The federal government published on Wednesday (17) a provisional measure that could change the course of the digital economy in the country. It is Redata, a new tax regime created to stimulate the installation and expansion of data centers in Brazil.
The idea is to make the country more independent of foreign digital services, while attracting investment, creating jobs, and promoting innovation.
Redata is part of the PNDC (National Datacenter Policy) within the NIB (New Industry Brazil) strategy, more specifically, Mission 4, which deals with the digital transformation of national industry.
For Geraldo Alckmin, vice president and minister of the MDIC, Redata marks an important step in the digital transformation of Brazilian industry.
"In addition to stimulating investment in an extremely strategic sector, the program leverages the development of the country's digital economy in the areas of chip production, software, fiber optic networks, and machinery, among others, generating more and better jobs throughout the digital economy's production chain," he stated.
What changes in practice?
Companies that join the regime will be exempt from federal taxes such as PIS/Pasep, Cofins and IPI on the purchase of information and communication technology equipment, whether domestic or imported. When there is no similar production in Brazil, the import tax will also be waived.
To access Redata, companies will need to invest 2% of the value of the equipment purchased in research, development, and innovation focused on the digital economy's production chain.
It will also be mandatory to allocate at least 10% of data storage and processing capacity to the national market.
In the North, Northeast, and Central-West states, these requirements are relaxed, a way to decentralize investments and stimulate innovation outside of large centers.
Therefore, data centers must meet strict environmental criteria, such as the use of clean energy and sustainable water consumption practices.
The specific rules will be detailed in subsequent regulations. Companies that fail to comply will lose their benefits, be required to pay taxes with fines and interest, and will be excluded from the program for two years.
Today, approximately 60% of Brazilian digital data is processed outside the country, according to the Ministry of Finance. In 2024, for example, the trade deficit for electrical and electronic products was US$40 billion, and in the services sector, especially digital services, the deficit reached US$7,1 billion.
Public investment and future projection
The 2026 budget already allocates R$5,2 billion for Redata. Starting in 2027, the system will also be strengthened with the Tax Reform instruments currently being implemented. The benefits will be valid for up to five years, respecting the transition period of the new tax model.
The Ministry of Finance's estimate is optimistic: with the right incentives, the country could attract up to R$2 trillion in private investment in 10 years.
The construction of Redata was coordinated by the Civil House and involved several ministries: Finance, Development, Industry, Science and Technology, Communications, Environment, Mines and Energy, Public Management and also the BNDES.
For more details, check the full text of the Provisional Measure at this link.
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.
