Customs clearance has always been one of the top concerns for exporters. A failed clearance can cause serious delays, abandoned shipments, and major financial losses. Many exporters targeting Argentina often wonder: What documents are required for customs clearance in Argentina?
Argentina is known for its strict customs procedures. In addition to the original bill of lading, invoice, packing list, and a Certificate of Origin (CO) certified by the embassy, exporters must also provide a CUIT number (Argentina’s tax identification number).
Required Documents for Argentina Customs Clearance
1. Commercial Invoice
- Must be provided in Spanish or English, with the original and 2 copies.
- Must include: place and date of issuance, mode of transport, country of origin, export destination, port of entry in Argentina, departure date, vessel flag, product name, specifications, packaging numbers, identifiers, gross and net weight.
- Prices must clearly specify terms (e.g., FOB, CFR, CIF).
- All charges (freight, insurance, loading) must be itemized and totaled.
2. Certificate of Origin (CO)
- Required if stated in the L/C or by the importer.
- Must be certified by a recognized Chamber of Commerce.
- 1 original + 3 copies may be required; the chamber may keep 1 copy for its records.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L)
- No specific format required.
- Must indicate “freight prepaid” or “freight collect”, with handwritten total freight charges.
- Air shipments require an Air Waybill, listing: shipper, consignee, destination port, goods description, charges, B/L number, and shipment confirmation.
4. Packing List
- Must be in English or Spanish.
- Clearly list the contents of each package. If goods are of the same type, include a detailed specification sheet.
5. Sanitary Certificate
- Required for most agricultural and livestock products.
- Must be recognized by the Argentine consulate.
6. CUIT Number
- All registered companies in Argentina are assigned a unique CUIT number.
- For consolidated cargo, the freight forwarder’s CUIT number must be stated on the B/L.
Argentina Import Duties and Taxes
1. Import Duties
- Generally assessed based on the CIF value indicated on the commercial invoice.
- Customs may alternatively use one of five WTO valuation methods.
2. VAT and Other Fees
- Standard VAT rate: 16%. Lower for essentials such as agricultural products and pharmaceuticals; higher for luxury goods.
- Statistical Tax: 3% of CIF value.
- Exemptions: Books, magazines, weapons, stamps, and emergency goods.
3. Penalties
- If clearance documents are not submitted within 15 days after arrival, a 2% fine is imposed.
- Discrepancies in declared vs. actual quantity/value may result in fines 2 to 10 times the difference.
Recommended Shipping Solution from China to Argentina
Geesenest offers efficient and cost-effective ocean freight solutions to Argentina:
- FCL and LCL Shipping from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Xiamen
- Port-to-Port and Door-to-Door Services
- Professional consolidation for LCL shipments to major Argentine ports
📦 Want to ensure smooth customs clearance and save on logistics costs?
👉 Contact Geesenest now for a free shipping quote