Household Goods Logistics

Argentina Customs Information- HHGlogistics

NEEDED DOCUMENTS

• A detailed inventory list in Spanish. “PBO” (packed by owner and “miscellaneous” will not be accepted.
• If you are a returning Argentine citizen, a Certificate of Residence from origin country is required.
• Citizens of Argentina require a valid passport indicating the citizen has lived in another country for no less than a period of 12 months; and that residency in the other country has not been disrupted with entries into Argentina for more than a period of 40-60 days in the last 12 months prior to entering the country.
• All other foreign citizens are required to show a valid passport, including a Resident Visa distributed at the country of origin, as well as a Permanent Entry Visa stamped on passport by immigration authorities upon airport entry.
  • Make sure to declare and inform on passport that you will be expecting a shipment of household goods.
  • Those with a temporary visa importing household goods are required to deposit a “Guarantee” based off the value of goods.
• Must show name as it appears on passport on ALL DOCUMENTS. Abbreviations, nicknames or other are NOT acceptable.
• Complete list of inventory required.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ARE PRESENT AT CLEARANCE IN ORDER TO SIGN ANY PAPERWORK AND SUPPLY PASSPORT TO CUSTOMS.
• If you are a returning Argentine citizen and/or a foreigner with a permanent residence visa and have been living outside the country for more than one year, you are allowed to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free.
• Foreigners that do not have a permanent resident visa will be allowed import used household goods and personal effects on a temporary basis.
• One sea and one air shipment will be accepted.
• Incoming shipments must arrive three months before or within six months after the customer. ** If shipment arrives later than six months after customer, a special permit obtained from the Director General of Customs in Argentina will be required. **
• All customs regulations may vary depending on the customer’s immigration status.
• All items being shipping in must be USED, and have been in possession of shipper for no less than one year. High duties may be implemented on new items which can cause delays in customs clearance.

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• Items that are less than six months old are subject to high duties.
• Gifts
• No more than one of each major appliance allowed.
• Sport weapons will only be allowed with proof of ownership.
• Tobacco, alcohol and food products; large amounts may be confiscated. **No more than two bottles of alcohol per adult may be imported tax free**

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Explosives, heavy weapons and ammunition **Firearms require special permit from local authorities **
• Narcotics and drugs
• Pornographic material
• New computers
• New and color TV’s

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Diplomats allowed to import new or used vehicles
• Returning Argentinean citizens that have been out of the country for at least two years, or immigrants with residence in Argentina may import used automobiles.
• All importations of new vehicles are subject to Ministry of Commerce Administrative regulations, and allow only certain makes and models. For specific information consult Destination Agent.
• Vehicles for private use are subject to duty.
• Only one vehicle per adult (21 years old or more), and two per family.
• Automobile must be registered in customer’s name, and requires that purchase or transfer of vehicle to customer occurs no sooner than three months prior to arrival in Argentina.
• Cannot sell automobile in Argentina for at least one year after clearance.
• Vehicle is required to be imported within six months of customers’ arrival.
• Documents needed:
  • Title
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Original passport
  • Original license
  • Certificate of residence
  • Certification from an Argentine Consulate, must note that shipper has been living in country of origin during the last 12 months **this is mandatory**
  • Need a “Certificado de Pre-Emarque” (Pre/shipment inspection certificate) for the importation of motorcycles and automobiles.
  • Need 2 Original Ocean Bill of Landings signed in shipper’s name. **Separate Ocean Bill of Landing than one for household goods, even if goods & vehicle in same container**
• Vehicles cannot be picked up from customs until all duties have been paid. Importers with permanent visas and returning citizens will pay duties equaling 78.20% on CIF value.
• Those with old residence in Argentina and returning Argentine citizens that have moved out of the country before may not import a motor vehicle.
• Argentine citizens that have previously imported an automobile may not import a second one.

** All documents must be certified by the Argentine Consulate in the country of origin ***

WEAPONS AND FIREARMS

• A government permit to import firearms is required for shipment. Any and all guns will be held in a customs bonded warehouse until necessary permit is given; this can take 3-6 months.
• Both proof of ownerships and declaration are required prior to customs inspection and clearance. Owners’ presence is also required for clearance.

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Argentine customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. HHGlogistics is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **