São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is Brazil’s largest airport and one of Latin America’s most important air cargo gateways. It supports air freight moving between São Paulo, Brazil, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets.
The airport is located in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. Its IATA code is GRU and its ICAO code is SBGR.
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is often used for:
- International air freight
- Domestic air cargo
- Express cargo
- eCommerce parcels
- Pharma and healthcare products
- Medical equipment
- Electronics
- Automotive parts
- Aerospace parts
- Machinery parts
- Industrial components
- Fashion and retail goods
- Textiles
- Perishables
- Food and beverage products
- Documents and samples
- High-value goods
- Time-sensitive commercial shipments
Airport Overview
| Airport Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport name | São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport |
| Also known as | GRU Airport, São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport, Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos |
| City served | São Paulo |
| Country | Brazil |
| IATA code | GRU |
| ICAO code | SBGR |
| Airport type | International airport and major Brazilian air cargo gateway |
| Main cargo area | GRU Airport Cargo, TECA GRU, import warehouse, export warehouse, courier cargo warehouse, domestic cargo warehouse, restricted cargo warehouses, cold chambers, customs areas, and airport logistics facilities |
| Main cargo facilities | GRU Airport Cargo, airline cargo offices, freight forwarders, customs brokers, courier operators, ground handlers, logistics providers, cold-chain areas, restricted cargo storage, and automated cargo handling systems |
| Main cargo role | Brazil air cargo gateway, São Paulo logistics hub, Latin America freight platform, international import and export cargo terminal, courier cargo point, and domestic cargo connection point |
| Airport operator | GRU Airport |
| Best for | International air freight, domestic cargo, express cargo, eCommerce, pharma cargo, electronics, automotive parts, machinery parts, perishables, high-value cargo, and urgent shipments |
Why Ship Air Cargo Through São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport?
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is useful when cargo needs fast access to São Paulo, Brazil’s largest commercial market, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and global air freight networks.
It gives shippers access to:
- Brazil’s largest airport
- One of Latin America’s largest airport logistics complexes
- GRU Airport Cargo and TECA GRU cargo terminal infrastructure
- Import, export, courier, domestic, restricted cargo, and cold-chain cargo areas
- Passenger belly cargo, freighter cargo, courier cargo, and domestic air cargo services
- Cargo flows connected to electronics, pharma, textiles, food and beverage, automotive parts, aerospace, technology, and wholesale trade
- Road access to São Paulo, Guarulhos, Campinas, Santos, São Bernardo do Campo, São José dos Campos, Jundiaí, Sorocaba, and wider Brazilian logistics corridors
- Strong access to São Paulo’s industrial, retail, eCommerce, healthcare, automotive, and technology supply chains
Many companies use GRU when ocean freight is too slow or when cargo is urgent, valuable, lightweight, temperature-sensitive, sample-based, or connected to São Paulo and Brazilian distribution networks.
Main Cargo Handled at São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Express cargo | Parcels, documents, urgent small shipments |
| eCommerce cargo | Marketplace parcels, DTC orders, fulfillment stock |
| Pharma cargo | Medicines, diagnostics, vaccines, healthcare products where permitted |
| Medical equipment | Medical devices, diagnostics, hospital equipment, laboratory products |
| Electronics | Devices, accessories, components, consumer electronics |
| Automotive parts | Spare parts, components, aftermarket products, production materials |
| Aerospace parts | Aircraft parts, maintenance parts, tools, components |
| Machinery parts | Industrial parts, tools, replacement parts, production components |
| Fashion and retail goods | Apparel, footwear, accessories, seasonal stock, commercial goods |
| Textiles | Fabrics, garments, samples, accessories, commercial textile shipments |
| Perishables | Chilled goods, frozen cargo, fresh food, flowers where accepted |
| Food and beverage products | Packaged food, ingredients, drinks, specialty products where permitted |
| High-value goods | Secure cargo, sensitive shipments, premium goods where accepted |
| Documents and samples | Business documents, product samples, prototypes |
| General air freight | Cartons, pallets, packaged goods, commercial cargo |
Air Freight Services Through São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport supports several air freight options:
- Express air freight for urgent parcels
- Standard air freight for commercial shipments
- Consolidated air freight for smaller cargo
- Direct air freight for urgent or high-value goods
- International air freight through passenger and freighter networks
- Domestic air freight within Brazil
- Regional air freight within South America
- Courier cargo services
- Temperature-controlled air freight for pharma and perishables where accepted
- High-value cargo handling where accepted
- Restricted cargo handling where accepted
- Dangerous goods air freight where accepted by the airline and authorities
- Airport-to-airport shipping
- Door-to-door air freight
For urgent shipments, air freight is often faster than ocean freight. For heavier or less urgent cargo, ocean freight may be more cost-effective.
Shipping to Brazil by Air
Importers use São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport for fast delivery into São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and wider Brazilian distribution networks.
Common air imports include:
- eCommerce parcels
- Electronics
- Pharma and healthcare products where permitted
- Medical equipment
- Automotive parts
- Aerospace parts
- Machinery parts
- Industrial components
- Fashion and retail goods
- Textiles
- Perishables and food products
- Documents and samples
- High-value goods where accepted
- General commercial cargo
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is useful for cargo moving to:
- São Paulo
- Guarulhos
- Campinas
- Jundiaí
- Sorocaba
- São Bernardo do Campo
- Santo André
- São Caetano do Sul
- São José dos Campos
- Santos logistics corridors
- São Paulo state warehouses
- Brazilian eCommerce fulfillment centers
- Automotive and industrial supply chains
- Pharma and healthcare logistics facilities
- Retail and consumer goods distribution networks
- Technology and electronics distribution networks
When shipping to Brazil, compare the full landed cost. This may include air freight, fuel surcharges, security fees, terminal handling, customs broker fees, storage, inspection fees, customs duty, IPI, PIS/COFINS, ICMS, local delivery, and insurance.
Use the iContainers air freight calculator to estimate shipping costs.
Shipping From Brazil by Air
Exporters use São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport for fast shipments from São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and Brazilian manufacturing and distribution centers to global markets.
Common air exports include:
- Express parcels
- eCommerce orders
- Pharma and healthcare products where permitted
- Medical equipment
- Automotive parts
- Aerospace parts
- Electronics
- Machinery parts
- Industrial components
- Fashion and retail goods
- Textiles
- Food and beverage products where permitted
- Perishables where permitted
- Documents and samples
- High-value goods where accepted
- General commercial air freight
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is useful for exports that need fast delivery, strong international routing, access to São Paulo-area logistics providers, or connections from Brazil to South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other global markets.
Express vs Standard Air Freight
| Option | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Express air freight | Parcels, documents, urgent eCommerce orders | Fastest delivery |
| Standard air freight | Commercial cargo and regular shipments | Balance of speed and cost |
| Consolidated air freight | Smaller shipments | Lower cost than direct air freight |
| Direct air freight | Urgent or high-value cargo | Faster routing |
| International air freight | Imports and exports moving through global airline networks | Global market access |
| Domestic air freight | Brazil domestic shipments and regional distribution | Fast inland delivery |
| Regional air freight | Shipments within South America | Short-haul market access |
| Courier cargo | Small parcels, documents, express imports and exports | Door-to-door parcel movement |
| Temperature-controlled air freight | Pharma, healthcare cargo, perishables, chilled and frozen goods | Protects sensitive cargo |
| High-value air freight | Secure goods, electronics, premium products | Added security and specialist handling |
| Dangerous goods air freight | Batteries, chemicals, restricted cargo | Moves regulated goods when approved |
Use the iContainers transit time calculator to compare shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance at São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
Air cargo through São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport must follow Brazilian customs rules.
Shippers may need:
- Product description
- NCM code or HS code
- Cargo value
- Country of origin
- Shipper and consignee details
- Importer or exporter details
- CNPJ or CPF tax identification details, where required
- Customs broker details, where required
- Import declaration through SISCOMEX or Brazil’s foreign trade systems, where applicable
- Export declaration, where applicable
- Air waybill
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Import license, export license, permit, or approval, when required
- Product certificates, inspection documents, or regulatory approvals where required
Some goods are controlled, restricted, or need extra approval. These may include medicines, food products, cosmetics, medical devices, plants, animals, batteries, chemicals, electronics, textiles, high-value goods, used goods, and products subject to Receita Federal, ANVISA, MAPA, INMETRO, ANATEL, IBAMA, defense, health, food, agricultural, environmental, safety, or technical regulations.
For general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to air freight customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Air Freight Through São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
Most air freight shipments need:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Air waybill
- House air waybill, when using a freight forwarder
- Cargo manifest
- NCM code or HS code
- Import declaration, where applicable
- Export declaration, where applicable
- Importer or exporter details
- CNPJ or CPF tax identification details, where required
- Customs broker details, where required
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Preferential origin documents, when applicable
- Import or export permit or license, when applicable
- Insurance certificate, when applicable
- Bank or exchange documents, when applicable
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Safety data sheet, when applicable
- Lithium battery documents, when applicable
- Temperature-control instructions, when applicable
- Food, health, plant, animal, sanitary, or inspection certificates, when applicable
Incomplete or incorrect documents can delay customs clearance and cargo release.
Common Air Freight Routes From São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
| Route | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to South America | Express cargo, eCommerce parcels, pharma cargo, automotive parts, documents |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to North America | Electronics, automotive parts, machinery parts, medical equipment, urgent freight |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Europe | Pharma cargo, machinery parts, fashion goods, automotive parts, documents |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Asia | Electronics, components, machinery parts, eCommerce cargo, commercial freight |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to the Middle East | Retail goods, documents, electronics, machinery parts, general cargo |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Africa | Medical equipment, pharma cargo, machinery parts, documents, commercial cargo |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Brazil domestic markets | Express parcels, documents, healthcare goods, retail goods, urgent spare parts |
| São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to global cargo networks | Time-sensitive freight, high-value goods, samples, documents, urgent parcels |
Cargo may move by passenger belly cargo, freighter aircraft, express courier network, domestic air service, regional air service, truck-air service, or road feeder service.
When Should You Use São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport Instead of Ocean Freight?
Use air freight through São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport when:
- The shipment is urgent
- The cargo is high-value
- The shipment is small or lightweight
- The goods are time-sensitive
- You are shipping samples or documents
- eCommerce orders need fast delivery
- Pharma or healthcare cargo needs controlled handling
- Electronics or machinery parts are needed urgently
- Automotive or aerospace parts need fast delivery
- Perishables need fast transit
- The cargo is moving through São Paulo, Brazil, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, or global air routes
- Ocean freight transit time is too long
Use ocean freight when cargo is heavy, bulky, low-margin, or not urgent.
How to Get an Air Freight Quote for São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
To get an air freight quote, prepare:
- Origin and destination
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of cartons, boxes, pallets, or ULDs
- Commodity description
- NCM code or HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Required delivery date
- Incoterm
- Service type: express, standard, consolidated, direct, domestic, regional, international, courier, temperature-controlled, high-value, restricted cargo, or dangerous goods
- Customs clearance needs
- Special handling needs
With iContainers, businesses can compare air freight options online and book international shipments digitally.
FAQ About São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is located in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil.
The IATA code is GRU.
Yes. São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is one of Brazil’s most important air cargo gateways and is a major airport for Brazilian imports, exports, courier cargo, domestic cargo, and international freight.
It is best for international air freight, domestic air cargo, express cargo, eCommerce parcels, pharma cargo, electronics, automotive parts, machinery parts, fashion goods, perishables, high-value goods, and urgent shipments.
Yes. São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport is useful for eCommerce shipping because it has courier cargo facilities, domestic cargo connections, and strong access to São Paulo-area fulfillment and delivery networks.
Reference Links
- São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport - Official Website
- GRU Airport Cargo - Cargo Terminal
- GRU Airport - Terminals
- GRU Airport Cargo - Services
- GRU Airport Cargo - Tariffs and Legislation
- Lufthansa Cargo - São Paulo Guarulhos Station
- FedEx Brazil - Customs Documentation Support
- World Customs Organization - Brazil Export Declaration Modernization
- iContainers - Air Freight Shipping Documents
- iContainers - Air Freight Customs Clearance
- IATA - Airport Code Search