Country Information - Argentina Country Information - Argentina
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| ISO code: | ar |
| Name: | Argentina |
| Region: | South America |
| Primary language: | Spanish (Castellano) |
| English: | Check first |
| Time zone(s) (from GMT): | -3:00 |
| Telephone country code: | 54 |
| Commercial holidays: | New Year's, January 1; Holy Thursday, Good Friday (varies--April 18-19, 2003/April 8-9, 2004); Labor Day, May 1; Revolution Day, May 25; Malvinas Island Memorial Day (second Monday in June); Flag Day (fourth Monday in June); Independence Day, July 9; Death of General San Martin (August 17); Columbus Day, October 12; Immaculate Conception, December 8; Christmas, December 25; Bank holiday, December 31. For further details on holidays, see also http://www.holidayfestival.com/. |
| Major berth service ports: | Most cargo service is into Buenos Aires, (http://www.bairesport.gov.ar/) other major ports are Quequen, Rosario, and Bahia Blanca. U.S. Schedule K port codes, as needed for AES, are available at this site: http://www.marad.dot.gov/statistics/schedulek/schedulek.html. |
| Major international airports: | Buenos Aires - Ezeiza: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (airport code: EZE) Cordoba (airport code: COR) A listing of airport codes is available at this site: http://www.flyaow.com/citycodeg.htm. |
| U.S. export restrictions: | Normal U.S. export requirements and restrictions apply. For detailed U.S. export information, please refer to GISTnet library coverage of this topic under U.S. Export Regulations. You may also refer directly to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as a starting point for export restrictions, and the U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) for export declaration requirements. |
| Relevant trade agreements: | Argentina is a member of MERCOSUR (Mercado Commun del Sur - Common Market of the South))http://www.mercosur.com/ along with Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Chile and Bolivia are associate members. Argentina is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). http://www.wto.org/. Argentina belongs to the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA or ALADI - Asociacion Latinamericana de Integracion) with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras (http://www.aladi.org/) |
| General import information and restrictions: | Argentina uses a common external (external to MERCOSUR) tariff based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for commodity classification. Transportation documents should be in Spanish or carry a Spanish translation. There is an import quota system for automobiles and autmobile parts. These quotas are likely to be phased out gradually by 2006. In addition, temporary quotas exist on paper, pulp, and footwear. |
| Import license/permit requirements: | Import licenses are required for statistical purposes on the following commodities: certain plastics and products made of plastic; products made of paperboard; textile products; apparel; footwear; wood and articles made of wood; books, newspapers, and other printed products; iron, steel, and metal products; capital goods; furniture; and toys. A separate license is required for each customs classification code of goods. Exemptions are: import transactions of less than FOB $800, goods imported under the "Postal Regime"; goods imported under the "Sample Regime"; goods imported under the "Automotive Industry Regime" to be included in a production process; goods covered by decree 732/72 "Science, Art, Technical and Human Health"; and donations covered by the article 17 of Law 23.871. |
| Letter of credit or foreign exchange controls: | The peso is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. There is now a dual exchange rate system comprised of an official fixed rate and a free floating peso market rate. Non-essential imports must be settled using the free floating rate. Raw materials, capital goods and goods deemed essential by the Secretariat of Industry and International Trade may be imported using the fixed rate. See the U.S. International Trade Administration for more detailed financial information. The central bank is Banco Central de la Republica Argentina, http://www.bcra.gov.ar/. The unit of currency is the peso (ARA). |
| Official Packaging and Labeling Requirements: | Special regulations apply to wood packing material. All transport documents (B/Ls) having an Argentinian port of destination, or port of transit, that include any wood packing materials (for example pallets or dunnage) must include a special declaration. See APHIS at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/SWPArgentina.html, and also the Argentine Phytosanitary Authority, SENASA, at http://www.senasa.gov.ar/. Coordinate closely with your agent in Argentina to verify latest details and minimize risk of fines or penalties. In addition, follow standard shipping practices. Packages should be numbered if there are more than one in a shipment. Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP). Specific packaging and labeling requirements may apply to certain products and commodities. Exporters should check with their customer for applicable product-specific requirements, if any. |
| ATA Carnet: | Not accepted |
| Commercial invoice: | Required for commercial shipments, the invoice should be written in Spanish or if English is used, a Spanish translation must be shown just below the English text. Each copy must be signed manually, in ink, by an authorized member of the exporting company. The full name and title of this individual must be typed directly below the signature. If the invoice is completed by the shipper or an agent, a responsible representative of the shipping company or agent's firm should sign the invoice as well in the same manner, giving the full name of the firm as agents for the exporter or manufacturer. Electronic documents with electronic signatures are acceptable if the certifying company has obtained eligibility by completing a licensing procedure. In general, conform to information requirements described in definition of commercial invoice. Provide at least three (3) original signed copies to be forwarded to consignee or consignee's agent. For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Common/Generic Documentation Requirements and General Document Distribution procedures. For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo AWB. For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice. All commercial invoices must bear the following signed declaration: "Declaro bajo juramento que todos los datos que contiene esta factura son el fiel reflejo de la verdad y que los precios indicados son los realmente pagados a pagarse. Declaro en igual forma que no existen convenios que permitan alteraciones en estos precios." (I declare under oath that the data contained in this invoice are accurate and that the prices indicated are those actually paid or to be paid. I declare on the same form that no agreements exist that allow alteration of these prices.) |
| Packing list: | In general, a packing list is required in Spanish for all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo when the exact content of each package is not already clearly identified with its respective gross and net weight, and marks and numbers, on the commercial invoice. See definition of packing list for required information, which must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice. Include least three (3) copies as part of shipping documents provided to consignee. |
| Transport document: | A special declaration is required if the shipment contains any wood packing materials. Please coordinate closely with your agent or customer in Argentina as the importer will be at risk of fines and penalties. A properly prepared original and at least (1) negotiable copy of a transport document are required. For ocean cargo, an ocean bill of lading is required. Include the ship's name and name of its captain, its tonnage and place of registry, the names of both the shipper and consignee, the number of packages in the shipment with full description of the contents of each package, all marks and numbers, where the shipment was loaded and destination port, and information about freight charges and payment particulars. On a bill of lading (B/L) to Argentina the signatures of the shipper and the captain must be done manually. Electronic documents with electronic signature are accepted if the certifying company has completed the necessary licensing procedures. Freight charges must be shown on the B/L. (For detailed information on completing a bill of lading, please see our interactive bill of lading exhibit. Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box.) For air cargo, an airwaybill (AWB) is required. On an airwaybill, freight forwarding and/or agent's fees may not be on a freight collect basis, these fees must be prepaid. |
| Certificate of origin: | Required for consumer goods, textiles, footwear, apparel, printing machines and machine tools. May be required by the importer, bank, or contract terms. When required, prepare three (3) copies using general certificate of origin (CO, C/O) form. The document must be certified by a local chamber of commerce and receive consular legalization. In general, three (3) copies are needed with the shipment, in addition extra notarized copies may be required by the chamber and the consulate. |
| Consular legalization: | Required for certificate of origin (CO, C/O) as well as other special certificates, if applicable. Necessary for certificates concerning imports of used capital equipment which require certification from a recognized technical organization in the country of origin or export that the machinery has been properly repaired or re-manufactured. Follow instructions issued by the importer in Argentina, if any, or contact the nearest consular office to determine exact requirements. Certification by a recognized chamber of commerce is a prerequisite to legalization. |
| Cargo insurance: | An insurance certificate is required if the exporter is the party purchasing insurance. In general, any shipper, wishing to protect his interests in the cargo in the event of loss or damage prior to delivery to ultimate consignee should cover cargo with either an FOB/FAS clause or contingency insurance clause coverage. |
| Plants: | A sworn exporter declaration must be provided if any wood packing is contained in the shipment. See APHIS at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/SWPArgentina.html for details. Many regulations apply to agricultural products. Some vegetables and plants are prohibited. A phytosanitary certificate is required for importation of plants and unprocessed plant products. APHIS inspects and certifies live plants and unprocessed plant products to assure that they conform to health and sanitary requirements prescribed by the country of destination. Specific country requirements may be obtained from the APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-8537; fax: (301) 734-5786 (Plant Protection and Quarantine), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/exports/, who have access to the EXCERPT database. Most exporters of plant products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local state or country agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) phytosanitary certificate. Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports, or by delegated state and county agricultural inspectors operating in or close to production/packaging facilities. A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| Animals: | An import permit is required for products and byproducts of animal and seafood origin. Many restrictions apply to livestock and animal products. A health certificate issued by the USDA is required for animals and unprocessed animal products. Specific country requirements may be obtained from APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-7885, fax: (301) 734-6402, (Veterinary Services), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/. Most exporters of animals and animal products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local, state, or county agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) health certificate or (in the case of certain animal products, a phytosanitary certificate). Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports. A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| Processed Food: | Foods packaged for consumption must be approved for import by the National Chemistry Board and the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Foodstuffs also must be registered with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Certificate of analysis may be required. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has helpful international information available at http://www.fda.gov/oia/foodcosm.htm, and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has information for exporters at http://www.fas.usda.gov/agexport/requires.html. In any case, exporters should consult closely with their customers to make sure all requirements are met. |
| Pharmaceuticals: | A certificate of analysis and a free sale certificate are required for certain drugs and pharmaceuticals. Contact: Food and Drug Administration, HFD-310, 7520 Standish Place, Room 166, Rockville, MD 20855, tel: (301) 594-3150; fax: (301) 594-0165. http://www.fda.gov/oia/drugnew.htm (Note: Scroll down on the page to see the information on obtaining a certificate for export of pharmaceutical products.) Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| General consumer products: | Wine imports are required to have a certificate of analysis, and a free sale certificate. U.S. wineries must also supply a certificate from the Wine Institute. A certificate of conformity is required for electrical products. Certificate must be issued by an organization that is accredited by the Argentine Accreditation Organization (Organismo Argentino de Acreditacion-OAA). Additional information is available from OAA, Avenida Leandro Alem 1067, Piso 7, 1001 Buenos Aires; tel: (11) 4-313-4008 or 4-313-3013; fax: (11) 4-313-2130. Restrictions are generally in place for the importation of sugar, many fruits and vegetables, some wood products, veterinarian products containing certain chemicals, and used spare parts (unless they are imported for reconditioning by the original manufacturer and accompanied by the manufacturer's guarantee certificate). Prohibited articles include some used motor vehicles, certain chemicals, and used clothing unless it is donated to the government. |
| Other products: | Imports of used capital equipment require certification. The certificate must be legalized by an Argentine Consulate or the commercial section of an Argentine Embassy. PCBs and products containing PCBs are prohibited. |
| Consular missions in U.S.: | Atlanta: Consulate General, Marquis One Tower, Suite 2101, 245 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, tel: (404) 880-0805; fax: (404) 880-0806; email: atlarg@winstarmail.com ; http://www.consuladoargentinoatlanta.org . Chicago: Consulate General, 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 4209, Chicago, IL 60601, tel: (312) 819-2620; fax: (312) 819-2612; http://www.uic.edu/orgs/argentina. Houston: Consulate General, 3050 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1625, Houston, TX 77056 (713) 993-0315; fax: (713) 871-0635. Los Angeles: Consulate General, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90036, tel: (323) 954-9155; fax: (323) 934-9076; email: arconsul@pacbell.net; http://www.consuladoargentino-losangeles.org/. Miami: Consulate General, 800 Brickell Ave., Penthouse 1, Miami, FL 33131, tel: (305) 358-0530; fax: (305) 371-7108; email: cmiam@earthlink.net; http://www.consuladoargentinoenmiami.org. New York: Consulate General, 12 W. 56th St., New York, N.Y. 10019, tel: (212) 603-0445; fax: (212) 541-7746; email: fcnyor@mrecic.gov.ar; http://www.consuladoargentinoennuevayork.com. Washington D.C.: Embassy, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: (202) 939-6400, (202) 238-6416 (commercial section); fax: (202) 332-3171, (202) 238-6447 (commercial section); email: info@embajadaargentinaeeuu.org. Consular section, 1811 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel: (202) 238-6460; fax: (202) 332-3171; email: seconswash@sysnet.net; http://www.embajadaargentinaeeuu.org/espanol/home/home.htm (in Spanish). |
| Representative chamber of commerce: | Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce Inc., 630 Fifth Ave. 25th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10111, tel: (212) 698-2238; fax: (212) 698-2239; http://www.argentinechamber.org/index.html. American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina (AMCHAM) http://www.amchamar.com.ar/. |
| Government information: | Government website: http://www.info.gov.ar/gateway.html
Ministry of the Economy and Public Works, Hipolito Yrigoyen 250, 1310 Buenos Aires, tel: (11) 4-349-8801; fax: (11) 4-349-8815. Direccion General de Aduanas (Customs Bureau), (Administracion Federal de Ingresos Publicos - AFIP), Azopardo 350, C1107ADD Buenos Aires, Argentina, tel: (54-11) 4338-6400/6640/6641/6642; fax: (54-11) 4338-6644; http://www.afip.gov.ar/ (in Spanish). Secretaria de Comercio (Secretariat of Trade), Av. Julio A. Roca 651, Piso 2, Of. 213, C1067ABB Buenos Aires, tel: (54-11) 4349-3143/3450, fax: (54-11) 4349-3264; email: dgeorgi@mecon.gov.ar. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Commercio Internacional Y Culto (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship), Esmeralda 1212, Piso 13, C1007ABP Buenos Aires, Argentina, tel: (54-11) 4819-7000; fax: (54-11) 4819-7324; http://www.cancilleria.gov.ar. |
| U.S. Embassy (commercial attaché): | U.S. Embassy, Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires, Argentina, tel: 5777-4533; fax: 54-11-5777-4240; http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/ar1/wwwh0100.html. |
| U.S. Country Commercial Guide: | http://www.usatrade.gov/website/ccg.nsf/ShowCCG |
| U.S. ITA Trade Information: | http://www.trade.gov/td/tic/ |
| Other: | Argentine Economic Office, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel: (202) 238-6416; fax: (202) 238-6447. |
| Business Customs: | No visa required for U.S. tourist or business travelers for stays of up to 90 days. Visa extensions may be obtained in Argentina. All business in Argentina is transacted in Spanish, and all documents and records must be in Spanish to constitute valid evidence. Although most Argentines with a secondary school education understand English, a good working knowledge of Spanish is essential for anyone planning to work in Argentina for any length of time. For U.S. business people who speak Spanish, note that the Argentine version of Spanish (Castellano) has distinct differences in pronunciation, cadence and vocabulary. Any printed matter translated into Spanish should be reviewed first by a native Argentine to assure its suitability in Argentina. A prior appointment for a business call is usually necessary and considered a courtesy. Negotiations are based on personal contacts. Business dress, appearance and general approach should be conservative. |