Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Argentina only considers paper items as document shipments. The
following items qualify as document shipments:
- Airline tickets
- Bids
- Books
- Cash letters
- Driver's licence
- Greeting cards, invitations
- Printed documents, computer print-outs
- Photographs
- Letters and postcards
- Newspapers, magazines
- Passports
- Specification sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped as documents provided they follow
the restrictions shown below:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Annual Reports | Less than 2 kg in weight |
| Intercompany mail | Less than 2 kg in weight |
| Newsletters | For company use only |
| Stationery | Providing it is blank |
Sources:
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/recibir-envios-del-exterior/libros-e-impresos
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Gifts sent to Argentina from Canada will be exempt from duty and taxes
only if they meet certain criteria. Conditions of exemption depend on
the value of the gift shipment and the quantity of shipments allowed
within a calendar year.
The duty exemption under the following conditions:
- Maximum of 12 annual shipments of up to $50 USD each (about $62 CAD)
- Total value of shipments of $600 USD (about $750 CAD) per calendar
year
A payment of 50% on the excess value will be required when:
- The value of your shipment exceeds $ 50 USD (about $62 CAD)
- When you exceed 12 shipments in the year
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Argentina from an individual in
Canada will be duty-free only if its value is $50 USD (about $62 CAD)
or less.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information at this time regarding shipping a gift from a
business in Canada to a business in Argentina.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information at this time regarding shipping a gift from a
business in Canada to an individual in Argentina.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Multiple gifts sent in one shipment should be wrapped and tagged
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.correoargentino.com.ar/que-ocurre-si-me-envian-un-regalo-debo-pagar-de-todos-modos#:~:text=Los%20regalos%20no%20estan%20exentos,u%24s%2050%20cada%20uno
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/recibir-envios-del-exterior/pasopaso-puertapuerta/declara-pago
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/recibir-envios-del-exterior/pasopaso-puertapuerta
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects shipped to Argentina from Canada are exempt from duty
if they meet the following criteria:
- The owner can prove residence in Canada for more than 2 years
- The goods belong to the shipper and/or his or her family
- Clothing and other items are for personal use
- They are accompanied with documents approved by Argentinian customs
prior to the arrival of the shipment
- Goods are not intended for commercial use, i.e. they are not to be
sold
- Goods can be tools and equipment required for a profession or trade*
- The goods must arrive in the country within 3 months prior or up to
6 months after entering Argentina
NOTE:
Does not include
installation of workshops, commercial laboratories, or similar
settings.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily from Canada to Argentina to study, and shipping their
personal effects.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students shipping
their personal effects to Argentina as a result of moving temporarily
for work.
Moving Permanently
Foreigners who obtain permanent residence in Argentina may ship their
personal effects exempt from duty charges providing:
- The owner can prove residence in Canada for more than 2 years
- The goods belong to the shipper and/or his or her family
Argentinians returning to Argentina to live permanently may ship their
goods exempt from duty if:
- They have lived outside of Argentina for more than 2 years before
moving there
- They provide the approved required documents to Argentine Customs
prior to moving
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/205934/norma.htm
http://biblioteca.afip.gob.ar/dcp/REAG01003109_2011_05_09
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacional/resoluci%C3%B3n-162-1998-51805/texto
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Food items may be shipped to Argentina from Canada provided they are
shipped for personal consumption only.
You May Ship
- Chocolates, cookies, and candies
- Artificially dried fruits
- Roasted coffee
- Animal or plant food items only if vacuum packed in labelled
containers
- Dairy products, providing they are made from pasteurized milk
- Fish - dried or smoked
- Non-perishable foods
Do Not Ship
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks
- Home made food items
- Perishable goods
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
http://www.senasa.gob.ar/normativas/resolucion-295-1999-senasa-servicio-nacional-de-sanidad-y-calidad-agroalimentaria
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to be displayed at meetings,
exhibitions, trade shows, and other similar events. The objective is
to promote future purchases, not to sell the samples.
Samples shipped to Argentina from Canada may qualify for duty-free
entry if:
- They are intended for demonstration purposes only
- They have no commercial value, i.e. they cannot be sold
- They are of negligible quantity and weight
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
- Shipment is labelled: 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'
Sources:
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/205934/norma.htm
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertisement material may be shipped from Canada to Argentina
provided they are authorized by Argentinian customs and sent through
the Temporary Admission Regime (TAR). See Temporary Imports section
for details.
Advertising materials are intended for exhibitions or local trade
shows and may include:
- Items intended for display, demonstration, or promotion
- Commercial samples for display with no intent to be sold
NOTE: Many trade show organizers obtain
a special waiver from the Ministry of Economy by declaring it an
'Event of National Interest'.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above
Sources:
https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Argentina-Business-Travel
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/argentina-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment sent from Canada to Argentina will be exempt from duty if
the equipment is under warranty and the repairs were made free of
charge.
Items Under Warranty
When material is shipped to Canada for repair work under a warranty,
i.e. provided free of charge, Argentine duty and taxes will be
incurred only on the shipping and insurance charges.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment that is no longer under warranty and is returning to Canada
from Argentina after repairs, it will incur duty and GST on the value
of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair
Sending Product for Repair to Argentina
Equipment sent to Argentina from Canada for repair will be exempt from
duty provided these items are sent under warranty.
Returning Repaired Product to Argentina
Equipment returning to Argentina after being shipped to Canada for
repairs will be exempt from duty only if the equipment is under
warranty. Taxes will apply to the value added to the equipment, such
as for replaced parts.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Argentina or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/205934/norma.htm
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Argentina temporarily from Canada will be exempt from
duty and taxes provided they meet the following conditions:
- Goods are shipped using Argentina's Temporary Admission Regime
(TAR)*
- They are commercial samples and goods for exhibit or demonstration
- Goods used for trade shows
- Goods are returned to Canada after their time in Argentina
- Goods are not modified except for normal wear-and-tear
- Items are shipped to be repaired
- A bond is required to cover the value of import charge of goods (the
bond is refunded when the goods are re-exported)
ATA Carnets
Argentina does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports. Instead,
it accepts temporary shipments through its Temporary Admission Regime
known as TAR.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/argentina-temporary-entry#:~:text=The%20Temporary%20Admission%20Regime%20
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Chulalongkorn
Dusit District
Bangkok 10 300
Argentina
Phone: 84 24 37563474 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments of sold goods sent from Canada to Argentina may be exempt
from duty and taxes as shown below under Occasional Shipper.
Occasional Shipper
If you ship sold goods occasionally to Argentina from Canada, they
will only be exempt from duty and taxes providing the shipment:
- Is for personal, non-commercial use
- Has a total value of $50 USD (about $62 CAD)
- Is one of a maximum of 12 shipments in one calendar year valued up
to $50 USD for each shipment
A payment of 50% on the excess value will be required when:
- The value of your shipment exceeds $ 50 USD (about $62 CAD)
- When you exceed 12 shipments in a calendar year
Regular shipper
For detailed information on shipping sold goods to Argentina, we
recommend you consult a licenced Argentinian customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/comprar-en-el-exterior-con-el-sistema-de-pequenos-envios
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/comprar-en-el-exterior-con-entrega-puerta-puerta
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/185000-189999/186173/norma.htm
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
José de San Martin
San Martin 27
C1004 CABA
Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes on goods shipped to Argentina are calculated using the
CIF value of the shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus
freight costs plus insurance charges.
By knowing the CIF value, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes
owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no threshold or de minimis values on shipments to Argentina.
All shipped goods, regardless of their value, will incur duty and
taxes.
| Currency | Argentine Peso (ARS) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 21% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Argentina imposes an excise tax on a variety of items including:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soft drinks
- Jewellery and precious stones
- Perfume
Details for these products can be found here.
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and Wines20% - 26%
- Tobacco20% - 70%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles20%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras18%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats35%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics18%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & Pants35%
- Home Appliances20% - 35%
- Toys35%
- Sports Equipment20%
Sources:
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/205000-209999/205934/norma.htm
https://www.macmap.org/
http://www.afip.gov.ar/aduana/arancelintegrado/
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/argentina/corporate/other-taxes
Questions
about Shipping to Argentina
Can I ship to Argentina?
Shipping to Argentina from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Argentina by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Argentina?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Argentina?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Argentina?
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