Government Continues to Facilitate Trade Following Recent Changes
Following the increase of the limit for overseas purchases to $3,000 via international shipments, resulting in a near 200% surge in package arrivals to the country, Argentina’s government continues its path of trade liberalization.
New “Small Shipments” Policy
After the latest communication on “Small Shipments,” Argentina’s Customs has simplified the declaration process for shipments up to $400, which are exempt from tariffs as long as the goods are for personal use. In these cases, products only pay IVA.
Courier Services Code for Simplified Trade
Now, courier companies can provide a single code to the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA), avoiding the breakdown of the Common Nomenclature of the Mercosur (NCM) in international trade. This decision is seen as a gesture towards express shipping services, which have experienced significant growth in their operations since December 2024 when the limit for eventual importations was raised from $1,000 to $3,000.
Impact on Argentine Trade
Aeropuertos Argentina Cargas reported a 171% increase in shipments over the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The monthly average rose from 55,000 to 150,000 shipments. In volume terms, there was an approximately 89% increase, from an average of 372 tonnes in the first few months of 2024 to 706 tonnes in the same period of 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What changes has Argentina’s government implemented regarding international shipments? The Argentine government increased the limit for overseas purchases to $3,000 and simplified the declaration process for shipments up to $400, exempting them from tariffs.
- Who benefits from these changes? These adjustments primarily benefit consumers and courier companies, making it easier for individuals to import personal goods and for businesses to streamline their operations.
- How have these changes affected trade volume in Argentina? Since the implementation of these changes, there has been a significant increase in shipment volume, with a 171% rise over the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- What is the significance of the single code for courier services? The single code provided by courier services to ARCA simplifies the trade process, avoiding the breakdown of the Common Nomenclature of the Mercosur (NCM) and facilitating international trade.
