Argentina remains a key market for U.S. exports to Latin America. However, recent controls
have made exporting goods from any country to Argentina more difficult, as the Argentine
Government has implemented progressively more processes that Argentine importers must
complete in order to import goods into the country. This report summarizes several
Argentine government regulations that U.S. companies should be aware of as they access the
Argentine market. It is important for would-be exporters to Argentina to confirm that their
Argentine customer has: A) Received the necessary permission to import; B) Has received a
non-automatic import license if required, and; C) Has obtained permission to purchase
foreign exchange to pay for the import prior to shipping goods to Argentina.
Step 1 Application for permission to import
Since February 1, 2012, Argentina requires that all importers must request and receive
approval from the Argentine Tax and Customs Authority (AFIP) prior to importing products
from abroad. This sworn affidavit of intention to import (referred to as the DJAI) is required
for each import transaction and is reviewed by AFIP. Processing time is officially 15 days, but
many requests are put on hold for indefinite periods of review. An Argentine firm or
individual who wishes to import must utilize the services of an Argentine customs broker to
file the DJAI through the online Custom’s system known as MARIA if they do not possess a
customs brokerage license to handle their own imports. The requested merchandise must
arrive in Argentina within 180 days of the DJAI being marked “Salida” by AFIP to signify
approval to import. Follow this link for additional information on the DJAI process:
http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_9655141.pdf
Step 2 Application for non-automatic import license
The Argentine Government requires that many imported products receive a non-automatic
license in order to enter the country. The list of items requiring non-automatic import
licenses (NAILs) was expanded from 400 to 598 HS code categories in 2011. Long delays are
common for Argentine importers who must provide detailed information to the Argentine
Ministry of Economy and Production for review and approval prior to the shipment by the
exporter. Once a NAIL is granted, it is valid for 60 days. Follow this link for additional
information on the NAIL process:
http://export.gov/argentina/doingbusinessinargentina/exportingtoargentina/index.asp
Step 3 Application to buy Dollars
To maintain foreign currency reserves, the Argentine Government began imposing significant
restrictions on remittances of capital and payments to service providers overseas by foreign companies as well as access to foreign exchange to pay for imports. In October 2011, AFIP
implemented a regulation requiring that a request be made in order to purchase U.S.
dollars/foreign exchange with Argentine Pesos. Following the implementation on February 1,
2012 of the requirement to file a DJAI prior to importing goods, it became necessary for
importing firms to present an approved DJAI to AFIP prior to gaining permission to purchase
foreign exchange to pay for an import. AFIP evaluates each request based on the individual’s
or company’s revenue stream, the amount of foreign exchange requested, and stated purpose
to which the foreign exchange will be put.
On October 27, 2011 the Argentine insurance regulator issued Resolution 36.162 requiring “all
investments and cash equivalents held by locally registered insurance companies be located in
Argentina,” including US Dollar denominated government securities held out of the country.
Hard currency earnings on exports, both from goods and services, must be converted to pesos
in the local foreign exchange market. In November 2011, the Government of Argentina
eliminated the exceptions previously granted to hydrocarbon and mining exports. These firms
must now exchange their revenues to pesos on the local foreign exchange market. Revenues
from re-exports of some temporary imports and exports to Argentine foreign trade zones are
still exempted from this requirement. For more information on currency controls see the
Investment Climate Statement of the annual Country Commercial Guide for Argentina:
http://export.gov/argentina/doingbusinessinargentina/argentinacountrycommercialguide/inv
estmentclimate/index.asp
