Since procedures to import to Argentina from the USA have changed several times in recent years, ads group.cl provides this useful information before starting any import process.
An importer or exporter must be registered with the Argentine Customs in order to conduct international trade operations.
In Argentina, there is an automatic license (information form) applying to the import of about 600 assorted products. This type of license allows customs authorities to detect any import problems.
Import to Argentina from the USA
Argentine Customs has an Integral Import Monitoring System (SIMI) to classify the inspection of goods into three levels:
- Green Level: Customs clearance is conducted without physical inspection.
- Level Orange: Only documentation is inspected.
- Level Red: Both goods and documents are inspected.
In addition, ten days before customs clearance, a form declaring the good’ quantities and composition must be submitted to the Ministry of Industry.
Any Argentine company or individual wanting to import any good must use the services of an Argentine Customs Broker to file the SIMI through the online customs system if it does not hold a customs broker’s license to manage its own imports..
What products does Argentina import from the United States?
USA exports to Argentina include chemical products, mineral products, machinery, electrical appliances and materials, rubber, fuel, aircraft, plastics, and plant products.
Documentation required to import from the USA to Argentina
The following documents are required for ocean shipments:
- Original commercial invoice and three copies
- A negotiable copy of the bill of lading
- Insurance Certificates
- Packing List
Air shipments must submit the following documents:
- Three copies of the commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Air waybill
All commercial invoices must be in Spanish. An English version with a certified translation may be submitted. Only originals will be accepted.
Certificate of origin is a document may be required by Argentine Customs for consumer goods, textiles, footwear, clothing, printing machines and machine tools, organic chemicals, tires, bicycle parts, iron and rolled steel, certain iron and steel pipes, air conditioning equipment, wood fiber boards, fabrics, toys, games, brooms, and brushes.
Transportation Cost from Miami to Argentina
Shipping costs from Miami to Argentina will depend on the type of transportation used. In ocean freight, it depends on whether you want to send a full container load (FCL) or a shared container load (LCL), as well as the size of the container. You can get a quote at ADS Group
Additional costs to import from the USA to Argentina
Terminal de Cargas Argentina applies two types of fees to exporters and importers, the first for stay and the second for managing the goods. Merchandise entering into warehouses will enjoy 3 consecutive days from its entry without charge.
Stay rates begin from the admission day to the discharge day. Please consider any fraction as an entire day. To calculate the handling rate, the weight in kilograms is considered.
Taxes and Customs Duties by Product
As a country member of Mercosur, Argentina applies the Common External Tariff (CET), which ranges from 0-20% for most products. Some automotive products must pay a fee of up to 35%. Imports of information technology goods and corporate assets are temporarily exempt from CET.
In addition to import duties, there are other taxes, including the VAT of 10.5% or 21% on CIF. If the imported goods are intended for resale, the rate is 5.5% or 10% VAT on CIF.
Although there are some exceptions, there is a 0.5% rate on CIF. A 3% tax on anticipated profit for retail goods, and a 1.5% tax on gross income. Some products such as tobacco, soft and alcoholic drinks are subject to the national tax regime.
Transit times (air and sea)
The requested merchandise must arrive in Argentina 180 days after the National Tax Agency (AFIP) marked SIMI as “Exit”, which means approval of the import.
Air shipping time varies from 3 to 25 business days, while ocean shipping takes 20 to 60 business days.
Major Ports (air and sea)
The main maritime routes in Argentina are the Buenos Aires Port, the Rio de la Plata Terminal or Terminal 1/2/3, the Zarate Port, and the Rosario Port.
Argentina has 161 airports. Some of the main ones are Ezeiza Airport and Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery.
Free Trade Agreements
As a member of MERCOSUR, Argentina benefits from the bloc’s free trade agreements. The bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina is based on strong shared interests, which strengthen their economic relations.
The United States enjoys a trade surplus with Argentina and is Argentina’s third-largest trading partner in goods and services, although they do not have free trade agreements.
Restrictions on importing from the USA to Argentina
The Argentina Government imposes restrictions on imports for many used products to facilitate the entry into the market of new machinery or equipment.
This limitation applies to used medical equipment and vehicles, remanufactured parts, tires, ships, etc. There are exceptions in some specific cases, such as mining machinery.
Do I need insurance to ship freight?
Please remember risks always exist and having an international transport insurance supports you in case an unforeseen event occurs. SSM Seguros will advise you in choosing the international transport insurance that best protects your cargo, to travel any air or sea route.
ADS Group is international freight forwarding by land, air, or sea. We offer the best rates and services in customs clearance to import to Argentina from the USA.