Guide to Argentina

Ports: Buenos Aires
Prohibited: Narcotics, Drugs, Explosives, Pornography
Cont: None

Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Required Documents: (1) Only 2 bottles per adult person permitted (Tax free) (2) Possible import by separate Customs clearance. Packing List

Customs Regulations: Larger amounts are subject to confiscation. Taxes should be paid in case of using an import license (only granted one time to private immigrants)

Clearance: At least 15 days. Customer presence required for clearance? No

Remarks: It is recommended not to import alcoholic beverages in sealed bottles in conjunction with an HHG or personal effects shipment.

Diplomatic Removals

Required Documents: (1) OBL or Original 2 of AWB (2) Inventory List (3) A Diplomatic franchise granted by the Foreign Ministry subsequent to the diplomat’s arrival in the country.

Customs Regulations: Free entry of new and used household goods.

Clearance: 1 or 2 days upon arrival if Diplomatic Franquicia available. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: No tax on ocean freight will be paid by diplomatic shipments but they will pay port haulage and storage (No inclusion in door to door rates possible)

Firearms and Weapons

Required Documents: Declaration required prior to Customs inspection.  Sports weapons are allowed.  War arms (heavy weapons) are prohibited.  Proof of ownership required.

Customs Regulations: Several local authorities’ permissions have to be obtained.

Clearance: At least 15 days. Customer presence required for clearance?  Yes

Remarks: Firearms are always separated from other household goods. Thus it is recommendable to ship them near the doors of liftvans or containers, so that they can be taken out during Customs inspection at port/ airport of entry.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents: (1) OBL or AWB (2) Inventory of goods (3) Customer’s valid passport (4) Residence Visa for foreigners.

Customs Regulations: Used household goods are duty free. New items must be limited to US $600 per each adult person. Heavy taxes will be paid on all new items.

Clearance: For a ship, 3 or 4 days after arrival of ship. For airplane, 1 or 2 days after arrival. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Returning Argentine citizens must prove one full year of RESIDENCE ABROAD and show, by means of their passport, that during the year prior to last entry they spent no more than 40 DAYS IN ALL in Argentina in order to get free entry of used household goods. Foreigners must show a residence visa (permanent or at least for one year). Work contract will not be enough. Household goods shipments of returning Argentines or long standing foreign residents must arrive in the country no later than SIX MONTHS AFTER CUSTOMER. Shipments of foreign residents must arrive no later than SIX MONTHS after he obtains this visa while living in the country.

Note: Customer not required for clearance, provided he issues a notarized power of attorney in favor of another party, who must also submit customer’s valid passport showing he has already entered the country.

New Furniture

Required Documents: Within shipments of household goods and personal effects only up to US$600 per each adult person in the family. This applies for every other new item in the shipment. It is recommendable to ship only used furniture which pays no taxes at all. An allowance does not mean tax free. ALL NEW goods pay taxes.

Customs Regulations:

Clearance: Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Shipments of household goods to Argentina pay no taxes if goods are used. The allowance of US$ 600 per each adult person + US$ 300 per each child is subject to taxes.

Pets and Animals

Required Documents: (1) AWB/OBL (2) Veterinary Certificate attesting to the animal’s good health and issued by Argentine Consulate of the passenger’s country of residence

Customs Regulations: No duties paid

Clearance: 40+ days. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: The importation of other animals is prohibited

Vehicles - Diplomatic

Required Documents: (1) OBL (2) Purchase invoice (3) Title, with last two to both be notarized.

Customs Regulations: Diplomatic franchise.

Clearance: 10 days

Remarks: Only for diplomatic shipments.  Diplomats may import used and/or new cars.

Vehicles - Private

Required Documents: (1) Owner’s original passport (2) Original B/L’s (3) Complete Car Documentation (4) Original purchase receipt with a Visa stamped by an Argentinean Consulate

Customs Regulations: One auto per family

Clearance: Approx. 10 days

Remarks: Autos for private use are subject to duty (approximately 79%). Auto must enter within six months of the owner’s arrival.  Returning Argentinean Citizens and permanent residence may only import used cars.

Individuals with Temporary Visa’s may import used /or new cars via a temporary admission.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents: (1) OBL or AWB (2) Inventory of goods (3) Customer’s valid passport (4) Residence Visa for foreigners.

Customs Regulations: Used household goods are duty free. New items must be limited to US $600 per each adult person. Heavy taxes will be paid on all new items

Clearance: For a ship, 3 or 4 days after arrival of ship. For airplane, 1 or 2 days after arrival. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Returning Argentine citizens must prove one full year of RESIDENCE ABROAD and show, by means of their passport, that during the year prior to last entry they spent no more than 40 DAYS IN ALL in Argentina in order to get free entry of used household goods. Foreigners must show a residence visa (permanent or at least for one year). Work contract will not be enough. Household goods shipments of returning Argentines or long standing foreign residents must arrive in the country no later than SIX MONTHS AFTER CUSTOMER. Shipments of foreign residents must arrive no later than SIX MONTHS after he obtains this visa while living in the country.

Note: Customer not required for clearance, provided he issues a notarized power of attorney in favor of another party, who must also submit customer’s valid passport showing he has already entered the country.

Other Regulations

As of June 1, 2005, Argentina has adopted and will be enforcing the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15).  Wood packing materials, such as crates, pallets and dunnage must be either heat treated or fumigated and officially marked under ISPM15.  Consult the appropriate customs officials for detailed information.  You may also find additional information on ISPM 15 at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/

Please note:

The information on this page is intended as a guide and  NOT as a complete or definitive resource.  The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.

Updated July, 2005