Last updated: 14 Jan 2013
Tariffs and regulations
Tariffs and duty rates are constantly revised and are subject to change without notice.
Austrade strongly recommends you reconfirm these prior to selling to Argentina.
For further information please see Aduana Argentina.
Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
Tariff
On January 1, 1995, Argentina implemented the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM), consistent with the Harmonised System. Most duties are ad valorem (%) assessed on the CIF value.
Tariff rates depend on whether the same goods are produced in Argentina and also on the stage of manufacture. Rates range from 0 per cent to 35 per cent, with an average of 14 per cent.
Certain non-competing capital goods and medicines are admitted duty free. Basic food items and raw materials: from 0 per cent to 20 per cent; most capital goods from 0 per cent to 16 per cent; consumer goods such as clothing, motor cars and home appliances between 2 per cent to 35 per cent.
Certain primary and intermediary goods used in the manufacture of exports are exempt from duty if the final product is exported within a year. Importers should obtain approval for duty exemption from the National Institute of Technology and Industry.
Members of the regional grouping Mercosur (Southern Common Market) pay no duties on virtually all items with the exception of specifically negotiated items.
A system of bilateral tariff preference agreements between members of the trade group LAIA (Latin American Integration Association) is also in place between member countries. Preference is applicable on certain items only.
Textiles and some manufactures are subject to specific duties, determined on a minimum CIF value per kilogram.
The local customs authority is: www.aduanaargentina.com/english.php
Non-tariff barriers
Import restrictions
Although technically there are almost no prohibitions for imports, certain products require an import licence or approval of the appropriate ministry. Some of the products requiring licences are pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, insecticides, medical devices and defence materials.
Importers must be listed with the National Tax Authority and obtain an ‘importer authorization’. Also, before each import, importers must obtain an ‘automatic license’.
In February 1999 the government implemented an import license regulation, which has been extended to many products such as chemicals, plastics and plastic products, footwear, wood, apparel, newspapers, furniture, tools, toys and electronic appliances.
Although there is not a specific law which restricts foreign exchange, strict controls were implemented recently to buy or transfer foreign exchange.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations should preferably be in US dollars FOB or C&F.
Payment terms of 180 days are desirable. The import of capital goods is covered by special procedures.
The method of payment will be stipulated in the contract. In general, companies should insist on confirmed irrevocable letter of credit unless cash has been deposited at an Australian bank for release on shipment, or partly as a deposit prior to manufacture and the remainder in shipment. Importers will ask for credit terms because of high rates of interest in Argentina.
Payments may be made in any convertible currency.
Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice
Commercial invoices must accompany all shipments. An original and three copies (in Spanish or English) are required.
The following details are to be included and must be listed separately:
- Number of invoice
- Place and date of execution
- Full name and address of exporter
- Consignees and forwarding agent (if any)
- Place of export to, and entry in Argentina (port or city)
- Country of origin
- Means of transport
- Date of departure and carrier's flag
- Full description of the goods and quality and nature of the packages
- Unit price of article
- Marks and numbers on packages as in the bill of lading
- Gross, legal and net weights, (preferably in kilos)
- Net FOB value and all other expenses such as internal freight and insurance; Australian customs tax (if any); handling; other insurance (if relevant). Each of these items should be listed separately.
Where applicable, composition of such items as fabrics, chemicals, and other liquids must be stated clearly on the commercial invoice. No generic terms, such as 'medicinal products', 'spare parts', 'textiles', etc may be used unless followed by an exact description of the product.
Each copy of the invoice must be signed in ink by the authorised officer of the exporting firm. The officer's name and position in the firm should be clearly typed beneath the signature. Fax signatures are not acceptable.
Packing list
To obtain customs clearance, four copies of both the packing list and the commercial invoice must be produced. The contents of each package should be detailed unless the contents of all packages are identical. Separate legal, gross and net weights must be shown. The packing list should be completed in Spanish if possible. English may be accepted if the authorities consider a translation unnecessary. It must bear the following signed declaration: 'We swear that all the information contained in this packing list is true and correct'.
Certificate of origin
Merchandise proceeding from Mercosur or LAIA countries has to be accompanied by a certificate of origin stating that the product has been manufactured in a member country. The certificate is not usually required for imports from other countries. If one is requested, a recognised Chamber of Commerce should certify it. An original and three copies are usually required.
Insurance
If the transport risk is borne by the Argentine importer, goods must be insured in Argentina with a licensed insurance company.