This study shows a stratigraphic analysis with emphasis on the coal-bearing strata of the Early Permian package in southernmost Brazil (Paraná Basin). The studied interval comprises the Early Permian lithostratigraphic units Harare, Rio Bonito, Palermo and Irati (base). Eight facies associations are recognized, and are presented within a third order stratigraphic framework, linked by systems tracts, limited by flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries. Some of the South-Brazilian coal seams were originated in fluvial settings, but the most important coals were deposited in a lagoon-barrier system.This study shows a stratigraphic analysis with emphasis on the coal-bearing strata of the Early Permian package in southernmost Brazil (Paraná Basin). The studied interval comprises the Early Permian lithostratigraphic units Harare, Rio Bonito, Palermo and Irati (base). Eight facies associations are recognized, and are presented within a third order stratigraphic framework, linked by systems tracts, limited by flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries. Some of the South-Brazilian coal seams were originated in fluvial settings, but the most important coals were deposited in a lagoon-barrier system.