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Price of a flag in Brazil: what determines it

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This page is an English translation of the Portuguese original. Where the two versions differ, the Portuguese text is the original.

The price of a flag in Brazil varies widely: a table flag and a 7-pano flag for a pole on a public square are different products. This guide does not give figures, which change with the maker, the quantity and the time of year, but explains what determines the price of a flag and what rights buyers have.

Size and price

The most obvious factor is size, measured in panos of 45 centimetres. Under article 4 of Law 5,700, the normal types run from 1 to 7 panos, and makers also offer half panos. A 7-pano flag, at 3.15 × 4.50 metres, has about 49 times the area of a 1-pano flag. The guide to flag sizes gives the measurements, and the flag size calculator shows the size that goes with each pole height under article 21.

Fabric and price

The fabric weighs on the price and on durability outdoors. In the Federal University of Viçosa’s 2020 purchasing specification, flags for outdoor use are specified in parachute nylon, 100% polyamide, resistant to weather and sunlight, with UV protection. Indoor flags, for panóplias and tables, are less exposed and may use other fabrics. The lifespan of the pole and of the flag also depends on the local wind and sun.

Embroidered or printed

Under article 5(X) of Law 5,700, the two faces of the national flag are exactly the same, with the white band sloping from left to right for the viewer, and making one face the reverse of the other is prohibited. This applies to both embroidered and printed flags. The same Viçosa specification asks for double-sided embroidery on both faces. Embroidery takes more material and labour than printing, and the number of stars, letters and arcs on the Brazilian flag makes the work detailed.

Finish and price

Other details affect the price:

  • stitching: the Viçosa specification asks for triple stitching in nylon thread;
  • the hoist: the part of the flag next to the pole, with reinforced fabric loops at both ends, as in the same specification, or eyelets for snap hooks;
  • hems and edge finishing, which suffer most from the wind;
  • quantity: purchases of several flags, such as the Federal University of Viçosa’s, may include the national, state and municipal flags.

Made-to-order flags and price

Flags of states, municipalities and companies are made from each one’s design. A flag with a company’s logo can be made to order, but never on the national flag: under article 31(II), adding inscriptions to the national flag is an expression of disrespect, prohibited by the law. The rules for corporate flags are in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.

The maker’s mark on the hoist

Under article 38 of Law 5,700, copies of the national flag may not be put on sale or given away unless they carry on the hoist the mark and address of the maker or publisher and the date of manufacture. Article 37 provides for collections of standard copies, among other places at town halls, which serve as the compulsory model and the reference for copies produced publicly or privately.

Consumer rights

The Consumer Protection Code (Law 8,078 of 1990) also applies to flags:

  • information: under article 31, offers provide correct, clear, precise and prominent information, in Portuguese, on the product’s features, composition, price, warranty and origin;
  • cooling-off period: for purchases outside the business premises, such as online or by telephone, the consumer may withdraw within 7 days of receipt, with an immediate refund (article 49);
  • defects: suppliers are liable for quality defects; if a defect is not remedied within 30 days, the consumer may demand a replacement, a refund or a price reduction (article 18);
  • time limits: the right to complain about apparent defects lapses after 30 days for non-durable products and 90 days for durable ones, counted from delivery; for hidden defects, the period starts when the defect appears (article 26);
  • contractual warranty: it is in addition to the legal one and is given in writing (article 50).

The guide on the price of a flagpole covers buying the pole and accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What does the price of a flag depend on?

Mainly on the size in panos, the fabric, the reproduction technique, embroidered or printed, the finish, such as stitching and loops on the hoist, and the quantity. Made-to-order flags of states, municipalities or companies also depend on the design.

Why does an embroidered flag cost more?

Embroidery takes more material and time than printing. As Law 5,700 requires the two faces of the national flag to be exactly the same, an embroidered flag is embroidered on both faces, as provided, for example, in the Federal University of Viçosa’s 2020 purchasing specification.

What does a flag on sale carry by law?

Under article 38 of Law 5,700, copies of the national flag may not be put on sale or given away unless they carry on the hoist the mark and address of the maker or publisher and the date of manufacture.

Can I return a flag bought online?

Under article 49 of the Consumer Protection Code, the consumer may withdraw from the contract within 7 days of signing it or receiving the product, whenever the purchase takes place outside the business premises, and any amounts paid are refunded at once, adjusted for inflation.

How long is there to complain about a defective flag?

Under article 26 of the Consumer Protection Code, the right to complain about apparent defects lapses after 30 days for non-durable products and 90 days for durable products, counted from delivery. For a hidden defect, the period starts when the defect becomes evident.

Sources

This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Portuguese:

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