Argentina Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Argentina customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, relocation to Argentina, or the import of personal effects. Customs is administered by the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA), part of Argentina’s AFIP tax authority.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Argentina, including packing, freight, customs clearance and delivery to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza and all major regions.

1. Moving to Argentina – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Who Can Import Household Goods Duty-Free?

Duty-free import of used personal effects is generally available for:

Returning Argentine citizens (after 12+ months abroad)
Foreign nationals with a valid residence visa (temporary or permanent)
Diplomats and official personnel

Important: Tourists and short-term visitors cannot import household goods duty-free.

1.2 Goods Must Be Used & Previously Owned

Argentina requires that imported items be used, non-commercial and owned prior to relocation. New or unopened goods may attract heavy duties.

1.3 DNI or Residence Status Is Required

Foreigners must show proof of residency (temporary or permanent) before customs clearance. Argentine citizens must present their DNI upon re-entry.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
DNI (for Argentine citizens)
Temporary or Permanent Residence Visa (foreigners)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list (preferably in Spanish)
AFIP customs declaration forms
Power of Attorney for the customs broker

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List electronics with brand, model and serial number
Indicate used status clearly — new items face duties
Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous goods”
Separate new or high-value items for customs reference

H-H Relocations Tip: Argentina is known for strict inspections. A clean, accurate, Spanish-language inventory minimizes questions from customs officials.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Argentina

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing personal vehicles into Argentina is extremely restricted and typically not permitted except for diplomats.

Returning residents cannot import vehicles duty-free
Foreign residents generally cannot import vehicles at all
Diplomatic shipments may be exempt

3.2 Why It Is Not Recommended

Import taxes may exceed the vehicle’s value
Strict environmental compliance requirements
Lengthy approval and inspection processes

Important: Most relocation professionals advise buying a vehicle locally in Argentina rather than importing one.

4. Bringing Pets to Argentina

Argentina permits the import of pets, but veterinary and health documentation is required.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Veterinary health certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip recommended for identification
Inspection by SENASA (animal health authority) on arrival

Pet Travel Tip: All forms should be completed close to departure and may require Spanish translation. Keep originals readily accessible during travel.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol shipped as part of household goods may be heavily taxed. Customs may seize undeclared alcohol or require payment of high import duties. It is strongly recommended to avoid including alcohol in your shipment.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared. Importing commercial quantities is prohibited without permits from AFIP.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Argentina enforces strict agricultural and sanitary regulations through SENASA. The following items are generally prohibited in personal effects shipments:

Fresh fruit or vegetables
Meat, poultry, fish or dairy products
Seeds, plants, soil and untreated wood
Animal-origin food products

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicine requires a doctor’s letter and original packaging
Chemicals may require SENASA or ANMAT authorization
Weapons and ammunition are prohibited without federal permits
Cultural, archaeological or heritage items may require special permits

Important: SENASA inspections at ports and airports are detailed and strictly enforced. Agricultural violations can result in confiscation, fines and customs delays.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Argentina

Argentina prohibits the import of the following items in household goods shipments:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition and explosives (without authorization)
Fresh food, perishables, seeds and plants
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Pornographic or offensive materials
Hazardous chemical substances
New or unopened goods not declared properly
More than one of the same electronic item (commercial suspicion)

AFIP and SENASA jointly enforce prohibitions. Non-compliance may result in seizure, penalties or customs delays.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Argentina

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Canada to Argentina, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare a detailed, Spanish-language inventory
List electronics by model and serial number
Do not ship new or unopened goods
Ensure your residence visa or DNI is active before clearance
Expect customs inspections at Buenos Aires (BA) ports

7.2 Why choose a specialist in Argentina relocations

Argentina has one of the most complex customs systems in Latin America. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Accurate AFIP and customs documentation
Faster clearance and reduced inspection risks
Proper handling of restricted electronics and valuables
Reliable door-to-door coordination across Argentine provinces

Relocation Tip: The most common cause of delay in Argentina is missing or incorrect residency documentation. Ensure all ID, visa and shipment details match exactly.

8. Useful Official Links – Argentina

Use these official resources for updated customs rules:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Argentina. Final decisions on import eligibility rest with AFIP, DGA and SENASA authorities.