Rua Riachuelo, 366 Centro
Rio de janeiro - Brazil
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+55 21 976 723 023
Rua Riachuelo, 366 Centro
Rio de janeiro - Brazil
9:00AM to 7:00 PM
Moday To Friday
+55 21 976 723 023
Contents
Imagine investing thousands—or even millions—of dollars in a commodity deal, only to discover that the supplier doesn’t exist, or worse, delivers low-quality or no product at all. Unfortunately, fraud and unreliable suppliers are real risks when importing from abroad—including Brazil, one of the largest exporters of agricultural commodities in the world.
So how can you be sure that the Brazilian supplier you’re negotiating with is legitimate, experienced, and capable of fulfilling your order?
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to verify a commodity supplier in Brazil and reduce your risks before making a deal. Let’s dive in.
High-value transactions demand trust: Importing sugar, soybeans, meat, or corn often involves large sums.
Fraud still exists: Some scams target foreign buyers with fake company names or stolen documentation.
Due diligence builds partnerships: Trustworthy exporters prefer informed, serious buyers who also do their homework.
What is a CNPJ and why is it important?
The CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) is the unique ID of a company in Brazil. You can verify it using the Receita Federal’s website.
Look for:
Company status: Is it active?
Date of establishment: Is it a new or long-standing business?
Registered economic activity (CNAE)
Ask the supplier for:
Company registration certificate
Export license
Tax compliance certificates
Previous Bill of Ladings (B/Ls) showing real export activity
TIP: Fraudulent suppliers often hesitate to share documents or provide fake ones. Always cross-check the information.
Use Google Maps to check if the address is a real commercial location.
Call the number or set up a video meeting.
Check email domains (avoid generic ones like Gmail/Yahoo).
Ask for references from international buyers.
Search for reviews or complaints on forums like Alibaba, TradeKey, or Trustpilot.
Look up their name in international trade data tools (e.g., ImportGenius, Panjiva).
See HERE verified, reliable exporters with a history of confirmed exports
If the company has:
A valid CNPJ with active status
Previous export records
Verified references
Willingness to sign a contract and provide documentation
…you’re on the right track.
Refuses to provide documents
Pushes for 100% upfront payment
Uses free email services and vague company addresses
Offers unrealistic prices or delivery times
See data in SGS, Bureau Veritas, or another third party to audit the supplier’s warehouse, documentation, or even witness cargo loading.
Make sure your contract includes quality, quantity, delivery terms, dispute resolution, and penalties for default.
Use Letters of Credit, escrow services, or bank-backed instruments to reduce financial risk.
We consider it essential that you also read; How to Import Agricultural Commodities from Brazil Safely and Profitably
Yes—if you verify your supplier carefully, Brazil offers top-quality agricultural commodities. Stick to proven exporters with a track record.
Do proper background checks
Demand documentation
Use secure payment systems
Don’t fall for “too good to be true” deals
Verifying the reliability of a commodity supplier in Brazil is not just a formality—it’s a strategic move to protect your business, reputation, and profit margins. With a few smart steps, you can avoid scams, build long-term partnerships, and import safely from one of the world’s top agricultural exporters.
⇒Need help finding verified exporters? Contact us to access our list of trusted Brazilian suppliers.
Mello Commodity publishes educational articles that aim to guide importers of agricultural commodities on: Brazilian crops, market information, prices, scams, etc.
Some articles may contain affiliate links that provide access to several SUPPLIER GUIDES for Brazilian agricultural commodities. The commission paid to the Mello Commodity team is used to cover production costs and will not impact the cost of acquiring the material.
If you are interested in negotiating the direct import of sugar, soybeans or yellow corn, simply click on the Quotation menu and send us your order details.
Brazilian, graduated in Marketing, Specialist in Service Management and Strategic Communication.
Important International Negotiator in the commercialization of Brazilian agricultural commodities such as: Sugar, Soybeans and Corn.
Owner of Mello Commdity, she has gained great prominence on the internet in recent years by promoting educational articles for importers of Brazilian agricultural commodities.
How a $46 Million Fraud in the U.S. Revealed the Importance of Verified Suppliers
How to Import Agricultural Commodities from Brazil Safely and Profitably
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