Importing Personal Effects into Argentina: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Argentina Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods - Argentine Citizens Returning

• Complete copies of passport including blank pages.
• Certified by public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Complete copies of Argentine ID (DNI).
• Certified by public notary and legalized by Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Certificate of Migratory Movements
• Must indicate the entries and departures of the shipper for the previous 24 months.
• Clave Única de Identificación Labora Certificate.l (CUIL) / Argentine TAX ID.
• Residence Certificate Issued by the Argentine Consulate at origin, certified in Argentina by the MFA.
• Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish.
• Must be detailed inventory. Handwritten lists are not accepted.
• Argentine ID (DNI) updated and with current address in Argentina.
• Migrations Certificate: can be obtained at https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform the import clearance on shipper´s behalf with signature certified by public
• notary and legalized.
• The moving company can provide the form locally.
• Import permit for artwork
• Declaration of all pieces in a special form (ask your agent for the model) + submit photographs of each piece to file a declaration online at the “Secretaría de Cultura” prior to file for customs clearance.

• Full contact details (phone, e-mail and address of delivery) to be provided.
• Documents must be received by the agent at least 7 days prior to the arrival of the shipment at port/airport.
• Shipper should be in Argentina at the time of shipment arrival.
• The origin of the move must be the last place of residence of the shipper.
• Shipments must arrive within 6 months of date of entry of the shipper.
• Date must be stamped on shipper’s passport.
• Shipments of foreigners holding a Tourist Visa cannot be imported.
• All shipments are subject to physical inspection except the diplomats which can only be inspected as per a special Customs requirement.
• Customs may require shipper to be present for physical inspection of cargo.
• If the shipper has lived abroad for more than 1 year and has not re-entered Argentina for more than 60 accumulative days during the 12 months prior to re-entry, the shipment can be imported duty free; the shipper can import only one shipment duty free every 3 years (just for Argentine and foreign citizens holding a Permanent Visa).
• If customer has been living abroad for more than 2 years, the shipment can be imported duty free. Customs will not consider how many days the customer has accumulated in Argentina during the 12 months prior to reentry; the shipper can import only one shipment duty free every 7 years (just for Argentine and foreign citizens holding a Permanent Visa).
• Diplomats must present a full copy of the passport stamped by the Diplomatic Mission or the official foreign organization where the shipper is employed.
• If the shipper’s passport was issued within 1 year, a previous passport must be presented; for citizenship in multiple countries, all passports must be presented.
• The Diplomatic Franchise must be provided by the Diplomatic Mission or the Official Foreign Organization where the shipper is officially employed.
• All documents not written in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.
• For foreign diplomats, the importation of alcohol is allowed up to the annual limit imposed by the MFA and the Embassy or Representation’s own limit.

• Customs is imposing since mid-2016 additional intensive controls for all import and export moves. Consequently, inspections with anti-narcotics dog teams have become mandatory for all shipments. Clearance depends on the availability of these dog brigades.
• Argentine MFA link where you can get the details of Argentine representations abroad: http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/en/representacion es
• Physical Inspection handling charges will apply for all private shipments arriving by Sea or by Land (Not applied for Diplomats).
• Estimated charges as follows:
• LCL: USD 600
• 20FT: USD 800
• 40FT: USD 1000
• 40HC: USD 1200
• Foreigners with a Temporary Resident Visa must import the move under temporary admission, as follows:
• The items must be guaranteed (bonded) for the duration of the visa or a period determined by Customs when the shipment is released; the Bond and the
• temporary admission must be renewed before the expiration date.
• The goods must be guaranteed by a local insurance company through a Póliza de Caución (Insurance bond).
• If at the expiration date of the Guarantee the visa has not been renewed, the goods must be re-exported before the expiration date of the Guarantee and the visa. If a Permanent Residence Visa has been obtained, the goods must be nationalized the Guarantee will be cancelled without paying taxes or duties.
• The Bond system is applicable for all moves arriving by sea, land or air.

Foreigners holding temporary visa (except tourist one)

• Complete copies of passport including blank pages.
• Certified by public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Complete copies of Argentine ID (DNI) or Visa or Residencia Precaria (temporary visa)
• copy (if DNI is unavailable).
• Certificate of Migratory Movements.
• Must indicate the entries and departures of the shipper for the previous 24 months.
• Clave Única de Identificación Labora Certificate (CUIL)/ Argentine Tax ID.
• Insurance bond issued by a local insurance company.
• Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish. Handwritten lists are not accepted.
• Migrations Certificate. Can be obtained at: https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform the import clearance on shipper´s behalf with signature certified and legalized.
• The moving company can provide the form locally.
• Import permit for artwork.
• Declaration of all pieces in a special form (ask your agent for the model) + submit photographs of each piece to file a declaration online at the “Secretaría de Cultura” prior to file for customs clearance.

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

Diplomats

• Diplomatic Franchise from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomats and military personnel).
• Full copy of passport.
• Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish. Must be detailed inventory. Handwritten lists are not accepted.
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform the import clearance on shipper´s behalf with signature certified and legalized.
• The moving company can provide the form locally.
• Import permit for artwork.
• Declaration of all pieces in a special form (ask your agent for the model) + submit photographs of each piece to file a declaration online at the “Secretaría de Cultura” prior to file for customs clearance.

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

Restricted / Dutiable items

• Archaeological 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 must be treated specifically for pests.
• Weapons.
• Must be declared and authorized by the Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR).
• Items considered for commercial purposes (determined through quantity, quality or type).

Prohibited items

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

Exporting Personal Effects from Argentina: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Argentina Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Complete copies of passport including blank pages.
• Certified by public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Complete copies of Argentine ID (DNI).
• Certified by public notary and legalized by Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Certificate of Migratory Movements
• Must indicate the entries and departures of the shipper for the previous 12 months).
• Clave Única de Identificación Laboral Certificate.(CUIL) / Argentine TAX ID.
• Consular Certificate issued by the Consulate of the country to which the move is being performed.
• Visa or residence permit of the destination country of the move.
• Letter from the company for which customer has been working in Argentina indicating the cease of contract or new position at destination country.
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform the export clearance on shipper´s behalf with signature certified by public notary and legalized.
• The moving company can provide the form locally.
• Sworn statement indicating that customer is moving abroad and that he complies with current regulations.
• Export permit for artwork.
• Declaration of all pieces in a special form (ask your agent for the model) + submit photographs of each piece to file a declaration online at the “Secretaría de Cultura” prior to file for customs clearance.

• Shipments must depart within 6 months of date of departure of the shipper. Also note that documents are valid 6 months since the date of signature of the notary.
• All shipments are subject to physical inspection except the diplomats which can only be inspected as per a special Customs requirement. If the shipper has lived in Argentina for less than 12 months prior to his departure, the shipment will be subject to taxes. Shipper must not have been out of Argentina more than 120 days in the 12 months prior to his final departure from the country.
• Payment of duties and taxes are applicable to all exportation of household goods and personal effects of:
• Argentine citizens with temporary residence permit abroad
• Foreign citizens that have not had an inbound shipment
• Foreign citizens performing a move to a third country with a temporary residence permit
• The amount of duties and taxes will be determined by customs.
• All documents not written in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de
• Traductores.

• Customs is imposing additional intensive controls for all export moves. Consequently, inspections with anti-narcotics dog teams have become mandatory for all shipments. Clearance depends on the availability of these dog brigades.
• As the list of documents vary according to shipper citizenship, immigration status in Argentina and at destination, we recommend you contact your local agent to get the up-to-date list of required documents.

Diplomats – HHGg/PE

• Diplomatic Franchise from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomats and military personnel). The Diplomatic Franchise must be provided by the Diplomatic Mission or the Official Foreign Organization where the shipper is officially employed. Full copy of the passport stamped by the Diplomatic Mission or the official foreign organization where the shipper is employed. CDI copy (Argentine tax ID for Diplomats).
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform the export clearance on shipper´s behalf with signature certified and legalized.
• The moving company can provide the form locally.
• Export permit for artwork.
• Declaration of all pieces in a special form (ask your agent for the model) + submit photographs of each piece to file a declaration online at the “Secretaría de Cultura” prior to file for customs clearance.

Restricted / Dutiable items

• Archaeological 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 must be treated specifically for pests.
• Weapons
• Must be declared and authorized by the Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR).
• Alcoholic beverages (up to 30 litres).
• Items considered for commercial purposes (determined through quantity, quality or type).

Prohibited items

• Items compromising public, animal and agricultural health.
• Organic products (soil, firewood, wood, animal parts, dried insects …).
• 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 that contain an internal – combustion or outboard engines.
• Hover boards.
• Items that are not considered as part of a move for Argentine Customs.

Argentina Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Argentina Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Complete copies of passport including blank pages, certified by public notary and legalised by the Argentine Public Notaries Association
• Complete copies of Argentine ID (DNI), certified by public notary and legalised by Argentine Public Notaries Association
• Argentine ID (DNI) updated with current address in Argentina
• Certificate of Migratory Movements (must show entries and departures for the previous 24 months; obtainable at https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/ — TLS certificate issue as of June 2026, verify in browser)
• Clave Unica de Identificacion Laboral (CUIL) certificate / Argentine Tax ID
• Residence Certificate issued by the Argentine Consulate at origin, certified in Argentina by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
• Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) / CRT
• Typed packing list in Spanish (handwritten lists are not accepted; must be a detailed inventory)
• Letter authorising the moving company to perform import clearance on the shipper's behalf, with signature certified by public notary and legalised (the moving company can provide the form locally)
• Import permit for artwork, if applicable (declaration of all pieces in a special form with photographs, filed online at the Secretaria de Cultura prior to customs clearance)

• All of the above, plus:
• Copy of Visa or Residencia Precaria (temporary visa) if DNI is unavailable
• Insurance bond (Poliza de Caucion) issued by a local insurance company

• Diplomatic franchise from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Full copy of passport
• Bill of lading (OBL) / AWB / CRT
• Typed packing list in Spanish
• Letter authorising the moving company (with certified/legalised signature)
• Import permit for artwork, if applicable

Specific Information

Passport declaration requirement: Owners must declare to customs officers upon entry that a shipment is expected. A stamp ("Manifiesta Esperar Equipaje No Acompanado") must be placed in the passport. Diplomats are excluded from this requirement.

Origin of move: The origin of the move must be the last place of residence of the owner. If the passport was issued within the last 12 months, the previous passport must also be presented. For multiple citizenships, all passports must be presented.

Shipment arrival deadline: Shipments must arrive within 6 months of the owner's stamped date of entry into Argentina.

Owner presence: The shipper should be in Argentina at the time of shipment arrival. Customs may require the owner to be present for physical inspection.

Document submission deadline: Documents must be received by the agent at least 7 days or 48 hours prior to the arrival of the shipment. Use the more conservative 7-day lead time.

Tourist visas: Shipments of foreigners holding a tourist visa cannot be imported.

Temporary visa holders — bond/guarantee system: Foreigners with a temporary resident visa must import under temporary admission. The items must be bonded (guaranteed) for the duration of the visa. The bond must be renewed before the expiration date. The goods are guaranteed by a local insurance company through a Poliza de Caucion (insurance bond). If the visa is not renewed by the guarantee's expiration, the goods must be re-exported. If a permanent residence visa is later obtained, the goods are "nationalised" and the guarantee is cancelled without paying taxes or duties. The bond system applies for all moves arriving by sea, land, or air.

Physical inspection: All shipments are subject to physical inspection (diplomats may be inspected only under special customs requirement). Since mid-2016, mandatory anti-narcotics dog team inspections apply to all import and export shipments. Clearance depends on the availability of these dog brigades.

Physical inspection handling charges (non-diplomatic):

• LCL: USD 600
• 20ft container: USD 800
• 40ft container: USD 1,000
• 40HC container: USD 1,200

Translation requirements: All documents not written in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores. All documents must be certified and legalised by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Artwork: Requires an import permit. A declaration of all pieces in a special form must be filed, with photographs submitted online to the Secretaria de Cultura prior to customs clearance.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions — lived abroad more than 1 year: If the owner has lived abroad for more than 12 months and has not re-entered Argentina for more than 60 cumulative days during the 12 months prior to re-entry, the shipment can be imported duty-free. One duty-free shipment is allowed every 3 years (for Argentine citizens and foreigners with a permanent visa).

Duty-free conditions — lived abroad more than 2 years: If the owner has lived abroad for more than 2 years, the shipment can be imported duty-free. Customs will not count how many days the owner accumulated in Argentina during the 12 months prior to re-entry. One duty-free shipment is allowed every 7 years (for Argentine citizens and foreigners with a permanent visa).

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Items compromising public, animal, and agricultural health — Prohibited
• Organic products (soil, firewood, wood, animal parts, dried insects) — Prohibited
• Narcotics and illegal drugs — Strictly prohibited
• Pornographic material — Prohibited
• Dangerous, toxic, or flammable items — Prohibited
• Stolen or smuggled items — Prohibited
• Currency (actual or counterfeit) — Prohibited in shipments
• Food — Prohibited in household goods shipments
• Alcoholic beverages — Prohibited beyond the allowed limits (see Restricted Items)
• Spare parts or parts of any vehicle — Prohibited in household goods
• Items with internal combustion or outboard engines — Prohibited in household goods
• Hoverboards — Prohibited
• Items not considered part of a move by Argentine Customs — Prohibited
• Meat or meat products — Prohibited
• Milk and dairy products — Prohibited
• Fresh fruit and vegetables — Prohibited
• Trees, plants, and plant products — Prohibited
• New computers — Prohibited (per VisaHQ; confirm with agent)
• New colour TVs — Prohibited (per VisaHQ; confirm with agent)
• Counterfeit goods — Prohibited

From neighbouring countries (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia):

• 1 litre of alcoholic beverages
• 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars
• 2kg of food products

From all other countries:

• 2 litres of alcoholic beverages
• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars
• 5kg of food

• Alcoholic beverages within shipments: Up to 30 litres of wine plus up to 30 litres of any other alcohol may be included. Sealed bottles are subject to duty payment. For foreign diplomats, alcohol is allowed up to the annual limit imposed by the MFA and the Embassy's own limit.
• Archaeological or palaeontological patrimony (fossils, human remains, geological collections and sediment) — Once admitted, export is not permitted
• Works of art and monuments of recent antiquity PERMIT REQUIRED — Authorisation required; import permit and photographs must be filed with the Secretaria de Cultura
• Original paintings and works of art — Specialised form required; check with agent
• Wood and wood items — Must be treated specifically for pests (ISPM 15 or equivalent)
• Weapons PERMIT REQUIRED — Must be declared and authorised by the Registro Nacional de Armas (RENAR)
• Items considered commercial — Determined by quantity, quality, or type; subject to duties
• Hoverboards — Prohibited in shipments

As of April 2025, Argentina has fully eliminated its import licensing system (SEDI). The former SIRA regime was replaced by SEDI in December 2023, and SEDI was itself eliminated in February 2025 via ARCA General Resolution No. 5651/2025. The PAIS tax on foreign currency transactions was also eliminated in December 2024. These changes generally liberalise trade but primarily affect commercial imports; household goods import procedures remain largely unchanged.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / land shipments.

Inventory requirements: A typed packing list in Spanish is required. Handwritten lists are not accepted. Must be a detailed inventory.

Translation and legalisation: All documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores. All documents must be certified and legalised by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Inspection: All shipments subject to physical inspection. Mandatory anti-narcotics dog team inspections since mid-2016. Clearance depends on dog brigade availability. Inspection handling charges of USD 600–1,200 apply for non-diplomatic shipments.

Owner presence: The shipper should be in Argentina at the time of shipment arrival. Customs may require the owner to be present for physical inspection.

Fines for late documentation: Fines apply if shipping documents are not presented for customs clearance within 15 days of shipment arrival.

Routing / port of entry: Buenos Aires is the primary port of entry (Puerto Nuevo / Dock Sud for sea freight; Ezeiza International Airport for air freight). Land crossings from neighbouring countries are also used.

Bill of lading requirements: The consignee's CUIT number (unique tax identification code) must appear on all bills of lading. If the party to be notified differs from the consignee, their CUIT must also be provided. If the individual is not a resident and has no tax ID, the passport number must be used. Cargo will be blocked if this information is missing.

ARCA (formerly AFIP): In 2024, the Argentine Revenue Service Agency (AFIP) was replaced by ARCA (Customs Collection and Control Agency) under Decree 953/2024. The customs bureau (DGA) operates under ARCA.

Currency: The Argentine peso (ARS) is the official currency. The economy has experienced significant inflation and currency controls. Cash is required for many services. Credit cards are accepted in urban areas.

Regulatory Updates

• February 2025: Argentina eliminated the SEDI import licensing system entirely (ARCA General Resolution No. 5651/2025), further liberalising trade.
• December 2024: PAIS tax on foreign currency transactions eliminated.
• 2024: AFIP replaced by ARCA (Agencia de Recaudacion y Control Aduanero) under Decree 953/2024. The customs bureau (DGA) now operates under ARCA.
• July 2025: Presidential Decree 513/2025 updated tariffs and the Common External Tariff (AEC) under Mercosur, effective July 30, 2025. Simplified regime for importing historic and collector vehicles.
• 2016–present: Mandatory anti-narcotics dog team inspections on all import/export moves in Buenos Aires.