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Argentina

Argentina

Importing vehicles from mainland China to Argentina is handled by the General Customs Bureau (DGA) under ARCA (formerly AFIP). Finished vehicles are subject to a 35% import duty plus a 21% VAT (IVA), with total landed costs typically reaching 60%–80% of the vehicle's CIF value. Vehicles originating from MERCOSUR members that meet the local-content rule (≥60%) may qualify for a reduced 20% preferential duty. All imports must obtain IRAM certification and be pre-registered in the SIMI (Integrated Import Monitoring System), with approval taking roughly 5–10 business days. Argentina drives on the right, and right-hand-drive vehicles are strongly discouraged and difficult to register. Used vehicles older than 10 years are prohibited. The main clearance ports are Buenos Aires and Dock Sud. Importers should engage an ARCA-licensed customs broker (agente de aduana) and prepare the commercial invoice, certificate of origin (FORM A), certificate of conformity (COC), and consular-legalised documents in advance. Electric vehicles additionally require IRAM electrical-safety certification and lithium-battery dangerous-goods declaration (UN3480). Always confirm current rules with ARCA's official publications.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Argentina?
  • Age limit: Used vehicles: imports older than 10 years are prohibited.
  • Import duty & taxes: Finished vehicles pay a 35% import duty plus 21% VAT (IVA); total landed cost typically reaches 60%–80% of the vehicle's CIF value. MERCOSUR-origin vehicles meeting the local-content rule (≥60%) may qualify for a reduced 20% preferential duty.
  • Authority & certification: Argentine Federal Administration of Public Revenue (ARCA, formerly AFIP) through its General Customs Bureau (DGA). IRAM certification is required, with prior registration in the SIMI (Integrated Import Monitoring System); approval takes about 5–10 business days.

Import facts at a glance

Import duty & taxesFinished vehicles pay a 35% import duty plus 21% VAT (IVA); total landed cost typically reaches 60%–80% of the vehicle's CIF value. MERCOSUR-origin vehicles meeting the local-content rule (≥60%) may qualify for a reduced 20% preferential duty.
Age limitUsed vehicles: imports older than 10 years are prohibited.
SteeringLeft-hand drive. Right-hand-drive vehicles are strongly discouraged and difficult to register.
Main ports / entryBuenos Aires and Dock Sud.
Authority & certificationArgentine Federal Administration of Public Revenue (ARCA, formerly AFIP) through its General Customs Bureau (DGA). IRAM certification is required, with prior registration in the SIMI (Integrated Import Monitoring System); approval takes about 5–10 business days.
Required documentsCommercial invoice, certificate of origin (FORM A), certificate of conformity (COC) and consular-legalised documents. Electric vehicles additionally require IRAM electrical-safety certification and a lithium-battery dangerous-goods declaration (UN3480); engage an ARCA-licensed customs broker (agente de aduana).

Figures are indicative and based on Argentine customs (ARCA, formerly AFIP) publications (arca.gob.ar). Finished vehicles pay a 35% import duty plus 21% VAT (IVA), and used vehicles older than 10 years are prohibited; confirm current rates and procedure with ARCA's General Customs Bureau (DGA) before shipping. Sources: Argentine Federal Administration of Public Revenue (ARCA, formerly AFIP) (arca.gob.ar). Last reviewed 2026-10.

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Import guides

Import process: where shipments stallChina export ports by marketImport glossary: terms that decide a shipmentZOFRI Iquique: legal route for used cars

Our experience in this region — South America

EZ Auto's team has 15–20 years of experience in China's car export business. We have taken our first concrete step in Chile — building local presence and partnerships — and are now extending the same order-based, document-complete model across South America country by country. We do not rely on transshipment shortcuts; every car is sourced directly in China, inspected before payment, and shipped with full export documents. A typical order runs in seven steps: you confirm the model, specification and quantity; we source and verify availability in China; you approve the unit and we sign the contract; inspection takes place before payment; export clearance and booking are arranged in China; the vehicle sails from a Chinese port and we send you the shipping documents; you clear customs on arrival with your local broker. Payment terms, delivery windows and inspection scope are agreed in the contract for each order — we do not publish standing figures, because sourcing and freight conditions change. Our role ends at the destination port; import clearance and inland delivery are handled locally, with our document support throughout.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to South America?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, with full export documents and door-to-port logistics.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.
Why are used-car rules so different between countries?
Each country sets its own age limits, duties and emission standards. Chile restricts used imports; Peru and Ecuador allow recent used cars; Colombia mostly prohibits them. We tailor the sourcing (new vs used) to each market.
What documents do I receive?
Contract, commercial invoice, export declaration, certificate of origin, packing list and the vehicle's Chinese documents — enough for clearance in your destination country.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 30–55 days depending on the route (sea to Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia; overland via Chile for Bolivia). We keep you updated at every stage.
Should I start with new cars in Chile, or used cars in Peru and Ecuador?
It depends on the licence you hold and the working capital you want to commit. Chile is the most open market for new vehicles and already has a competitive dealer network; Peru and Ecuador admit recent used cars, so a used-car programme follows a different cost and inspection profile but faces tighter age, mileage and emission checks. Colombia is essentially a new-car market with preferential treatment for new energy models; Bolivia favours electric vehicles through duty exemptions. Several importers run two lines — new cars for Chile and Colombia, recent used cars for Peru and Ecuador.
How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?
It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.
How do we start?
Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.

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