Yes, you’re looking at ~92% tax right there. Final price jumped from ~113 dollars (584BRL) to ~220 dollars.
EDIT: A bit of clarification, when buying from abroad there’s a flat 60% federal tax if the thing + shipping price surpasses 50 dollars. Then there’s a state tax that can vary between 17-25%, which goes on top of the total taxed value. Part of the tax is literally “tax of a tax”
In these areas where bribes are so commonplace for all manner of interactions I just can’t help but wonder how it goes on so long without anyone being desperate enough and wild enough to just pull a gun or a knife and basically say, “My bribe payment to you is just do your damn job and I let you live.”
Or I guess maybe that does happen and then those people get disappeared.
In India, usually they don’t demand a bribe. They will process your file slowly, with the understanding that you can speed it up by bribing them.
From what I understand, Pakistan does not properly regulate weapons. But it would still be rather stupid to threaten a public servant. If you are that sort of person, smiling at the official and remarking on his good health might be a better idea. A less aggressive trick is to let them think that you are from the press / have a camera or microphone / have marked currency.
Have you heard that concept from sociology that the state, through its officials and representatives, holds exclusive rights to legitimately use violence?