The Argentine government aims to boost cross-border commerce by cutting operational and logistical costs and simplifying customs controls and requirements.
The Argentine government has introduced substantial reforms to streamline customs controls and requirements. These changes aim to boost cross-border trade and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s growing technology and semiconductor industries, among others.
These updates could mean reduced costs, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and faster transactions for companies engaged in technology imports and exports. Here’s a breakdown of the new measures and their implications.
Streamlining Customs Processes in Argentina
In October, Argentina’s government introduced General Resolution 5581/24, ending the use of AFIP green stamps—a policy since 1987 for verifying import duty payments on select products. These stamps have been replaced with the electronic SiDIP system, which is already used to manage imports of smartphones through IMEI code registration. This digital shift modernizes customs procedures, accelerating the flow of tech devices.
Additionally, Resolution 5582/24 removed customs reference values for all imports and eliminated guarantees for declared value discrepancies. This reform reduces delays, lowers transaction costs, and benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as importers previously faced a 1% extra cost when goods were detained under the so-called “Red Channel” customs process.
Deregulation for Increased Agility
General Resolution 5586/24 rescinded a 1999 law granting Argentine trade chambers the authority to appoint inspectors to verify declared import values and examine goods. Similarly, Resolution 5587/24 abolished customs reference values for exports, although the government retains the right to conduct post-clearance audits to ensure accurate valuations.
These measures reduce bureaucratic overhead, expedite transactions, and lower costs. According to Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), the country recorded exports of $66.15 billion from January to October 2024—a 16.9% year-over-year increase—while imports totaled $50.2 billion, a 21.5% decline driven by currency controls and reduced domestic economic activity.
Enhancing Mercosur Integration
Argentina’s Congress ratified the Mercosur Trade Facilitation Agreement through Law 27766, initially signed in 2019. This legislation prioritizes risk-based customs inspections, digitalizes customs processes, and promotes interoperability among member states’ systems. These updates aim to strengthen Argentina’s position within the Mercosur bloc and attract foreign investments and trade partnerships.
Simplifying Import and Export Procedures
One major development in 2024 was the elimination of the PAIS tax advance, a measure that had imposed a 95% prepayment on foreign exchange purchases for imports, exports, and overseas services. The new General Resolution 5604/2024, issued in November by the Revenue and Customs Control Agency (ARCA, formerly AFIP), removed this advance payment requirement.
Moreover, Decree 908/2024 reduced import duties for 89 essential products, including tires (from 35% to 16%), appliances (up to 9%), industrial inputs like plastics, steel, copper, and textiles (to 2%), as well as 38 types of machinery and capital goods, which now qualify for a 2% preferential rate.
Commercial Impact of the New Policies
These regulatory updates have already reduced logistical costs and streamlined international trade operations in Argentina. By lowering or eliminating tariffs, businesses can import essential inputs at a reduced price, while export procedures have become more efficient.
Argentina has also introduced innovative payment mechanisms such as BOPREAL, a U.S. dollar-denominated bond that importers can use to settle tax or customs obligations. Decree 72, enacted in late 2023, permits Central Bank securities to pay tax debts, with a cap of $3.5 billion.
While these measures will require time for full implementation, they are expected to expedite customs clearance, enhance trade flexibility, and stimulate local industries by facilitating access to critical production inputs.
Removal of the PAIS Tax
Effective December 23, 2024, Argentina eliminated the Tax for an Inclusive and Solidary Argentina (PAIS), which had been in place since 2019. This tax imposed a 30% surcharge on foreign currency transactions, impacting international purchases, digital services, and tourism. Removing this tax is expected to lower imports and international services costs, providing significant benefits to consumers and businesses alike.
Updates to Courier Regulations
On January 9, 2025, Argentina’s Revenue and Customs Control Agency (ARCA) introduced key reforms to the courier system to streamline foreign trade operations:
- Increased Weight Limit per Parcel: The weight limit per parcel was raised to 50 kg (approximately 110 lbs) per individual piece, regardless of the total shipment weight. This adjustment provides greater flexibility for both imports and exports.
- Higher Maximum Shipment Value: The allowable value per shipment increased from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000, enabling more significant transactions for both individual and corporate entities.
- Removal of Mandatory Electronic Fiscal Address (DFE): The requirement for an electronic fiscal address was abolished, simplifying procedural steps for users.
- Personal Import Allowance: A personal import duty exemption of up to USD 400 was introduced. Imports within this threshold are duty-free, with VAT applied only to amounts exceeding the limit.
Antidumping System Reforms
On January 16, 2025, Argentina’s Ministry of Economy announced reforms to its antidumping framework, aimed at fostering competition and reducing costs. Key changes include:
- Shortened Duration of Antidumping Duties: The maximum duration of antidumping duties has been reduced from five years with unlimited renewals to three years, with a potential two-year extension.
- Expedited Investigative Processes: Investigation timelines have been shortened to eight months, accompanied by streamlined procedures.
These reforms aim to prevent antidumping measures from artificially inflating consumer prices and industrial costs while maintaining fair competition.
Import Tariff Reductions
The Argentinian government also eliminated a 7.5% import tariff to enhance competitiveness and combat inflation. Additionally, tariffs on 89 specific products were reduced to stimulate market competition and lower consumer prices. Notable adjustments include:
- Automotive and Motorcycle Tires: Tariffs decreased from 35% to 16%.
- Motorcycles: Tariff rates reduced from 35% to 20%.
- Small Appliances: Items such as electric fans, heaters, coffee makers, kettles, and ovens saw tariffs drop from 35% to 20%.
- Ground Coffee: Tariffs cut from 35% to 20%.
- Food Cans: Tariffs reduced from 35% to 13%.
- Industrial Inputs: Materials like PET plastics (used in bottles), ABS plastics (found in household appliances), and synthetic yarns such as Lycra and polyester experienced significant tariff reductions, in some cases down to 2%.
EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
On December 6, 2024, the European Union and Mercosur finalized a historic trade agreement, establishing one of the largest free trade zones globally, accounting for 25% of the world’s GDP. The deal includes standards for designations of origin and production protocols. However, specific sectors, including agriculture and livestock in regions like the Canary Islands, have raised concerns about increased competition due to tariff eliminations, which could challenge their market position against Mercosur products.
Aerodoc: Your Trusted Partner for Technology Imports
Navigating Argentina’s evolving trade market can be complex, but Aerodoc provides a seamless solution. Our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) with Importer of Record (IOR) service simplifies the process, managing every step from preparation and exportation to transportation, sales, distribution, and storage.
Aerodoc’s comprehensive approach ensures a hassle-free experience, offering efficient door-to-door deliveries, last-mile services, and full compliance with customs and documentation requirements.
For more information about doing business in Argentina, download our detailed guide covering essential considerations for entering this key market. If you’re ready to streamline your international logistics, contact Aerodoc’s team of experts today.
Q&A
What key changes has the Argentine government made to customs processes?
The government replaced the AFIP green stamps with the electronic SiDIP system, already used for IMEI-based smartphone imports. They also eliminated reference values and guarantees for imports and exports, reducing bureaucratic delays and costs.
How will these reforms impact international trade costs and timelines?
The updates streamline customs processes, eliminate additional fees like the 1% surcharge under the “Red Channel” process, and reduce clearance times. These changes are particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
What role does Mercosur integration play in these changes?
By ratifying the Mercosur Trade Facilitation Agreement, Argentina has prioritized risk-based customs inspections, digitized processes, and strengthened interoperability among member states. This move enhances Argentina’s competitiveness and attracts foreign investments.
How has Argentina reduced tariffs and simplified import procedures?
Decree 908/2024 lowered import duties on 89 essential products, including tires (35% to 16%), appliances (up to 9%), and industrial inputs like plastics, steel, and machinery (2%). The government also removed the PAIS tax advance on imports and exports, easing financial burdens.
How can businesses navigate these new trade reforms in Argentina?
Aerodoc simplifies the process with its Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Importer of Record (IOR) services, managing everything from preparation and exportation to last-mile delivery and full customs compliance. This ensures a seamless, hassle-free trade experience.
