Argentina Import & Export Toolkit

Argentina is a top-3 global soybean and beef exporter. This hub covers LC cost in ARS/USD, Mercosur Common External Tariff, 21% IVA, DGI/AFIP-ARCA clearance and Argentina's unique FX controls (BCRA, MULC).

Currency

ARS (Argentine Peso) - subject to BCRA FX controls

IVA (VAT)

21% standard, 10.5% reduced

Charged on CIF + duty + tasa estadística. Additional withholding IVA (10% or 20%) may apply at import.

Duty regime

Mercosur Common External Tariff (CET) 0-35%. Preferential rates within Mercosur (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). Export duties (retenciones) apply to soybeans (33%), soy oil/meal (~31%), corn/wheat (~12%).

Free calculators for Argentina trade

LC Cost Calculator →

All-in bank charges on a Letter of Credit.

Usance LC Interest →

Deferred payment cost with correct ACT/360 or ACT/365 basis.

Import Duty & Tax →

Duty, VAT/GST and landed cost per HS code.

Landed Cost by HS & Country →

Interactive duty + VAT/GST + Incoterm split for this destination.

CIF ↔ FOB Converter →

Convert between CIF, FOB and landed cost.

HS Code Lookup →

Search harmonised classification codes.

CBM & Container →

Volume, weight and container utilisation.

Incoterms 2020 Visualiser →

Cost, risk and document split across all 11 rules.

Multi-Currency Invoice →

FX spread and cross-currency invoice value.

Major ports & gateways

· Buenos Aires (Puerto Nuevo)
· Rosario / Up-river ports (grain hub)
· Bahia Blanca
· Zarate

Key trading partners· 7 linked toolkits

Top exports

· Soybean meal & soy oil (world #1)
· Corn
· Wheat
· Beef
· Motor vehicles
· Refined petroleum
· Lithium carbonate

Top imports

· Machinery
· Refined petroleum & natural gas
· Vehicles & parts
· Chemicals
· Electronics
· Pharmaceuticals

Trade finance in Argentina

· ARS LC uncommon due to FX volatility - USD or EUR LCs dominant. USD LCs use ACT/360.
· BCRA (Central Bank) FX access restrictions ('cepo cambiario') materially constrain payment for imports - importers need SIMI/SIRA approval before opening LCs.
· Argentine bank confirmations are hard to place internationally - most importers rely on advance payments or Sight LC confirmed by G7 bank.

Customs & duty in Argentina

· Argentina uses NCM (Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur) 8-digit aligned to WCO HS.
· MARIA / SIM is the AFIP-ARCA (formerly AFIP) electronic clearance system.
· SIRA (Sistema de Importaciones de la República Argentina) is the mandatory import authorisation - approval times are unpredictable and can block clearance.

Incoterms 2020 practice in Argentina

· FOB Rosario / Buenos Aires for grain exports (bulk). CFR / CIF for imports.
· DDP is impractical due to FX and import approval controls.

HS commodity guides for Argentina

Classification, duty and worked landed-cost examples for the commodity families most active on Argentina's trade lanes.

HS 85Electronics

HS Code for Electronics (Chapter 85) into Argentina →

HS 84Industrial

HS Code for Industrial Machinery (Chapter 84) into Argentina →

HS 30Regulated

HS Code for Pharmaceuticals (Chapter 30) into Argentina →

HS 2710Energy

HS Code for Petroleum Products (HS 2710) into Argentina →

HS 2709Energy

HS Code for Crude Oil (HS 2709) into Argentina →

HS 72Metals

HS Code for Iron & Steel (Chapter 72) into Argentina →

HS 61 & 62Consumer goods

HS Code for Textiles & Apparel (Chapters 61 and 62) into Argentina →

HS 31Agricultural

HS Code for Fertilizers (Chapter 31) into Argentina →

Argentina's key trading partners

India toolkit →

IGST on imports · 5% / 12% / 18% / 28%

China toolkit →

Import VAT · 13% standard, 9% reduced, 6% services

United States toolkit →

No federal VAT / GST · 0% federal

Netherlands toolkit →

BTW (VAT) · 21% standard, 9% reduced

Vietnam toolkit →

VAT · 10% standard, 5% reduced, 0% export

Brazil toolkit →

ICMS (state) + PIS/COFINS (federal) · ICMS 17-19% (varies by state); PIS 2.1%; COFINS 9.65%

Frequently asked questions

What is SIRA and how does it affect imports?

SIRA is Argentina's import authorisation system. Every import above threshold values needs SIRA approval before customs will clear the goods. Approval depends on BCRA FX availability - delays of weeks or months are common.