30/07/2026 21:14 - Economia
Argentina’s national government has taken a historic step in economic deregulation. Through the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA) — the country’s combined tax and customs authority — a new regulatory framework was officially published on July 30, 2026, taking immediate effect. The rules dramatically simplify online purchases from abroad and remove barriers for exporting via courier services.
Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, celebrated the initiative, stating it democratizes access to global goods — something previously only available to those who traveled abroad. The new regulations (General Resolutions 5883/2026 and 5884/2026, plus Decree 604/2026) aim to streamline international trade, reduce operational costs, and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
Shipments from abroad for personal use or consumption now have a cap of USD 3,000 (FOB value — Free On Board, meaning the price of goods excluding shipping and insurance). Each package may contain a maximum of three units of the same item, and each person is limited to five shipments per year.
Purchases up to USD 400 are now exempt from import duties and the statistical tax. This replaces the previous limit of just USD 50, aligning the rules for Argentina’s postal service (Correo Argentino) with those of private couriers.
One of the most encouraging changes for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (PyMEs) is the elimination of FOB value limits for exports via courier (General Resolution 5883/2026). Local businesses can now sell their products abroad without any monetary restrictions, opening doors to international markets.
According to consulting firm Analytica, courier imports in the first half of 2026 reached USD 643 million, a year-on-year increase of 104.2%. In provinces like Córdoba, courier sales have already grown 70% compared to the previous year.
The new system allows Correo Argentino to arrange with e-commerce platforms the advance payment of taxes at the time of purchase. The recipient will have 24 hours to validate or correct their shipment data before it arrives in the country.
Once the package reaches Argentina, it will be cleared virtually and automatically. If customs intervention is required, Correo Argentino can represent the buyer, eliminating unnecessary trips to customs offices.
It is important to note that medications for personal use still require prior authorization from ANMAT (Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices). Shipments exceeding the established limits will be subject to the general import regime.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
