The seeds of Enterolobium contortisiliquum show dormancy caused by seedcoat impermeability to water. In order to determine the best methodology to break the dorrnancy at the laboratory, the seeds from four different origins were submitted to the following treatments: (1) immersion in water at room temperature for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours; (2) immersion in water at 100°C for 2 and 3 minutes and until the equilibrium with room temperature; (3) immersion in sulfuric acid 75% for 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes; and the control. The results showed that the seeds of control germinated slowly and that in some lots there was no germination after 90 days of test. The seeds from different origins showed different dormancy grades and results to treatments. In the conditions of this work, the treatments with sulfuric acid were the most effective to overcome seed dormancy.