Certificado de Livre Prática (CLP): Complete Guide for Vessels Arriving in Brazil

What is the CLP?

The Certificado de Livre Prática (CLP), or Free Pratique Certificate, is a mandatory health clearance document issued by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) that authorizes a vessel to commence commercial operations at a Brazilian port.

When is it required?

Every vessel arriving from an international voyage must obtain a CLP before any crew disembarkation, cargo operations, or provisioning can begin. The certificate must be requested at least 48 hours before arrival.

How to apply

Applications are submitted electronically through ANVISA's Porto Sem Papel (Paperless Port) system. Required documents include the Maritime Declaration of Health, crew list with vaccination records, and ship sanitation certificates.

Required documents

The following documents must be submitted with the CLP application: Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH), complete crew list, International Ship Sanitation Certificate (ISSC) or Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC), and vaccination records for all crew members.

Processing time

Standard processing takes 24-48 hours from submission. Vessels with complete documentation and no health concerns are typically granted CLP without physical inspection. Incomplete applications or vessels from high-risk health areas may require onboard inspection.

Common issues

The most common reasons for CLP delays are incomplete vaccination records, expired ship sanitation certificates, and incorrect crew list information. Working with an experienced shipping agent at São Sebastião can help avoid these pitfalls.