Argentina: Import (general)
Important: Be sure to check both general and product-based categories for relevant information. Product-based categories include parts and accessories unless otherwise specified. See disclaimer below and use independent care before relying on this information.
(Last updated on 2013-02-01)
Customs clearance is required.
Simplified import procedure: Under Decree 161/99 and Resolution AFIP 503/99 Argentina established an Simplified Importation System so that imports can be cleared using a simplified procedure. This option may be chosen provided the following:
Goods imported under this simplified are subject to a unified 50% import fee on the CIF value, which covers import duties and other taxes and rates of whatever nature.
(Last updated on 2013-01-24)
Imports valued less than USD 3,000.00 and weighing less than 50 kg (110 lbs.) may be cleared using simplified clearance procedures. See above under "Customs clearance/entry requirements".
(Last updated on 2012-12-08)
Argentina uses a tariff based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for commodity classification.
In January 2013, Argentina raised import tariffs to 35% on products from non-Mercosur countries.
Additional taxes/surcharges which may apply:
For information on tariffs and customs regulations contact:
For general tariff and tax information see Laws, Customs, Tariff and Tax Information. For more information on tariffs in Argentina and other countries please see Tariff Information.
(Last updated on 2013-02-04)
Specific duty rates apply to certain products. Certain products may be subject to "mixed duties" which consists of a combination of ad valorem and specific duties.
Minimum specific duties apply to certain textile products, footwear, peaches, and toys.
Ad valorem duties are based on the CIF value of the goods (at port of entry in Argentina).
Note: Reference import values or minimum import prices are applied to certain goods. These goods may be subject to higher tax rates or may not be eligible for certain tax benefits. If the minimum import price exceeds the declared customs value, a deposit for additional taxes may be required in order to obtain the goods from customs custody.
Products subject to reference pricing may include the following: matches; certain plastic sheets, film, foil and strips; rubber bicycle tubes; wooden; compact discs; fungicides; electrical terminals; low density polyethylene; cermet manufactures; fiberglass tissue; iron and steel tubes; tires; refrigerators; washing machines. The list of products subject to import values changes frequently; contact the importer in Argentina for a current list.
(Last updated on 2013-01-24)
AFIP approval: The importer must have prior approval from the Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP). Application can be made through the AFIP online system (MARIA), and is accessible to Customs Brokers through submission of the a DJAI.
Import License: An import license is required for customs clearance. (Resolution MEOSP 17/99). A separate license is required for each customs classification.
Automatic license: Most goods are eligible for automatic licensing (Licencia Automática de Importación - LAPI). Under this process, in order to obtain customs clearance, an application form must be filed/registered with the Under Secretariat of Foreign Trade Management at the Secretariat of Industry, Commerce, and Small & Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs). This application is typically approved within 48 hours and is valid for 60 days. For certain sensitive goods the process may take up to 10 days. If no reply (from the Under Secretariat) is received within 10 days, the goods are considered automatically approved.
Non-automatic license: A non-automatic license is required for bicycles. Effective January 25, 2013, as per Argentina Resolution 11/2013, the requirement for non-automatic licenses for certain goods has been eliminated. Non-automatic import licenses are therefore no longer required for paper, household products, toys, shoes, motorbikes, bicycle equipment, balls, textile products, shoe materials, metal products, woven and knitted items, tires, screws, auto-parts, vehicles and tools.
(Last updated on 2013-02-04)
Prohibited articles include some used motor vehicles, certain chemicals, telephone terminals, and raw cotton.
Used clothing is prohibited unless it is donated to the government.
Certain food additives and dyes are prohibited.
Imports containing any dangerous chemicals or substances are prohibited.
Pet food that contains ruminant origin materials is also prohibited.
(Last updated on 2011-09-06)
Foreign exchange is controlled by the government through the Banco Central de la Rep. Argentina, Reconquista 266, AR-C1003ABF Buenos Aires; phone: +54 4348 3500
There is a Dual Exchange Rate System comprised of an official fixed rate and a free floating peso market rate. Most payment transactions require that a bank transfer the payment and that payments can not be made without proof of customs clearance or a legal commitment that goods will clear customs upon arrival.
Non-essential imports must be settled using the free floating rate. Raw materials, capital goods and goods deemed essential by the Secretariat of Trade and International Economic Relation may be imported using the fixed rate.
US exporters also check information provided by the US Commercial Service Argentina. Some of this information is also of interest to exporters from other countries. For details contact US Commercial Service in Argentina; phoone: +54 11 5777 4683; email josette.fiore@trade.gov
The unit of currency is the ARS = Argentine Peso [$] (subdivided into 100 Centavos).
The peso is no longer pegged to the USD.
(Last updated on 2012-12-08)
One original and three (3) copies of a commercial invoice are required for commercial shipments.
The original should say "Original Invoice." Photocopies, carbons or faxed copies may not be used as an original invoice.
The invoice should be written in Spanish; or, if English is used, a Spanish translation must be shown just below the English text.
The following information should be included on the invoice:
The original and 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. Consular legalization is not required.
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.")
For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo AWB.
For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice.
For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Commercial Invoice and Shipping Document Distribution Based on Specific Functional Needs.
(Last updated on 2013-02-02)
A packing list, in Spanish, is required.
In general, it is recommended that a packing list be used with all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo. Most countries require a packing list be provided together with the commercial invoice. The required information must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice.
At least three (3) copies of the packing list should be included as part of the shipping documents sent to the consignee or the agent thereof. The exact contents of each package should be clearly identified. This should include each item's gross weight and net weight and each package's marks and numbers.
(Last updated on 2012-11-01)
A properly prepared transport document is required, not only for transportation purposes, but also for use as a Source Document with respect to the destination Customs Manifest.
At least one (1) negotiable copy of a Transport Document is required. An original and additional non-negotiable copies are recommended as they may be required by the importer, the shipping line, or for a Letter of Credit. Make sure that the importer's instructions are followed to the letter.
Note: According to Official Argentinean Customs General Resolution: 2879/10 the following information must appear on the transport document for all import cargo to Argentina:
The above information is mandatory and must be submitted to the carrier prior to loading.
Effective date for all items of information (other than C.U.I.T. number and NCM number): May 2010.
Include ship's name and name of its captain and its tonnage and place of registry. Show Marks and Numbers for total shipment and separately for each package. Include information about Freight Charges and payment particulars ("Freight Prepaid" or "Freight Payable at Destination"). Freight charges must be shown on the B/L.
On a Bill of Lading (B/L) to Argentina, the signatures of the shipper and the captain must be written manually. Electronic documents with electronic signatures are accepted if the certifying company has completed the necessary licensing procedures. For ocean cargo, an Ocean Bill of Lading is required.
For detailed information on completing bill of lading, see Interactive Bill of Lading Exhibit (scroll down to see form, and click on any field for details on information that goes into particular box).
For air cargo, an Airwaybill (AWB) is required. On an airway bill, freight forwarding and/or agent's fees may not be on a freight collect basis, as these fees must be prepaid.
(Last updated on 2013-02-02)
A certificate of origin (CO, C/O) may be required for consumer goods, textiles, footwear, apparel, printing machines and machine tools, and is required for imported wine.
It may be required by the importer, bank, letter of credit or contract terms.
When required, prepare three (3) copies using the general form.
The document also must be certified by a local chamber of commerce and receive consular legalization.
(Last updated on 2012-10-04)
An insurance certificate is required when the exporter is the party purchasing insurance.
In general, any shippers, wishing to protect their interests in the cargo in the event of loss or damage prior to delivery to the ultimate consignee should cover the cargo with either an FOB/FAS clause or contingency insurance clause coverage.
Such marine insurance may be obtained from any insurance company.
(Last updated on 2011-09-06)
All Wood Packing Material (WPM) must be made from debarked wood. It must be treated, certified and stamped with the internationally standard WPM Mark, according to the ISPM-15 Standard.
Review "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures" document as outlined in Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade, issued by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Plant Protection Service, U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100 Rome, Italy; fax: +39 6 570 56347; email: ippc@fao.org
Contact: Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) (National Agroalimentation Health and Quality Service), Av. Paseo Colon 315 4º B, POB 1063, Buenos Aires phone: +54 11 4121 5176 and +54 11 4121 51777; fax: +54 11 4121 5181; email: dnpv@senasa.gov.ar; dquiroga@senasa.gov.ar
(Last updated on 2013-02-02)
In addition, follow standard shipping practices. Each package in a multiple package shipment should be individually numbered. (e.g. 1/6, 2/6, etc.)
Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP).
Additional requirements for dangerous goods may apply.
(Last updated on 2012-10-05)
Labeling: All products imported into Argentina must be labeled in accordance with Law 22802/83 that essentially states the following:
Packaging: Additional packaging requirements apply to certain products such as fruits and vegetables. Exporters should consult with their customer regarding specific product requirements.
(Last updated on 2013-02-04)
Product standards are regulated by the Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación (IRAM), Perú 552/556, AR-C1068AAB Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4346 0648; fax: +54 11 4346 0651; email: ltrama@iram.org.ar
Also see ISO Standards Membership and IRAM details (web-site in Spanish only).
Note: Certain products are subject to MERCOSUR standards.
(Last updated on 2013-04-05)
The ATA Carnet is not accepted in this country.
An ATA Carnet is obtained in the country from which the goods are to be first exported (see list of participating countries). Initiating and governing authority for ATA Carnets is the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), 38, Cours Albert 1er, F-75008 Paris, France; phone: +33 149 532828; fax: +33 149 532859
Note: An ATA Carnet is typically accepted for Commercial Samples, Exhibitions and Fairs, and/or Professional Equipment. An ATA Carnet does not cover perishable or consumable items, nor goods for processing or repair. Some countries are more restrictive in the scope of allowances for temporary imports covered by ATA Carnet. It is recommended that prior verification be made with the issuing agency.
(Last updated on 2013-04-30)
Important: Exercise independent care before relying on information contained herein. Although we strive to ensure all information is correct and current, GISTnet assumes no liability for detrimental reliance on this information. Trade requirements may change with little or no prior notification, de-facto requirements in certain countries vary from official regulations, and particular shipments and/or importers may have special destination customs arrangements. We encourage you to check with the importer or its customs agent in the destination country for specific importation requirements for specific products and circumstances. We ask your help with feedback (cidb@gistnet.com) concerning information which may be outdated or incomplete.
