With the aim of facilitating international trade and improving access to products for individuals, the National Government has made official the exemption from import duties and the statistical tax for imports carried out through the Import Regime by Postal and/or Courier Service Providers (PSP/Courier)This measure, published today (02.12.2024) in the Official Gazette, applies to imports intended for personal consumption and non-commercial purposes.
The provision was formalized by the Decree 1065/2024, and the ARCA approved the regulations corresponding to the simplified import and export of goods by companies authorized as Postal Service Providers (PSP) and Courier, through the General Resolution 5608/2024.
The measure will allow users to receive up to five shipments per year, provided that the FOB value of each package does not exceed US$400. According to the official comment, the Government's action has the target to improve administrative efficiency and respond more effectively to the demands of society, in an economic context that requires measures to facilitate the free movement of goods, simplifying trade and stabilising domestic prices.
For this type of electronic commerce through Postal and/or Courier Service Providers, the former Federal Public Revenue Administration established guidelines under Law No. 20.216/1973 and Decree No. 1187/93, promoting a competitive postal system. In addition, Resolution No. 2436/96 of the former AFIP regulated the import and export of merchandise by companies authorized as Postal and/or Courier Service Providers, while General Resolution No. 4450/19 of the former AFIP established operational guidelines for non-commercial shipments of up to 50 kg and an FOB value of up to USD 1.000.
With today's update, the import limit through the postal service is extended, increasing the amount allowed per shipment from USD 1.000 to USD 3.000.. This measure, previously announced by the Government, aligns the Argentine border with regional standards. In addition, non-commercial shipments, with a maximum of Five annual shipments per person will be exempt from import duties and will not be subject to payment of the statistics fee up to a value of USD 400 per shipment., excluding any surplus from such profits.
In accordance with the measure adopted by the Executive Branch, the former AFIP, now transformed into the Agency for Customs Regulation and Control (ARCA), has implemented a sanctioning regime for possible non-compliance by Postal and/or Courier Service Providers, with the aim of strengthening customs control and avoiding irregularities. For better compliance, has unified the regulations on the simplified import and export of goods through these companies, through General Resolution 5608/2024, which includes four annexes.
Thus, the resolution establishes General and special regulatory provisions, which cover aspects such as the treatment of works of art, the shipment of medicines and other specific products. In addition, the operational provisions related to registration, the declaration in the cargo manifest (including the SIM Cargo Manifest), as well as the rules regarding import and export destinations for consumption. Common provisions for both processes are also regulated, such as shipments transported by travelers or carriers, the conditions of delivery and withdrawal of cargo on days or hours that are not in business, among others. Additionally, the resolution establishes a simplified process for the registration of import and export applications for consumption, framed within the general provisions.
The Executive decree will enter effective from 3 December 2024, the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.
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