Argentina reopened much of its import regime in 2024-2025 under the Milei government, but importing from Thailand still requires navigating SIRA licenses, AFIP customs codes, and volatile FX access. This 2026 guide walks through what actually works.
SIRA Import Licence
Every import >USD 50 needs a SIRA filing with AFIP. Most Thai consumer goods are now auto-approved within 30 days, but categories flagged as 'sensitive' (textiles, footwear, toys, electronics) can still get held.
Duty and Tax Stack
Mercosur CET applies: 0-35% duty, 21% VAT (IVA), 10.5% IVA adicional (advance), 6% profit tax, 3% turnover tax. Effective landed cost = CIF × 1.55-1.85 for finished goods. Statistical fee: 3% (capped).
Payment and Dollar Access
MULC (official FX market) access has improved in 2026 but importers still queue for USD allocation. Own-funds imports ('sin uso del MULC') bypass the queue if your company has offshore dollars. LC issuance is available but expensive.
Ports and Routing
Puerto Buenos Aires (Puerto Nuevo) handles most containers. Bangkok → BA is 45-55 days via Cape of Good Hope (Suez alternatives due to Red Sea). Rosario is preferred for bulk grain-adjacent cargo.
Best Product Fits
Natural rubber, coconut products, canned tuna, motorcycle parts, agricultural machinery components, cosmetics, pet food. Argentina imports ~USD 900M/yr from Thailand and rising.
Documentation Checklist
Commercial invoice (Spanish translation), packing list, BL, certificate of origin (Form D not applicable — use ordinary CO), phytosanitary/SENASA where relevant, and DJAI/SIRA acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Milei removed all import restrictions?
No — SIRA replaced SIRA-old but licences still exist. What changed is the timeline (30 days vs 180+) and automatic approval for most consumer categories.
Can I quote DDP to my Argentine buyer?
Not recommended. Argentine tax and FX complexity means DDP pricing is unpredictable. Quote CIF Buenos Aires.
Is Mercosur relevant?
Only for goods made inside Mercosur (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay). Thai origin = full CET applies.
What's the biggest risk?
FX volatility. Between quote and payment, the peso can move 10-20%. Hold LC at sight or pre-payment for high-value orders.
Related Guides
- Import from Thailand: Complete 2026 Guide
- Incoterms 2020 Explained
- Payment Terms LC vs TT
- Customs Broker Selection
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