2027 until January 8, 2032.

What changes in practice

With the vote, goods transported by cabotage, inland riverine and lacustrine navigation between ports in these two regions will continue to be exempt from AFRMM until the new date. The text approved is the substitute of the Finance Committee to the Complementary Bill 80/26, authored by Deputy Benes Leocádio (União-RN).

Who is affected

The benefit affects shippers and recipients of cargo with origin or destination in North and Northeast ports, as well as cabotage operators and inland navigation. The author of the bill stated that the measure is important for the economy of Rio Grande do Norte and for the state’s salt industry, which, according to him, will have relief and maintenance of salt prices.

Reactions and criticisms

During the session, Deputy Tarcísio Motta (Psol-RJ) criticized the absence of counterparts or modulation between the benefiting companies. Deputy Luiz Lima (Novo-RJ) questioned the regional limitation of the benefit and suggested that, in his assessment, the measure should be national.

Next steps

Even though approved by the Chamber, the proposal still needs to be analyzed by the Senate to take effect as approved by the deputies.

What readers need to know: the extension ensures that the AFRMM charge will not apply to cabotage and inland navigation operations involving North and Northeast ports until January 8, 2032, but the measure will only be definitive if confirmed by the Senate.

Source consulted: Câmara Notícias - Últimas