Argentina Unifies Customs Rules for International Shipments

International shoppers in Argentina now have clearer customs rules for receiving eligible purchases from abroad.

Effective July 17, 2026, Argentina standardized the customs treatment of qualifying shipments delivered through Correo Argentino and private courier companies. Under the updated rules, eligible personal shipments valued at up to US$400 FOB may enter without import duties or Argentina’s statistical fee, subject to an annual limit of five shipments per person.

Here is what changed, what costs may still apply, and what MyUS members in Argentina should know before shipping their next package.

What Changed on July 17, 2026?

Argentina introduced the updated rules through Decree 604/2026, which took effect when it was published in the country's Official Gazette on July 17, 2026.

Previously, Argentina applied different customs exemptions depending on how a shipment entered the country:

• Shipments delivered through Correo Argentino qualified for an exemption of up to US$50 per shipment, with a maximum of 12 eligible shipments annually.
• Shipments delivered through eligible private courier already qualified for an exemption of up to US$400 per shipment, with a maximum of five eligible shipments annually.

The new decree aligned the postal system with the existing private-courier rules. Qualifying shipments entering through either channel can now receive the same US$400 exemption, limited to five shipments per person per calendar year.

This creates a more consistent customs framework for Argentinians ordering products from international retailers.

How Does Argentina's US$400 Exemption Work?

Under the unified rules, an eligible shipment with a merchandise value of up to US$400 FOB may be exempt from:

• Import duties
• Argentina’s statistical fee

FOB, or “Free on Board,” generally refers to the value of the merchandise before international transportation and insurance costs are added.

The exemption is available for up to five qualifying shipments per person each calendar year. The allowance applies per recipient, rather than per household or delivery address.

Shipments must also meet Argentina’s applicable personal-use and noncommercial import requirements.

Does "Duty-Free" Mean There Are No Import Charges?

No. The exemption does not eliminate every possible charge associated with importing a package into Argentina.

Eligible shipments may still be subject to:

• Value-added tax
• Applicable internal taxes
• Courier processing or brokerage charges
• Storage or service fees
• Other charges required by Argentine authorities

Recipients should consider these potential expenses when estimating the total landed cost of an international purchase.

MyUS shipping charges are separate from any duties, taxes, or fees assessed by Argentine customs authorities, carriers, or other parties.

What Happens if a Shipment Exceeds $400?

If the FOB value exceeds US$400, the amount above the exemption may become subject to applicable import duties and other charges under Argentina’s general import rules.

Additional customs requirements may also apply if the recipient has already used all five eligible shipments during the calendar year.

Because using the exemption for a small package still counts toward the annual five-shipment allowance, members may want to plan their shipments carefully. Consolidating eligible purchases may help members use fewer international shipments, although consolidation does not guarantee lower duties, taxes, or carrier fees.

Members should also avoid consolidating purchases beyond Argentina’s personal-use, quantity, value, or import restrictions.

What Does the Change Mean for MyUS Members?

Many MyUS shipments to Argentina are delivered through private express carriers. These courier shipments were already eligible for the US$400 exemption under rules introduced in December 2024.

Therefore, the July 2026 decree does not create an entirely new exemption for every MyUS member. Its primary effect is to extend the same allowance to qualifying shipments handled through Argentina’s postal system and establish more consistent treatment across postal and private-courier channels.

For MyUS members, the update clarifies Argentina’s approach to low-value personal imports. Members may continue to benefit from the exemption when their shipments meet all applicable requirements.

However, Argentine customs authorities determine eligibility. MyUS cannot guarantee that a particular shipment will receive duty-free treatment.

How MyUS Members Can Prepare Their Shipments

Before shipping purchases to Argentina, members should take the following steps.

Track the Number of Shipments Received

Keep a record of how many qualifying international shipments you have received during the calendar year. Once you use the five-shipment allowance, general import duties and requirements may apply.

Review the FOB Value

Check the merchandise value before submitting a shipment request. A package valued above US$400 may incur duties on the amount exceeding the allowance.

Use Complete Product Descriptions

Accurate descriptions help customs officials determine what a shipment contains and which rules apply. Avoid descriptions that are overly broad, such as “gift,” “accessory,” “parts,” or “personal items.”

Instead, provide specific descriptions that clearly identify each product.

Upload Accurate Purchase Documentation

Invoices and merchant receipts should accurately show the products, quantities, and purchase prices. Missing or inconsistent information may result in customs questions, reassessment, or delivery delays.

Check Argentina's Import Restrictions

Certain products may be prohibited, restricted, or subject to additional documentation and approvals. Review the MyUS prohibited and restricted items information before purchasing or shipping an item.

More Consistent Rules for Argentina's International Shoppers

Argentina’s July 2026 customs update creates a unified allowance for eligible personal shipments entering through postal and private-courier channels.

Qualifying recipients may receive up to five shipments per calendar year, each with an FOB value of up to US$400, without paying import duties or the statistical fee. VAT, internal taxes, carrier charges, and other applicable fees may still be assessed.

By monitoring their annual shipment count, providing accurate customs information, and reviewing the total landed cost before shipping, MyUS members in Argentina can better prepare for customs clearance and delivery.

Customs regulations are subject to change. Argentina's customs authorities determine final eligibility, duties, taxes, and import requirements.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. Import requirements can change, and customs authorities make the final determination regarding admissibility, documentation, duties, taxes, and clearance of imported goods.

We always aim to bring our members the best shopping options available, but some of the products featured in this post may have purchase restrictions. Please visit the merchant's terms of sale, shipping guidelines, and terms and conditions to find more information.