Argentina: Import (general)

General import regulations and requirements

NEW IMPORT LICENSE REQUIREMENT:
Beginning February 1, 2012, for all cargo shipped to Argentina, the importer must have a DJAI special import license (Declaración Jurada Anticipada de Importación). This applies to all air, sea and truck shipments with documents dated after January 31, 2012. If the cargo arrives and the DJAI license is not presented, the goods will be refused and will have to be "reshipped".
See Argentina Customs Website for more information
(in Spanish only).

Transportation documents must be in Spanish or carry an accurate Spanish translation.

Fines are assessed for inaccurate or false declarations on documentation.
Also, fines are assessed if shipping documents are not presented for customs clearance within 15 days of shipment.

(Last updated on 2012-04-25)

Customs clearance procedures and requirements

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:

• Importer is listed in the Registry of Importers and Exporters of the Argentine Customs Bureau.
• Imports are less than USD 3'000.00 and weigh less than 50 kg. (10 lbs.)
• Each importer does not exceed four (4) operations per month.
• Goods are new, unused, and do not require reconditioning.
• Goods must be not be prohibited, or subject to quota or regulated by other agencies.

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 2012-02-13)

Samples, low value and non-commercial importations

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 2012-02-13)

Import customs tariff

Argentina uses a tariff based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) for commodity classification. MERCOSUR's common external tariff is applicable for most products.

Additional taxes/surcharges which may apply:

• A 0.5 % import statistical tax, based on the CIF value, is levied on most imports, except computer and telecommunications goods, capital goods, fuel, some paper goods, books, periodicals, arms, samples, emergency shipments, and duty-free products.
• Most imports are subject to a 21% value added tax (VAT).
• Excise taxes apply to certain goods.
• Goods may be subject to a 3% tax on future anticipated profits.

For 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 2011-09-06)

General import license/permit requirements

Importers must be registered with customs in order to obtain customs clearance of goods.

Import licenses for many products have been eliminated. 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.
There are exemptions for: import transactions of less than FOB USD 800.00; 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 for "Science, Art, Technical and Human Health"; and donations covered by Article 17 of Law 23.871.
Import permits are required for: explosives, arms, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, toiletries, insecticides, veterinary items, certain food products, and artificial sweeteners.
Government authorization is required for: certain vehicles, footwear, carpets, paper, and publications.
Professional equipment, tools, and personal computers must be registered with customs prior to import into or export from Argentina.

There are restrictions on the importation of veterinarian products containing certain chemicals.

There are restrictions on the importation of used spare parts (unless they are imported for reconditioning by the original manufacturer and accompanied by the manufacturer's guarantee certificate).

(Last updated on 2012-04-23)

Prohibited or highly restricted imports

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 controls and letters of credit

The peso is no longer pegged to the USD.
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.
The central bank is Banco Central de la Rep. Argentina, Reconquista 266, C1003ABF Buenos Aires; phone: +54 4348 3500

The unit of currency is the peso (ARA).

(Last updated on 2012-04-24)

Commercial invoice

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:

• Invoice number
• Date and place
• Full names and addresses of both exporter and consignee
• Full name and address of forwarding agent (if applicable)
• Product name and description of goods
• Invoice value, unit price
• Payment terms and delivery terms
• Place of origin
• Port of export
• Mode of transportation
• Entry port

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 2011-09-06)

Packing list

It is recommended that a packing list be established for all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo. For most destination countries it is mandatory to provide a packing list together with the commercial invoice

The exact contents of each package is to be clearly identified with its respective gross weight and net weight, and with its marks and numbers.

Include at least 3 copies of the packing list as part of the shipping documents provided to the consignee.

See definition of packing list for required information, which must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice.

(Last updated on 2012-04-25)

Transport document

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:

• Shipper information: name and address.
• Consignee information: name, full address, telephone number, fax number, contact person.
• C.U.I.T. number (Código Único de Identificación Tributaria [Unique Code for Taxpaying Identification]) must be included with the consignee information, beginning August 15, 2010
• Notify party information including C.U.I.T. number
• Accurate description of goods (general descriptions will not be accepted)
• Quantity (number), weight and volume (cubic meters) of each package
• Gross weight and volume of the total shipment
• NCM number (Harmonized code number) - 6 digits; must appear under description of goods, under each commodity description, beginning September 1, 2010.
• Place of origin of the goods.
• Loading port
• Discharge port
• Place of final delivery
• Container numbers, quantity and type of container(s), and seal number(s) of each container
• For consolidated cargo: if the consignee is a forwarder and not the final recipient of the cargo, the statement "Consolidated Cargo" must be included in the cargo description section.
• For dangerous goods, also provide: hazard class and/or hazard division, UN Number, packing group, applicable technical name, as well as an emergency response telephone number.

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 a bill of lading, 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 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 2012-04-24)

Certificate of Origin (general)

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 2011-09-06)

Official cargo insurance requirements

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)

Wood packaging materials

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; e-mail: 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; e-mail: dnpv@senasa.gov.ar; dquiroga@senasa.gov.ar

(Last updated on 2012-02-15)

Shipment packaging and marking requirements

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 2011-09-06)

Product packaging/labeling requirements

Labeling: All products imported into Argentina must be labeled in accordance with Law 22802/83 that essentially states the following:

• All products should be labeled in Spanish (except for foreign phrases commonly used in trade). An original label on the product in a different language is acceptable as long as there is a sticker or label affixed to the package in Spanish.
• It is forbidden to use any symbol or language that may be misleading concerning the nature or characteristics of the product.

Information on labels must be in metric system units.
Additional labeling requirements apply to certain products such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, fertilizers, foods and beverages, fruits and vegetables, hazardous materials, textiles, apparel and footwear.
For more information on labeling requirements, contact Direccion de Lealtad Comercial, Secretariat de Coordinacion Tecnica, Ministerio de Economia y Produccion, Av. Julio A. Roca 651, Piso 4, Of. 26, C1067ABB Buenos Aires, tel: +54 11 4349-4075; fax: +54 11 4349-3755.

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 2011-09-06)

ATA carnets

ATA Carnets are NOT accepted in this country.

See information on ATA Carnets as presented by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): 38, cours Albert 1er; F-75008 Paris; France; tel: +33 149 532828; fax: +33 149 532859.

Carnets ATA are currently accepted in over 75 countries. For a list of participating countries see Countries that accept Carnets.

(Last updated on 2012-04-04)