International destination listing

Senders should determine import restrictions from the country's authorities before posting:

• acid and chemicals
• animal products and by-products
• bees
• food colouring and additives
• narcotics
• pharmaceutical products
• photographic sensitive paper or plates
• plants and seeds
• plastic tools (files)
• peat-based mixtures
• table salt
• toilet soap
• war material
• weapons and parts of weapons
• x-ray films.

Currently the Government of Argentina imposes quotas for the importation of peaches, white glasses for corrective spectacles, automobile parts, paper, pulp and footwear.

Pharmaceuticals, chemical products, veterinary products, medical devices, cosmetics, agricultural products, textiles and defense material require various approvals prior to import from various regulatory agencies.

Gifts

Articles imported as gifts may be subject to duties and taxes (donations to duly registered relief organizations may enter free of duties and taxes when accompanied by a Certificado de Donacion obtained from the Argentine Consulate prior to shipping).

Prohibited items

In addition to items considered non-mailable matter, the following are prohibited:

• alcohols and spirits
• animal products
• arsenic
• banana plants and shoots
• base metals and articles of base metals
• ceramic products
• certain food additives and colorants
• chemicals (inorganic and organic)
• dairy produce
• electrical machinery
• fertilisers
• fibers of the Amphibole and Chrysotile variety (Crocidolite, Amosite, Actinolite, Antofilite and Trimolite) and products containing these fibers
• footwear
• fresh fish products
• furniture
• glass and glassware
• grains, seeds and fruits
• jute
• live trees and plants
• mineral products
• narcotic or psychotropic based pharmaceuticals
• pharmaceutical products
• plastics and articles thereof
• products containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• rags
• residues and wastes from food industries
• used products such as (and not limited to): spare parts, medical supplies, automobiles, bicycle, motorcycles and velocipedes, tires, boats
• used textile articles and clothing
• vegetable products
• weapons and parts of weapons
• wood and articles of wood.

Documentation required

Information regarding Customs can be found in "Customs Requirements" of the Canada Postal Guide.

For shipments, the following documentation may be required:

1. Three copies of the commercial invoice

2. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

3. Insurance Certificates

4. Packing List

In addition,

Customs endorsement

Senders should include a signed endorsement on the customs documentation: Se puede abrir oficialmente (May be opened officially).

Invoice

Commercial goods or samples of value must include an original invoice in duplicate, with a Spanish translation, and include the signed declaration: Declaro bajo juramento que la informacion contenida en esta factura es exacta y que el precio indicado es el ùnico que realmente ha sido pagado (o ha de pagarse). Tambien declaro en igual forma que no existen convenios que permitan modificacion de dichos precios. An invoice is not necessary for:

• books, reviews, newspapers, literary periodicals
• educational equipment or material intended for teaching or scientific research institutes
• gold or silver coins
• personal-use items and non-commercial effects
• printed papers.

Used linen and clothing

Used linen and clothing must include a Certificate of Disinfection issued by a competent Canadian authority and endorsed by an Argentine consul.

Document Requirements

Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.

Commercial Invoice - Required for all non-document shipments to help prevent clearance delays. It should be presented in Spanish, however if in English, the Spanish translation should appear right below the English text.

Packing List - Required for most goods and should preferably be in Spanish. The import of some goods in bulk form (i.e. coal, sand etc.) does not require this document.

Certificate of Origin - A Certificate of Origin is required by the Government of Argentina for certain products such as textiles and footwear as well as for products and parts produced in countries that are not members of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Additional documentation is required in the form of permits, licenses or product certification for goods such as (and not limited to) food, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, cosmetics, agricultural products, textiles and defense material.

Customs Declaration - Parcels containing non-commercial articles, whose F.O.B value does not exceed 900 USD may be admitted on the basis of a Customs Declaration without the address being required to be on the Register of Importers. All documents presented must be in Spanish or be accompanied with a translation form from a certified translator.