TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

The opening and deregulation of the Argentina's economy as well as the simplification of the customs procedures has greatly favored the expansion of imports and exports.

- Custom duties.
Custom Valuation Code of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is accepted by Argentina. Most import products are subject to the Mercosur common external tariff (CET) that runs from 0 to 23% for most goods.

- Control over imports.
Since December 1997 six private companies perform the task of inspecting and valuing merchandise at the place of shipment of goods to be imported in Argentina. The firms are the following : SGS Societé Générale de Surveillance, Bureau Veritas, Intertek Testing Services, Inspectorate PLC, Socorec International Inspection, C.U. Holding B.V. and Surveyseed Services.

-Standards.
Argentina has signed the Word Trade Organization (WTO) Standards Code, however Canadian, US or similar standards may be also acceptable.

- Licenses.
Import licenses are no longer required for any import (except automobiles). There are not prohibited imports (except hazardous or controlled items as explosives). Some products require prior government approval (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, fresh fruit, insecticides, etc.).

- Temporary Admission Regime.
Primary and intermediate goods that are used to produce in Argentina export goods, may be imported under this regime as long as the exports are completed within 180 days of the date of the admission.

- Drawback system.
This regime provides a mechanism for refunding some duties and charges when the imported goods where transformed or directly used in the production of export goods. (21% value- added tax or V.A.T., could be rebated under this regime). To became eligible for export incentives the exporters must be registered.

- Special custom areas.
The Free Zone Law (Nro. 24331, May 18 1994) is the base for the special custom areas (SCA) established in the following cities: Rio Gallegos and Caleta Olivia (Provincia de Santa Cruz) as well as La Plata (Provincia de Buenos Aires). In those areas neither customs tariff, nor added value tax (IVA/VAT) are paid. The areas are atractive for foreign firms wishing to export from Argentina to third countries.

- Sanitary Certificates.
Most food related-imports require a sanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.

- Certificate of origin.
This certificate may be required by the importer. This document should be certified by the local (canadian) Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade and legalized by the Consulate General of Argentina in Montreal or Toronto

Source : Ministerio de Economía y Obras y Servicios Públicos. Fundación Invertir.


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