Customs Information

Argentina - Returning Citizen

CUSTOMS REGULATIONSArgentina

Please note that there is a 100% inspection of household goods by customs authorities.

Only one air and one sea shipment per person over 18 years old is allowed.

Returning citizens can import household goods duty free if they have lived outside Argentina for 12-months or more and have not spent more than 60-days in Argentina in the year prior to arrival. This 60 days does not apply for those who have lived more than two years in the origin country, as long as they can prove it by means of a Residence Certificate.

The shipper must not have imported personal effects during the past 3 years (for shipments imported under the resolution 3754/94) or during the past 7 years (for shipments imported under the resolution 3109/09).

Following conditions apply:

  • Upon arrival at the international airport customer must declare that they expect an unaccompanied shipment and this declaration must be noted by customs officials on their passport (“Manifesta esperar equipaje no acompanado”).
  • Customer must be in the country at the time of clearance to sign and certify papers and provide their original passport.
  • Household goods and personal effects must arrive within 6-months of owner’s entry into the country.
  • The origin of the move must be the last place of residence of the owner
Exporting out to Argentina: Argentine customs authorities have implemented a new measure involving all passengers leaving Argentina holding a temporary work visa at destination. As a result, export duties of 12% of the value (calculated based on approx. USD $4/5 per net Kg) will apply. 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • A certified copy will be accepted. Must be certified by a notary and legalized by the Colegio de Escribanos (Notary’s Association)
  • Manifiesta Esperar Equipaje No Acompanado (note stating that the owner of the goods is expecting a household goods shipment), stamped by Customs
  • Original national identity document (DNI) or original Residencia Precaria (if DNI is unavailable)
  • Notarized authorization to the Destination Agent written by the owner to perform customs clearance.
  • Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • C.U.I.L. Certificate (Individual Labor ID Number) or C.U.I.T. Certificate (Company Tax ID Number) for moves arriving by sea or road.
  • Certificate of Residence issued by the Argentine Consulate at origin.
  • Packing list (including a list of any works of art

MOTOR VEHICLES

The following rules apply to the import of motor vehicles into Argentina:

  • Vehicles must be used with all documents relating to sale and ownership under the owners name for a minimum of 3-months before shipping. Other motorized items (lawn mower etc.) cannot be imported. Returning citizens may import used vehicles only (one car and one motorcycle for each adult member of the family).
  • Vehicles may be imported duty free on a temporary basis by foreign citizens holding a temporary visa for the same period that the owner has the visa. Vehicles must have the original plates.
  • Vehicles must enter within 6-months of the owners arrival
  • The following documents are required:
    • Owners original passport
    • 2 original copies of the Bill of Lading
    • Original title in the owner’s name
    • Original invoice certified by the Argentine Consulate in the origin country
    • Residence Certificate (for returning Argentine citizens)

APPLIANCES & ELECTRONICS

  • 1 Refrigerator & 1 washer/dryer per household
  • 1 TV per family member +1 per room (family, living, play). Model # and Serial #’s needed for all.

PETS

  • Current original anti-rabies vaccination
  • Certificate of health issued at origin and stamped by the Argentine Consulate within 10 days of the pets arriving into the country
  • Original AWB issued in the name of the owner of the pet
  • Pets arriving from Asia (except Japan) or Africa must obtain a special permit.

PETS

  • Current original anti-rabies vaccination
  • Certificate of health issued at origin and stamped by the Argentine Consulate within 10 days of the pets arriving into the country
  • Original AWB issued in the name of the owner of the pet
  • Pets arriving from Asia (except Japan) or Africa must obtain a special permit.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Archeological or paleontological patrimony (fossils, human, remains, collections and sediment geological, etc.) Once admitted to the country, its export will not be permitted.
  • Works of art and monuments of recent antiquity (authorization is required)
  • Wood or items must be treated specifically for pests
  • Weapons (must be declared and authorized by the Registro  Nacional de Armas (RENAR)
  • Alcoholic beverages (30 liters)
  • Items considered commercial (determined through quantity, quality or type)
  • Original paintings and works of art (specialized form is required; check with agent)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Items compromising public, animal, and agricultural health
  • Organic products (soil, firewood, wood, animal parts, dried insects, etc.)
  • Narcotics or illegal drugs
  • Pornographic material of any kind
  • Dangerous, toxic or flammable items
  • Stolen or smuggled items
  • Currency (actual or counterfeit)
  • Food
  • Spare parts or parts of any vehicle
  • Items which contain an internal – combustion or outboard engines
  • Items that are not considered as part of a move for Argentine Customs