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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.
Regulatory agency:
Documentation:
Permit/License: An import permit is required for many products and by-products of animal and seafood origin.
Restrictions/requirements:
Note: Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, exporters should confer with their importer prior to shipment.
(Last updated on 2018-11-07)
Live animals require approval from the Ministry of Agriculture. For information contact: Ministry of Agriculture, Av. Passeo Colon 982, C.P. 1063 CABA, Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4349 2000.
Live animals must be quarantined.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
Imports of animal products are regulated by:
Special certificates may be required for dairy products from certain countries (including the U.S.).
An import permit is required.
Products must come from approved facilities.
(Last updated on 2018-10-19)
Imports of animal products are regulated by:
An import permit is required.
Imports of animal products must come from an approved facility.
Pork products are subject to special requirements, including registration and special certification.
General requirements for shipping meat and meat products (applicable to most countries):
(Last updated on 2018-10-30)
Imports of animals and animal products are regulated by:
Imports of animal products must come from an approved facility.
An import permit is required.
Note: Poultry and eggs are subject to special regulations.
(Last updated on 2018-10-19)
Imports of animal products are regulated by the:
Special certificates may be required for seafood products from certain countries (including the U.S.).
An import permit is required.
Imports of animal and seafood products must come from an approved facility.
A free sale certificate is required for seafood products.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
Pet food that contains ruminant origin materials is prohibited.
Prior government approval is required for veterinary products.
A free sale certificate is required for pet foods.
(Last updated on 2018-10-19)
This country is a member of CITES (Convention on Int'l Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora), an international agreement between governments.
(Last updated on 2022-04-22)
Regulatory agency: Imports of plants and plant products are regulated by:
Document requirements:
Restrictions and/or special regulations and prohibitions:
Entry and Inspection: Plants and plant products must enter through specific ports and are subject to inspection at port of entry in Argentina.
Note: Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
Goods subject to restrictions and/or special regulations: sugar; many fruits and vegetables; cotton seeds; potatoes; and barreled apples.
Some vegetables and plants are prohibited.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
A certificate of origin is required for wood fiberboard.
(Last updated on 2019-08-20)
Prior government approval is required for food products.
Food products are subject to the requirements of the Código Alimentario Argentino [CAA] (Argentine Food Code). These requirements are enforced by the Sistema Nacional de Control de los Alimentos [SNCA] (National Food Inspection System).
The Comisión Nacional de Alimentos [CONAL] (National Food Commission for Nutrition) is an advisory body which supports SNCA. These agencies belong to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The following agencies regulate food imports:
Food and beverage products must be registered prior to importation. The exporter should consult with the importer to determine which agency the product needs to be registered with as some of the agencies have overlapping responsibilities.
Food and beverage products may be subject to inspection prior to Customs release.
Certain agricultural and food products may need to be inspected prior to shipment by an agency approved by the government of Argentina.
A certificate of free circulation is required prior to importation. It is issued by the:
Pesticide levels in food products are regulated.
Restrictions may be in place for sugar.
Labeling requirements:
For more information on food import requirements, see Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (published by USDA).
A free sale certificate may be required for general food products, including dietary supplements, health food products, vitamins, etc.
Note: Additional documentation and labeling may be required for food products.
(Last updated on 2023-05-17)
Certain food additives and dyes are prohibited.
Additives must be included in the Mercosur positive list of food additives.
Prior government approval is required for artificial sweeteners.
A free sale certificate may be required for food additives.
(Last updated on 2018-07-24)
Beverage products must be registered prior to importation.
Wine import requirements:
Labeling of beverage products other than wine:
Labeling of wine:
(Last updated on 2023-05-17)
Prior government approval/import permit is required for pharmaceutical products.
A certificate of analysis and a free sale certificate are required for certain drugs and pharmaceuticals.
The certificate of analysis must be issued by the:
The importer is required to submit a sample to the Ministry of Health, along with a label, container, application and technical report on the product. The Ministry of Health will then issue an approval number. This approval number must appear on the label upon importation.
Drugs and pharmaceuticals have additional special labeling requirements.
Certain drugs may be imported only through certain ports of entry.
Veterinary products must be registered with the Ministerio de Agroindustria, (Ministry of Agroindustry), Paseo Colón 982 AR-C1063ACW Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4349 2000
There are restrictions on the importation of veterinarian products containing certain chemicals.
For more information contact:
(Last updated on 2021-01-15)
An import permit is required for cosmetics and toiletries.
Cosmetics and toiletries must be registered with:
(Last updated on 2018-11-12)
In an effort to accurately measure ongoing trade flows, un-denatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength of 80% by volume or higher is subject to non-automatic licensing through 30 Apr. 2019 (Resolution 507/2018).
(Last updated on 2018-09-10)
Certain dangerous chemicals (and products containing them) are prohibited.
A free sale certificate is required for pesticides and insecticides.
(Last updated on 2018-07-24)
An import permit is required.
Maximum Residue Levels apply to pesticides. For current MRL list see InfoLeg and search for Resolution #256/2003 (website in Spanish only).
Insecticides must be registered with the:
A free sale certificate is required for pesticides and insecticides.
(Last updated on 2021-01-15)
Petroleum products may be subject to various additional taxes.
(Last updated on 2017-12-19)
Certain plastics and products made of plastic may require an import license for statistical purposes.
Substandard plastic materials are prohibited.
Special labeling requirements apply.
(Last updated on 2018-10-25)
Import license: A non-automatic import license is required for certain products.
Labeling: Labels must be in Spanish and must include the following information: Fiber content, origin country, care instructions, importer name, and size.
Inspections: Textiles and apparel may be subject to control at Customs checkpoints.
Prohibitions: Imports of raw cotton are prohibited.
For additional information refer to:
(Last updated on 2023-09-16)
Non-automatic import licenses are required for certain products.
Apparel may be subject to control at customs checkpoints.
For additional information see: Market Reports: Textiles, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods (OTEXA).
(Last updated on 2023-09-16)
Used clothing is prohibited.
Worn or used clothing as well as other worn articles; used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables; and worn-out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials may be banned. Donations to government or religious organizations are exceptions that may require a certificate.
(Last updated on 2019-12-13)
Temporary quotas may exist for footwear and prior government approval may be required.
For additional information see: Market Reports: Textiles, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods (OTEXA).
Footwear may be subject to control at Customs checkpoints.
(Last updated on 2023-09-16)
Construction steel is subject to mandatory standards. For additional information contact: IRAM, Peru 552/556, C1068AAB Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4346 0600; fax: +54 11 4346 0601; email: iram@iram.org.ar.
(Last updated on 2021-04-13)
Construction steel is subject to mandatory standards. For additional information contact: IRAM, Peru 552/556, C1068AAB Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4346 0600; fax: +54 11 4346 0601; email: iram@iram.org.ar.
Iron, steel, and other metal products are restricted and may require an import license.
(Last updated on 2021-04-13)
Certain products must meet safety standards. They include: household appliances; electronics; electrical products; gas products; toys; covers for dangerous products; steel; protective equipment; and elevators.
Electronic goods and household appliances may be subject to control at Customs checkpoints.
(Last updated on 2021-04-13)
A certificate of conformity is required for electrical products. Certification must be issued by an organization that is accredited by: OAA (Organismo Argentino de Acreditacion) (Argentine Accreditation Organization).
Electronic devices and household appliances may be subject to control at customs checkpoints.
(Last updated on 2020-11-13)
Electronic devices and household appliances may be subject to control at customs checkpoints.
(Last updated on 2018-10-30)
Nuclear reactor and radioactive materials require an import license.
(Last updated on 2022-07-11)
In an effort to boost investments in domestic production activities, more than 500 tariff lines of capital goods and information technology or telecommunications goods are benefiting from duty-free treatment or a reduced 2% duty rate.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
In an effort to boost investments in domestic production activities, more than 500 tariff lines of capital goods and information technology or telecommunications goods are benefiting from duty-free treatment or a reduced 2% duty rate.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
Registration is required for telecommunications products. For information contact the National Organization of Communications (ENACOM).
Generally applicable import requirements for telecommunications equipment (applicable for most countries):
For these products it is very important for an exporter to check requirements with a prospective importer before concluding the product sale and certainly before shipping product.
(Last updated on 2018-10-18)
The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances, such as aerosol that are responsible for ozone depletion. Because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and is being replaced with other products such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R-410A.
(Last updated on 2023-10-14)
Capital goods require an Import License.
Imports of used capital equipment require a certificate legalized by an Argentinian Embassy/Consulate in the country of exportation.
There are strict regulations concerning the import of used capital goods. Many used capital goods are prohibited importation.
Import requirements for used goods have changed per Decree: 2646/12, effective 10 Jan 2013. Modifications affect products classified under HTS Chapters 84 through 90, which are listed in three Annexes (1a, 1b and 1c).
(Last updated on 2021-11-05)
Certain special vehicles require government approval.
There is an import quota system for automobiles and automobile parts. These quotas are likely to be phased out gradually. Some types of automobiles and automobile parts must meet local content requirements, depending on their MERCOSUR tariff classification.
Motorcycles may be subject to verification at Customs checkpoints.
General requirements (applies to most countries): There are a variety of requirements that typically or may apply to the import of automobiles and other highway vehicles and parts thereof, including:
For country-specific information see the International Trade Administration Office of Transportation and Machinery's publication: Compilation of Foreign Motor Vehicle Import Requirements.
(Last updated on 2020-04-22)
Special certification is required, stating that the aircraft is safe and able to fly. For aircraft from the U.S., this certification must be issued by the FAA.
(Last updated on 2018-10-19)
Regulatory acency: Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT).
Medical devices must be registered with ANMAT. This must be done through an authorized importer, and the process may take up to 15 months.
An import permit or import license may be required for certain products.
Medical devices require special certification, including electrical safety certification, manufacturing flowchart process and description; sterilization methods and parameters; and scientific or clinical evidence reports.
For additional information see the ANMAT website.
Note: Special information for COVID-19: HS classification reference for Covid-19 medical supplies
(Last updated on 2021-12-10)
Import permit is required.
(Last updated on 2017-11-02)
Import license is required.
(Last updated on 2017-11-02)
A certificate of origin is required.
An import license may be required.
Toys may be subject to control at customs checkpoints.
Toys are subject to mandatory standards. For additional information contact: IRAM, Peru 552/556, C1068AAB Buenos Aires; phone: +54 11 4346 0600; fax: +54 11 4346 0601; email: iram@iram.org.ar.
(Last updated on 2021-04-13)
Import license is required for books, newspapers and printed products.
(Last updated on 2017-11-02)
Import license is required.
(Last updated on 2019-01-17)
Used goods are subject to special requirements, restrictions, and prohibitions.
Certain restricted products may be subject to control at Customs checkpoints. These products include: household appliances; electronic devices; motorcycles; textiles; apparel; footwear; and toys.
Consult with importer for exact requirements.
(Last updated on 2023-09-27)
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.
