Argentina streamlines import process

Argentina’s government will now issue automatic licenses for imports for domestic consumption of products under virtually all tariff lines, according to Miami-based law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg.    The government of Argentina, under new President Mauricio Macri, has overhauled the country’s import licensing system to make trade easier.
   In a note to clients, the Miami-based law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg said Argentina last week replaced its complicated import declaration process with one that is much simpler.
   Now, the government will issue automatic licenses for imports for domestic consumption of products under virtually all tariff lines. Licenses will generally be issued within 10 days, greatly increasing predictability for importers, the law firm said.
   Non-automatic import licenses will be required for specific goods (e.g. textiles, toys, footwear, leather goods, home appliances, metallurgical products, auto parts, tires, motorcycles and bicycles) due to their sensitive nature.
   These licenses will also be issued within 10 days unless the application is incomplete, in which case authorities will have up to 30 days to complete their review and make a decision. Applicants for either type of import license must submit the same type of information as before, including the importer name and tax number, quantity, value, brand, model and origin of the product.
   Sandler Travis Trade Advisory Services will host a webinar next month on Argentina’s new import rules.