Doing Business In Argentina

certain type of special vehicles, publications, shoes, carpets, paper and automobiles to
be used as prototypes require prior government approval to be imported into Argentina.
Many food-related and agricultural imports, such as livestock, plants, bulbs, cuttings,
rhizomes, roots, grains, and plant products, require a sanitary certificate issued by a
competent authority in the exporting country. Products destined for human consumption
must fulfill certain specifications and be labeled and packed accordingly.
In addition, certain sensitive products must be imported through specifically identified
customs points of entry. Such products include drugs, medicines, vines and their parts
for experiment or research purposes, and cotton fiber and seeds.
Quotas
There is a quota system and special regime for auto parts. The bilateral auto agreement
between Argentina and Brazil establishes preferential market access treatment for both
countries to protect the MERCOSUR automobile industry. A complicated system of
reciprocal obligations exists between Argentina and Brazil. Currently, there is a tradebalancing
scheme that determines import levels for auto assemblers. The Argentine
government separately sets annual quotas for official distributors of foreign cars and
auto dealers, as well as for other firms and individuals. Foreign auto manufacturers
(including U.S. firms) in MERCOSUR countries receive national treatment.
In addition, temporary quotas exist on organic chemicals (HS code 2915.90), fluoride of
aluminum (2826.12), and petroleum resins (3911.10) affecting U.S. exports.
For further details on products affected by quotas contact the U.S. Commercial Service
in Buenos Aires at Buenos.Aires.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov.
Import Requirements and Documentation Return to top
Import Licenses
On February 8, 1999, the Argentine Government implemented an automatic import
license regime. Pursuant to resolution MEOSP 17/99, later modified numerous times,
the Government of Argentina requires the presentation of an import license (Licencia
Automatica de Importacion - LAPI) for the purpose of customs clearance. This measure
was designed to provide Argentine customs officials with a lead-time to identify potential
problems (i.e., possible under-invoicing or other unfair trade practices) and to obtain
data about sensitive sectors.
While a subsequent resolution is required for any specific tariff line, most products are
potentially subject to automatic licensing. The following are exemptions to this
regulation (Resolution SICM 150/1999):
3/4/2008
Import transactions of less than FOB US$800
Goods imported under the "Postal Regime"
Goods imported under the "Sample Regime"
Goods imported under the "Automotive Industry Regime" to be included in a
production process