The Aerodoc team shares everything you need to know about successfully importing into Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Brazil.
International trade is crucial for the growth and expansion of the tech industry. Export and import processes are vital for these companies to thrive. That’s why, at Aerodoc, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about importing technology into Latin America.
Each country in the region has specific considerations and regulations that must be followed to ensure a successful import process. Being informed and understanding the nuances of the key markets will allow you to streamline the process and avoid fines, penalties, and extra costs.
With extensive regional operational knowledge, we share key insights for importing technology into Latin America. We’ve also provided a destination rating (AERODOC SCORE) based on the challenges associated with trade: A (straightforward, no special permits required, standard documentation), B (moderate, with permit waiting times but predictable), C (complex, with difficult-to-predict customs procedures) or D (the processes are complex, have a high level of bureaucracy and require extensive documentation).
Key Insights for Importing Technology into Latin America
Import into Argentina
With a population of 46.2 million, Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country by land area. Its exports reached USD 66.788 billion in 2023, while imports totaled USD 73.714 billion, with 75% of those imports directed toward production and investment in goods and services. Argentina ranks 21st globally by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the average tariff for product exchange ranges between 0% and 35%, while the customs duty statistical rate is 3%.
Francisco Ricci, International Logistics Research and Development Director at Aerodoc, explains that there are no significant restrictions on importing technology into Argentina. The primary prohibition is on used or refurbished materials. “For electronic products, the only restrictions imposed by customs are related to safety and equipment voltage,” he explains.
“Electrical products that use a voltage of more than 50 VDC require supervision, which is managed through a form,” Ricci noted. However, he added, “There are exceptions for importing these devices if companies can demonstrate appropriate use, meaning they will be used internally by qualified technical personnel and not for resale.” This appropriate use allows for the exemption from Form C, the standard process for obtaining electrical safety certification.
Finally, Ricci adds that “Argentina is moving toward more open customs policies with fewer or no restrictions on importing technology devices and lower entry barriers,” which is why the rating for operations in this market is A (easy access).
Import into Mexico
Mexico is a key player in the ongoing tech boom when discussing technology imports in Latin America. As the second-largest economy in the region and a significant force in international trade, Mexico has a population of 129.8 million. Its exports reach USD 593 billion, and imports total USD 598 billion. It ranks 15th globally by GDP. The trade tariff ranges from 0% to 15%, with a VAT of 16% and a customs duty (DTA) of 0.8%.
Several factors need to be considered when bringing technology into Mexico. While there are no significant customs limitations, Mexico exercises strict control over the quality and safe usage of imported equipment.
Cecilia Sandoval, US Operation & IT Solution Team Leader at Aerodoc, explains that the process may involve the intervention of the Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) or the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), both of which regulate the importation of electronic products.
A critical logistics aspect in Mexico is the security of local deliveries. “There are areas with difficult access due to infrastructure and geography, and others considered ‘red zones,’ where special precautions must be taken to ensure the safety and integrity of shipments,” Sandoval explains.
Given these factors, Aerodoc rates this market as B (predictable), recognizing it as a growing market due to its strategic proximity to North and Latin America.
Import into Peru
Peru’s economy has shown significant potential in recent decades, benefiting from trade openness and stability. It recently became the third Latin American country to join the ATA Carnet system. With a population of 34.5 million, Peru’s exports totaled USD 64.4 billion, while imports reached USD 62.1 billion. Globally, it ranks 51st by GDP.
Although Peru does not prohibit any specific goods, importing technology requires authorization from the Ministry of Telecommunications (MTC), with permits taking 5 to 7 business days. In some cases, the equipment must be certified by the importer before entering the country, which can take additional time as it involves providing operational details to classify the equipment according to the tariff.
Peru’s foreign trade thrives on a diverse range of exports—especially raw materials—and the country benefits from numerous free trade agreements, enhancing its access to the global market. We rate this country with a B (predictable) ranking.
Import into Brazil
Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America and the biggest country in the region, covering half of the continent’s landmass. With a population of 216 million Portuguese speakers, Brazil’s exports total USD 339 billion, and imports amount to USD 252 billion, placing its GDP as the 10th largest globally.
Brazil offers significant opportunities but also presents challenges when importing technology products. These goods may be subject to specific interventions by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). While there are no outright prohibitions, several controls, protections, and high tariffs are in place. The main challenge, however, is the bureaucracy within Brazil’s customs system and the unpredictable nature of its administrative procedures.
Given these factors, Aerodoc rates Brazil with a C (bureaucratic, unpredictable, and costly customs system).
A Strategic Partner
We are Aerodoc, a U.S.-based logistics company offering comprehensive logistics services. Our Importer and Exporter of Record (IOR/EOR) solution provides seamless logistics, enabling you to import technology, hardware, and other assets into countries where you don’t have a legal entity. With our IOR EOR service, you can expand your global reach to over 172 countries.
We operate a privately owned warehouse with global locations, allowing us to efficiently receive, ship, store, distribute, and install your inventory through our interconnected ERP software.
For over 25 years, we have been delivering a range of services, including freight forwarding, compliance, 3PL, RMA and reverse logistics, temporary imports, and door-to-door services, using Miami as our HUB to reach dozens of territories across Latin America, Europe, and hard-to-access countries.
If you’re in the tech industry and looking to enter the Latin American market, ask about our services.
