Legal Representative in Brazil: What It Is, Who Needs One, and How Licempre Can Help Your Company

Foreign companies wishing to market products or operate in Brazil must comply with a series of regulatory requirements. One of the most important is the appointment of a Legal Representative, a key figure in ensuring compliance with Anvisa, Inmetro, the Federal Revenue Office, and other regulatory agencies.

In this article, we explore the role of a legal representative, the situations in which one is required, and how Licempre can support your company with efficient, secure, and globally informed solutions.

What Is a Legal Representative?

A Legal Representative is a Brazil-based legal entity authorized to represent foreign companies in legal, tax, and regulatory matters. A legal representative is mandatory for companies without a physical presence in Brazil that intend to:

• Register products with Anvisa or Inmetro
• Secure export authorization for regulated products
• Compete in public procurement processes
• Commercialize products under Brazilian regulatory oversight

Beyond serving as a bridge between the foreign company and regulatory bodies, the legal representative assumes civil and criminal liability for certain legal responsibilities and the accuracy of all information provided to the authorities.

Who Needs a Legal Representative in Brazil?

Companies without a CNPJ (Brazilian corporate tax ID) that wish to:

• Register health-related products (such as medical devices, cosmetics, and disinfectants) with Anvisa
• Certify and register products with Inmetro (such as lighting fixtures, toys, helmets, among others)
• Export regulated products to Brazil
• Have a formal and accountable point of contact before Brazilian authorities and their clients

In short, any foreign company intending to operate in the Brazilian market must designate a legal representative, who is the only entity authorized to handle product registrations, respond to regulatory authorities, and guarantee compliance with national legislation.

Responsibilities of the Legal Representative

The main duties and responsibilities include:

• Representing the foreign company before agencies such as Anvisa, Inmetro, Federal Revenue, and Anatel (when applicable)
• Signing petitions, registrations, notifications, and regulatory procedures
• Ensuring the safekeeping of technical dossiers as required by law
• Responding to official notifications, inspections, infraction notices, non-conformities, and customer service issues
• Managing the relationship between the company and the importer/distributor in Brazil
• Ensuring product traceability and safety within the country

Why Choose Licempre as Your Legal Representative?

Licempre is a trusted name in Brazil for regulatory services, offering expert support in registration, certification, and legal representation of international companies.

International experience: We operate in 11 countries, with expertise in complex regulations across various industry sectors.
Agility and compliance: Our highly qualified technical team is fully aligned with the requirements of Anvisa, Inmetro, and other regulatory agencies.
Transparency and security: We act responsibly, ensuring legal and regulatory peace of mind for our clients.
Comprehensive solutions: Beyond legal representation, we offer support throughout the entire regulatory journey — from strategy, certification, and registration to final approval.

With Licempre, your foreign company will be able to register and market products in Brazil with peace of mind, security, and full compliance.

Legal Representation is more than just a bureaucratic requirement — it is the assurance that your company will be operating safely and in full regulatory conformity in Brazil.

If you represent a foreign company and wish to enter the Brazilian market, partner with a team that has proven regulatory expertise and international reputation.

Get in touch with Licempre and discover how we can represent your company with excellence.