🇦🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Argentina
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
21%
CIF value + duty + estadística fee (3%). Additional IVA perception (20% extra) and income tax perception (6%) at customs. Effective tax burden can exceed 50%.
Clearance Time
10-45 days
typical processing
Note: Very high import taxes and restrictions
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 16-20% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 26-35% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-35% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-20% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-14% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 18% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 20% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue) manages customs through MALVINA electronic system. MERCOSUR Common External Tariff applies. SIMI (Import Monitoring System) pre-authorization required for many goods. CUIT tax ID required.
What to Actually Expect
Among world's strictest import rules. $50 de minimis. Afip tax on purchases. Can hold packages 30-90 days.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
SIMI pre-authorization for controlled goods. ANMAT for food, drugs, cosmetics. INTI for technical standards. Non-automatic licenses for many consumer goods. Frequent regulatory changes make compliance challenging.
Certificate of Origin
MERCOSUR certificate for regional trade. Form A for GSP. Argentine Chamber of Commerce issues certificates. Preferential certificates for Chile, Bolivia bilateral agreements.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Argentina:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $18 | $25 | $42 |
| $200 | $53 | $53 | $106 |
| $500 | $158 | $138 | $296 |
| $1000 | $333 | $280 | $612 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Argentina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Argentina?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Argentina is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Argentina?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Argentina is 21%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + estadística fee (3%). Additional IVA perception (20% extra) and income tax perception (6%) at customs. Effective tax burden can exceed 50%.
How long does customs clearance take in Argentina?
Typical customs clearance in Argentina takes 10-45 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Argentina?
To import into Argentina, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Argentina?
Argentina prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.