No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Brazil under the Federal Constitution (Article 7, XXXIII) and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA, Law No. 8.069/1990). Exceptions exist only for cultural or artistic activities with prior judicial authorization, strictly regulated by the Superior Labor Court (TST) and the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE). Violations trigger administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under Law No. 12.690/2012.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Brazil
- Absolute Prohibition: The ECA (Article 60) bans any employment for children under 14, except in apprenticeship programs under Law No. 10.097/2000, which require formal contracts and educational components.
- Judicial Oversight: Cultural or artistic work requires prior approval from the Child and Adolescent Court (Vara da Infância e Juventude), ensuring compliance with safeguards under Resolution No. 181/2018 of the National Council of Justice (CNJ).
- Enforcement Mechanisms: The MTE’s Fiscalização do Trabalho conducts unannounced inspections, while the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) prosecutes violations, including fines up to R$ 5,000 per child (Ordinance No. 1.129/2017).
Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital monitoring via the Cadastro de Empregadores Flagelados (CEF), integrating with state-level social services to detect illegal child labor in agriculture and informal sectors. Non-compliance risks reputational damage for corporations under Brazil’s 2023 Due Diligence Law (No. 14.457/2023).