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Brazil introduces mandatory footwear labelling to combat counterfeiting

Oct 1, 2025 Brazil

The new regulation requires footwear manufacturers and importers to provide detailed product information. This is intended to protect consumers and strengthen the legitimate market

Published on the 20^thof August in the Official Gazette, this measure establishes that footwear manufacturers and importers must supply footwear to the domestic market (both physical and digital) in compliance with ABNT NBR 16679/2018 (Footwear – Composition Label). The initiative is a “concrete result” of the campaign “Piracy in Brazil, No! Only Original Footwear,” which was launched by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados).

The regulation specifies that labels must include the manufacturer’s name and CNPJ (National Register of Legal Entities), the country of origin, the size, the primary material composition and a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) or equivalent code. Footwear sold without packaging must have the GTIN applied directly to the product.

According to Haroldo Ferreira, Executive President of Abicalçados, the regulation inhibits piracy in the sector, protects legitimate companies from unfair competition, and combats tax evasion, in addition to safeguarding consumers. “From next year, the mandatory information to be provided will include the composition of the footwear, which will also protect people's health,” he explains.

Manufacturers and importers have until the 31^stof July 2026 to comply, while retailers have until December 2027 to sell their existing stock. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including product seizure, store closure or fines of up to 1.5 million Brazilians reais.

Nevertheless, Ferreira believes that adapting to the standard will not cause problems for the sector. “A survey of our members showed that 60% of companies in the sector use composition labels, 70% of which already reference the ABNT NBR 16679/2018 standard,” he concludes.

Ultimately, the new regulation means that footwear labelling, which has been voluntary since the ABNT standard was introduced in 2018, is now be mandatory.

Source and Image Credits: abicalcados.com.br

Brazil Counterfeit Footwear Legal Organisations