G/LIC/Q/ARG/1 8 
25 September 2020  
(20-6517) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original:  Englis h 
 
  
IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM OF ARGENTINA  
QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES TO ARGENTINA  
The following communication, dated 23 September 2020 , is being circulated at the request  of the 
delegation of the United States . 
 
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The United States thanks Argentina for notifying a number of laws and changes to procedure to the 
Committee on Import Licensing  (CIL).  The United States encourages continued transparency 
through further notifications.  
 
In 2020, Argentina  made three (3) notifications to the Committee, and one corrigendum:  
 
G/LIC/N/2/ARG/28/Add.5, circulated 5 March 2020  
G/LIC/N /2/ARG/28/Add/6, circulated 14 April 2020  
G/LIC/N/2/ARG/28/Add.7, circulated 29 July 2020  
G/LIC/N /2/ARG /28/Add.7/Corr.1, circulated 18 August 2020  
 
These are updates to Resolution 523/2017, improved efficiency and transparency in Argentina’s 
import licensing system , notified in G/LIC/N/2/ARG/28 on September 2017.  
 
During 2020, we have heard from importers about non -transparent approval processes and 
requirements, as well as delays in processing times related to the import licensing system.  
 
In the interest of an open exchange under this Committee, we seek additional clarification from 
Argentina ab out the changes to the import licensing system introduced in 2020.  We urge Argentina 
to implement its system in a transparent, fair, and equitable manner, and to avoid practices that 
could have avoidable trade -restrictive or distortive effects that may di scourage investment or other 
economic activity important for Argentina’s long -term objectives.  
 
1. Is Resolution 532/2017 still the primary measure governing automatic and non -automatic 
import licensing in Argentina?  Which other measures are relevant to unde rstand the import 
licensing system?  
 
2. The notifications this year indicate changes in scope for products requiring non -automatic 
import licensing.  What products currently require non -automatic import licensing?  How is 
the scope of products different from that in place in 2019?  
 
3. The recent notifications indicate the possibility of very broad information requests, on short 
notice, to applicants for non -automatic import licensing.  
 
For example, at page 2 of G/LIC/N/2/ARG/28/Add.5, it states:  
 
For goods subjec t to non -automatic import licensing, the implementing authority may 
require the importer, at any point in the procedure, to provide any information and/or 
additional documents listed in Annex XV to the Resolution. It may also request the 
intervention of co mpetent technical bodies, use background information from its own sources 
or those of third parties, and require, should it be deemed necessary, clarifications.  G/LIC/Q/ARG/18  
 
- 2 - 
 
   
a) Has Argentina rejected any applications in 2020 for failure to provide such additional 
information, for an applicant that provided all information necessary according to 
published application instructions?  
 
b) How does Argentina ensure that such information requests do not result in a trade 
restriction and/or trade distortive effects ? 
 
c) What is the basis on which the implementing authority makes such information requests?  
How do such requests relate to the measure being implemented through the licensing 
procedure?  
 
d) How does Argentina inform applicants of information requests?  
 
e) If the information requested is not available from the applicant, how does that affect the 
application?  
 
f) What procedures does Argentina have in place to protect confidential information for 
applicants?  
 
4. Under what circumstances may an application for a license be  refused other than failure to 
meet the ordinary criteria?   What is the procedure for appeals of rejection of a non -automatic 
license?  
 
a) Do applicants  have a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a license?  
 
b) If so, to what bodies and under what p rocedures?  
 
5. What percentage of imports to Argentina are now covered by automatic import licensing and 
by non -automatic licensing?  What were those percentages on December 31, 2019?  Please 
provide this information by volume and value.  
 
6. Please provide statistical information for both automatic and non -automatic licenses, on:  
 
a) Number of applications,  
b) Percentage accepted,  
c) Percentage rejected, and  
d) Processing time (averages, minimum, and maximum) for applications?  
 
Please provide this information o n an annual basis for 2018 and 2019, and for 2020 January 
through September.  
 
7. Is Argentina considering additional changes to its import licensing system?  If so, will 
Argentina consult with stakeholders before implementing such changes?  What changes, if 
any, are under consideration?  
 
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