# Law No. 3381 of April 24, 1958

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105649124](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105649124)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-3381-of-april-24-1958

## Summary
Law No. 3381 of April 24, 1958 is a Brazilian statute that established the Merchant Marine Fund and the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax, providing financial mechanisms to support the development and maintenance of Brazil's merchant marine fleet. Enacted during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek, this law represents a significant legislative effort to strengthen Brazil's maritime infrastructure and economic capacity through targeted financial instruments and regulatory provisions.

## Key Facts
- **Official Title:** Lei nº 3381, de 24 de abril de 1958
- **Enactment Date:** April 24, 1958
- **Country:** Brazil
- **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (President Juscelino Kubitschek)
- **Type of Legislation:** Statute (formal written document creating law)
- **Main Purpose:** Creation of the Merchant Marine Fund and establishment of the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax
- **Key Subjects Covered:** Financial resources, commissions, goods, economic value, educational institutions, tax collection, import taxes, money transfers, public treasury, deposits, tariffs, rights, creation/maintenance of maritime infrastructure, tax exemptions, revenue generation
- **Geographic Focus:** Includes specific provisions related to Rio Grande do Sul state
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese
- **Publication Location:** Rio de Janeiro (then capital of Brazil)
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 3381/1958
- **Digital Identifiers:**
  - LexML Brazil ID: urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1958-04-24;3381
  - Official Text URL: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l3381.htm
- **Jurisdiction:** Applies to the entire territory of Brazil
- **WikiProject:** Part of WikiProject Brazilian Laws

## FAQs

**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 3381 of April 24, 1958?**
Law No. 3381 of 1958 primarily aims to establish financial mechanisms to support Brazil's merchant marine sector. It creates the Merchant Marine Fund and institutes the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax, providing dedicated funding for the development, maintenance, and modernization of Brazil's commercial shipping fleet and related maritime infrastructure.

**Who approved this law and when was it enacted?**
The law was approved by President Juscelino Kubitschek and promulgated on April 24, 1958. It represents one of many economic development initiatives during Kubitschek's administration (1956-1961), which was characterized by ambitious infrastructure projects and industrialization efforts.

**What specific financial mechanisms does this law establish?**
The law creates two main financial instruments: the Merchant Marine Fund (a dedicated pool of resources) and the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax (a specific levy). These mechanisms were designed to generate and allocate funds for shipbuilding, fleet maintenance, maritime education, and other activities essential to maintaining Brazil's merchant marine capabilities.

**Does this law apply to specific regions within Brazil?**
While the law applies nationally, it includes specific provisions related to Rio Grande do Sul state. This suggests particular attention to maritime activities in southern Brazil, which has important port cities like Porto Alegre and Rio Grande that serve as key hubs for commercial shipping and naval operations.

**What types of activities and entities does this law regulate?**
The legislation covers a broad range of maritime-related activities and entities, including: financial operations and money transfers, import taxes and tariffs, educational institutions (likely maritime schools), construction and maintenance of vessels, tax exemptions for certain maritime activities, revenue generation mechanisms, and the extraction/exploitation of maritime resources.

**Where can the official text of this law be accessed?**
The complete official text is available through multiple Brazilian government portals, including the Presidency's legislation database (https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l3381.htm) and the LexML Brazil legal information system (urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1958-04-24;3381). These platforms provide authoritative, up-to-date versions of Brazilian legislation.

**How does this law fit into Brazil's broader economic development strategy?**
Enacted during Juscelino Kubitschek's presidency, this law aligns with his "Target Plan" (Plano de Metas) which emphasized industrialization and infrastructure development. By strengthening the merchant marine sector, the law supported Brazil's goals of reducing dependence on foreign shipping, expanding international trade capacity, and developing domestic shipbuilding industries.

## Why It Matters

Law No. 3381 of April 24, 1958 represents a crucial component of Brazil's mid-20th century economic development strategy, particularly in establishing the legal and financial foundation for a robust merchant marine sector. This legislation matters because it created dedicated funding mechanisms that enabled Brazil to develop and maintain its commercial shipping fleet, which was essential for international trade, national security, and economic sovereignty during a period of rapid industrialization.

The law's establishment of the Merchant Marine Fund and Renewal Tax provided stable, long-term financing for shipbuilding, fleet modernization, and maritime education—critical elements for maintaining Brazil's competitive position in global shipping markets. By creating these financial instruments, the legislation helped reduce Brazil's dependence on foreign-owned vessels for transporting goods, thereby improving trade balances and supporting domestic industries.

Moreover, the law reflects Brazil's strategic recognition of maritime power as essential to national development. During the 1950s, when this law was enacted, Brazil was undergoing significant economic transformation under President Kubitschek's leadership. The merchant marine sector was identified as a key infrastructure component that would support Brazil's growing industrial base and expanding international trade relationships.

The legislation also demonstrates Brazil's approach to sector-specific economic planning, where targeted financial mechanisms were created to support strategic industries. This model of using dedicated funds and taxes to support specific economic sectors would influence later Brazilian economic policies and development strategies.

## Notable For

- **Establishment of Dedicated Maritime Funding:** Created the Merchant Marine Fund, one of Brazil's first sector-specific financial mechanisms for maritime development
- **Innovative Tax Structure:** Instituted the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax, a novel approach to funding fleet modernization through targeted taxation
- **Presidential Initiative:** Enacted during Juscelino Kubitschek's administration as part of Brazil's ambitious industrialization and infrastructure development program
- **Comprehensive Scope:** Addresses multiple aspects of maritime operations including shipbuilding, maintenance, education, taxation, and resource extraction
- **Regional Focus:** Includes specific provisions for Rio Grande do Sul, recognizing the strategic importance of southern Brazil's ports
- **Historical Context:** Represents Brazil's post-WWII economic development strategy and efforts to achieve maritime self-sufficiency
- **Legal Precedent:** Serves as a model for later Brazilian legislation creating sector-specific development funds
- **Economic Impact:** Contributed to Brazil's ability to expand international trade and reduce dependence on foreign shipping services
- **Multifaceted Approach:** Combines financial mechanisms, tax policies, educational support, and infrastructure development in a single legislative framework
- **Digital Preservation:** Maintains official status in Brazil's digital legal repositories, ensuring continued accessibility and reference

## Body

### Legislative Context and Historical Background

Law No. 3381 of April 24, 1958 was enacted during a transformative period in Brazilian history. The legislation emerged during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek (1956-1961), whose administration implemented the ambitious "Target Plan" (Plano de Metas) aimed at accelerating Brazil's industrialization and infrastructure development. This 30-goal plan targeted key sectors including energy, transportation, food production, and education—with maritime development being a critical component of the transportation strategy.

The law was promulgated in Rio de Janeiro, which served as Brazil's capital until the planned city of Brasília was inaugurated in 1960. This placement in the legislative timeline reflects the transitional period in Brazilian governance and economic planning. The merchant marine sector was identified as strategically important for Brazil's economic sovereignty, as the country sought to reduce its reliance on foreign-owned vessels for transporting exports and imports.

### Core Provisions and Financial Mechanisms

At its core, Law No. 3381 establishes two fundamental financial instruments: the Merchant Marine Fund (Fundo da Marinha Mercante) and the Merchant Marine Renewal Tax (Taxa de Renovação da Marinha Mercante). These mechanisms were designed to create a sustainable funding stream for the development and maintenance of Brazil's commercial shipping fleet.

The Merchant Marine Fund operates as a dedicated pool of financial resources earmarked specifically for maritime development projects. This includes funding for new ship construction, fleet modernization programs, maintenance of existing vessels, and infrastructure improvements at Brazilian ports. The fund's creation represented an innovative approach to sector-specific economic development in Brazil.

The Merchant Marine Renewal Tax functions as a targeted levy imposed on maritime activities and related commercial operations. This tax generates revenue that flows directly into the Merchant Marine Fund, ensuring a continuous source of financing for the sector's development needs. The tax structure was carefully designed to support the maritime industry while distributing the financial burden appropriately across relevant economic activities.

### Scope and Regulatory Framework

The legislation exhibits remarkable comprehensiveness in its regulatory scope, addressing multiple dimensions of maritime operations and related economic activities. Key areas covered by the law include:

**Financial Operations:**
- Money transfers and financial transactions related to maritime commerce
- Deposit requirements and financial guarantees for maritime operations
- Revenue generation and allocation mechanisms

**Taxation and Tariffs:**
- Import tax regulations affecting maritime goods and equipment
- Tariff structures for maritime-related imports and exports
- Tax exemption provisions for certain critical maritime activities

**Educational and Institutional Support:**
- Funding and regulations for maritime educational institutions
- Training programs for merchant marine personnel
- Certification requirements for maritime professionals

**Infrastructure and Operations:**
- Construction and maintenance standards for vessels
- Port infrastructure development and maintenance
- Extraction and exploitation of maritime resources

**Regional Considerations:**
The law includes specific provisions related to Rio Grande do Sul state, demonstrating particular attention to southern Brazil's maritime infrastructure. This regional focus acknowledges the strategic importance of ports in cities like Porto Alegre and Rio Grande, which serve as critical hubs for both domestic coastal shipping and international trade routes.

### Implementation and Governance Structure

Law No. 3381 establishes a governance framework for administering the Merchant Marine Fund and overseeing the collection and allocation of the Renewal Tax. This framework includes:

**Administrative Bodies:**
- Designated government agencies responsible for fund management
- Oversight committees for tax collection and allocation
- Reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability

**Allocation Mechanisms:**
- Criteria for distributing funds to various maritime development projects
- Priority settings for different types of maritime investments
- Performance metrics for funded initiatives

**Compliance and Enforcement:**
- Regulatory requirements for entities benefiting from the fund
- Monitoring systems to track the use of allocated resources
- Penalties for misuse or non-compliance with fund regulations

### Economic and Strategic Impact

The enactment of Law No. 3381 had significant economic and strategic implications for Brazil:

**Trade Capacity Expansion:**
- Enabled Brazil to increase its international shipping capacity
- Reduced dependence on foreign-owned vessels for transporting Brazilian goods
- Improved Brazil's balance of payments by keeping shipping revenues domestic

**Industrial Development:**
- Stimulated growth in Brazil's shipbuilding industry
- Created demand for domestic maritime equipment and services
- Supported the development of related industries such as steel production and engineering

**National Security:**
- Enhanced Brazil's maritime sovereignty and control over shipping routes
- Improved the country's ability to maintain supply chains during international crises
- Strengthened Brazil's position in regional maritime affairs

**Employment and Education:**
- Created jobs in shipbuilding, maritime operations, and port services
- Established funding for maritime education and training programs
- Developed a skilled workforce for Brazil's growing maritime sector

### Relationship to Other Brazilian Legislation

Law No. 3381 operates within a broader framework of Brazilian maritime and economic legislation. It complements other laws and regulations governing:

**Port Operations:** Regulations concerning port management and operations
**Navigation Laws:** Rules governing maritime navigation and safety
**Customs Regulations:** Import/export procedures affecting maritime trade
**Labor Laws:** Employment regulations for maritime workers
**Environmental Laws:** Environmental protections for maritime activities

The law's financial mechanisms are designed to work in conjunction with these related regulatory frameworks, creating a comprehensive system for maritime development.

### Digital Preservation and Accessibility

In the digital age, Law No. 3381 maintains its legal authority and accessibility through Brazil's official digital repositories:

**Official Portals:**
- Planalto.gov.br: The Brazilian Presidency's legislation database
- LexML Brazil: The national legal information system
- National Congress databases

**Digital Identifiers:**
- LexML Brazil ID: urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1958-04-24;3381
- Permanent URLs ensuring stable access to the official text

**Accessibility Features:**
- Multiple formats available (HTML, PDF)
- Searchable text for legal research
- Cross-referenced with related legislation
- Integrated into Brazil's legal knowledge management systems

### Comparative Analysis with International Models

Law No. 3381 reflects international trends in maritime development funding while adapting them to Brazil's specific economic context. Similar models can be observed in:

**United States:** The Maritime Administration's various funding programs
**European Union:** Maritime development funds within the EU budget
**Japan:** Government support for the Japanese shipping industry
**China:** State-backed maritime development initiatives

Brazil's approach combines elements of these international models while tailoring the financial mechanisms to its developing economy and specific maritime needs.

### Long-term Impact and Legacy

The long-term impact of Law No. 3381 can be observed in several aspects of Brazil's maritime sector:

**Fleet Development:**
- Growth in the size and capability of Brazil's merchant fleet
- Modernization of shipping technologies and vessel designs
- Increased Brazilian flag vessels in international trade

**Port Infrastructure:**
- Expansion and modernization of Brazilian ports
- Improved handling capacity and efficiency
- Development of specialized port facilities

**Industry Maturation:**
- Establishment of Brazil as a regional maritime power
- Development of domestic shipbuilding capabilities
- Creation of a comprehensive maritime industrial base

**Policy Influence:**
- Model for subsequent sector-specific development funds
- Influence on later maritime and transportation legislation
- Contribution to Brazil's economic development policy frameworks

### Current Status and Relevance

While enacted in 1958, Law No. 3381 remains in effect and continues to play a role in Brazil's maritime development strategy. The law has undergone various amendments and updates to adapt to changing economic conditions and technological advancements in the shipping industry.

In the contemporary context, the law's provisions continue to support:
- Brazil's expanding offshore oil and gas industry
- The country's growing role in global agricultural exports
- Development of modern port infrastructure
- Training programs for 21st-century maritime professionals

The law's enduring relevance demonstrates the foresight of its original design and its adaptability to Brazil's evolving economic needs.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1958-04-24;3381)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=3381&ano=1958&data=24/04/1958&ato=796gXR650dRRVT831)
3. LexML Brasil