WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
G/LIC/N/3/ARG/2
22 January 1998
(98-0222)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  Spanish
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Notification under Articles 1.4(a), 8.2(b) and 7.3 of the Agreement
ARGENTINA
The following communication, dated 19 December 1997, has been received from the
Permanent Mission of Argentina.
_______________
In accordance with Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, please find
attached the updated replies to the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures.1  These reflect the
state of the rules in force as at 31 December 1996 and update the replies contained in document
G/LIC/N/3/ ARG/1, dated 14 February 1996.2
The legislation referred to in the replies is also attached.3
                                                     
1 The Questionnaire is annexed to document G/LIC/3.
2 Reply 5 of sections I-VIII and X-XII contains updated information.
3The legislation and Annexes referred to in this document are available for consultation in the
Secretariat (Market Access Division) (Spanish only).G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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Goods Covered by Prior Authorization or Licensing Systems
Page
I. Food ......................................................................................................................... ........... 3
II. Animal products, by-products and derivatives (not for food purposes),
active principles and formul as for veteri nary use ............................................................... 4
III. Vegetable products, by-products and derivatives (not fo r food purposes) ......................... 6
IV. Medi caments................................................................................................................. ...... 7
V. Reagents and material  for medica l use ............................................................................... 8
VI. Toiletries, cosme tics and perfumes..................................................................................... 10
VII. Narcotic drugs, intermediate pr oducts and psychotrop ic substances.................................. 11
VIII. Nuclear elements  and materials .......................................................................................... 12
IX. Sensitive mili tary im ports.................................................................................................. .1 4
X. Condoms ...................................................................................................................... ....... 15
XI. Narcotic drugs and ps ychotropic substances ...................................................................... 16
XII. Wild fauna and flora ....................................................................................................... .... 17
XIII. Public ations.............................................................................................................. ........... 18
XIV. Arms and ammun ition ........................................................................................................ 19
XV. Measuring instruments....................................................................................................... .2 1
XVI. New vehicles............................................................................................................... ........ 22G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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I. FOOD
1. National Food Institute, National Animal Health Service, Argentine Plant Health and Quality
Institute, National Vitiviniculture Institute.
For the purpose of imports of food for human consumption, the customs service will, before
releasing the goods, require prior authorization by the National Food Institute in the case of the
schedules of products mentioned in A nnex I (Annex III to ANA Resolution 1946/93).
The Argentine Food Code, operative under Law 18284 and in keeping with the International
Codex Alimentarius, sets out rules for producing, processing and distributing food for human
consumption throughout Argentina.  Article 4 stipul ates that imported or exported foods must comply
with the Argentine Food Code.  The National Heal th Authority may verify the hygienic-sanitary
conditions and water content and the commercial identification of products entering or leaving the
country.  These functions are carried out by the Secretariat of Health of the Ministry of Health and
Social Action, through the National Medicaments, Food and Medical Technology Administration
(ANMAT);  the National Food Institute (INAL);  and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA)and the Argentine Plant Health and Quality Institute (IASCAV), both of them part of the Secretariat
of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Ministry of the Economy and Public Works and
Services.
For the purpose of imports and exports of animal products, by-products and derivatives not
put up for retail sale, the customs service will require the authorization issued by the National Animal
Health Service (SENASA), before releasing the goods .  For the purposes of imports of raw materials
and food products of vegetable origin not put up for retail sale, the customs will demand the
authorization issued by Argentine Plant Health a nd Quality Institute (IASCAV), before releasing the
goods.
For imports of wine products classified under heading 22.04 of the Harmonized System, the
customs service will require authorization by the National Vitiviniculture Institute.  This supervisory
body will inform the National Customs Administra tion (ANA) of th e details for import applications
which infringe the law as a result of failure to comply with conditions imposed on wine importers.
The destinations of imports of food put up for retail sale must be accompanied by duly
authenticated copies of the registration of the importer's establishment or warehouse and the
registration of the product in the National F ood Register (RNPA).  The customs service will
automatically release food products put up for retail sale that have the requisite certification.Otherwise, imports of such products, including additives, beverages and other foodstuffs not covered
by the above-mentioned provisions, must have the prior authorization of the National Food Institute
(INAL).
2. See the schedule of products in Annex I.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is to check the quality of products that enter the country and are intended for
human consumption, as well as their admissibility from the health standpoint.
Argentine law allows for automatic inclusion in the appropriate register for products
authorized for consumption on the domestic markets of exporting countries.
5. Decrees Nos. 2092/91 and 1812/92, National Customs Administration Resolutions
Nos. 1946/93 and 445/96 (Annex I).G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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6. The questions under this item are not answered, since current legislation does not establish a
quota system.
7. An application must be made for each shipment.  The enforcement authority issues the licence
within 72 hours.
There are no limitations as to the period of the year.One single body (National Food Institute (INAL)) is involved in the consideration of
applications.
8. The application may be refused if the examination shows that the product is not fit for
consumption.  In such cases the importer is informed.
9. There is no selection of importers.  Anyone may import, provided he is in the Register of
Importers and Exporters of Food Products.  The products to be imported must also be included in the
registration.  Both registrations are made only once.  Fees depend on the goods concerned.  Annex I
contains the rules setting out the various charges.
10. The information required is attached in Annex I.11. The documentation required is registration in the National Customs Administration's Register
of Importers and Exporters.
12. The administrative charge is mentioned in the reply to question 9.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment.
14. The registration of the product is permanently valid, unless changes in formula occur.  In such
instances, the importers must report the change.  Authorizations to import registered products are
granted within 24 hours.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.  Usually, they are all used because as
already stated, they are required at the time of each shipment.
16. Registered products are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions connected with the application.18. There is no other administrative procedure, apart from prior application for a licence.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
II. ANIMAL PRODUCTS, BY-PRODUCTS AND DERIVATIVES (NOT FOR FOOD
PURPOSES), ACTIVE PRINCIPLES AND FORMULAS FOR VETERINARY USE
1. National Animal Health Service (SENASA)
Imports and exports of animal products, by-produc ts and derivatives not for food purposes are
subject to prior authorization issued by the SENASA.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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For the purpose of imports and exports of active principles and formulas for veterinary use,
the customs will demand the relevant authorization issued by the SENASA.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex II.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is to check the quality of products that enter or leave the country, as well as to
ensure their admissibility from the health standpoint.
5. National Customs Administration Resolution s Nos. 2012/93, 895/94 and 519/96 (Annex II).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since there are no import quotas for these
goods.
7. It should be noted that prior import authorization is governed by the rules of the International
Office of Epizootics, of which the Argentine Republic is a member.
(a) Live animals:  authorization must be requested for each shipment.  The importer must
notify arrival of the goods.
(b) Animal products:  general authorization is requested for each product.
There is no expiry date.
Advance notice of 72 hours is given for each shipment.
There is no limitation as to the period of the year.One single body is involved in the consideration of applications.
8. An application may be refused when it is found that the goods involve a health risk.
9. Any importer may apply for authorization, provided he meets the requirements.
There are fees for all authorizations, depending on the kinds of goods.  The charges are listed
in Annex II.
The importer must be in the SENASA Register of Importers and in the National Customs
Administration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
10. The requisite information is provided on the sample form in Annex II.
11. Registration in the National Customs Administ ration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
12. As stated in the second paragraph under item 9, the fees depend on the goods.13. There is no deposit or advance payment.
14. The licence is valid for 15 days from the date of acceptance of notice of arrival of the goods,
and may be extended.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.
16. Yes, they are transferable.17. There are no other conditions.18. There is no other administrative procedure.19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.   The foreign exchange
market is free.
III. VEGETABLE PRODUCTS, BY-PRODUCTS AND DERIVATIVES (NOT FOR FOOD
PURPOSES)
1. Argentine Plant Health and Quality Institute.
Imports and exports of vegetable products, by-products and derivatives that do not form food
products for human use put up for retail sale are subject to authorization by the IASCAV.
For imports and exports of active principles and agrochemical and biological products used in
the production and marketing of agricultural products and plant therapeutical products, soil
conditioners and fertilizers, the relevant certificate of authorization issued by the IASCAV must be
produced.
2. See the schedule of  products in Annex III.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.4. The system is not intended to restrict imports;  the purpose is phytosanitary protection.
The activities governed by the International Plant Protection Convention.
5. National Customs Administration Resolu tions Nos. 2013/93 and 453/96, and SAG y
P Resolutions Nos. 582/93, 94 4/93, 296/95, 60 /95 (Annex III).
6. The questions under this item are not answered, since current legislation does not include
quotas.
7. The importer obtains a Phytosanitary Clearance Import Certificate (AFIDI) valid for
six months.  On the basis of this certificate the importer applies, prior to each shipment, for import
authorization.
In keeping with the terms of the Internati onal Convention, the exporter issues the sanitary
certificate.
The application, made before each shipment, is answered within 24 hours.  Authorization can
be granted during the working hours of the same working day.
There is no limitation on the period of the year.One single body is involved in the consideration of applications.
8. An application may be refused if it is deemed that plant health will be affected.  The parties
concerned are informed of any refusal and are entitled to appeal.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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9. Any natural or legal person may import, provided the general requirements are met.
The requisite documents are attached, together with the current legislation.
10. The information required from importers is att ached in Annex III, together with the current
legislation.
11. The documents required are the registration number in the National Customs Administration's
Register of Importers and Exporters and the relevant customs forms.
12. There are fees for issuing authorizations.  See Annex III.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment obligation.
14. The Phytosanitary Clearance Import Certificate is valid for six months.
15. There is no penalty.
16. Authorizations are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions.18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
IV. MEDICAMENTS
1. Import applications are subject to prior authorization by the Secretariat of Health, Ministry of
Health and Social Action.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex IV.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is to check the quality of products entering the country, as well as to ensure their
admissibility from the therapeutics standpoint.
Argentine law allows for automatic registration of medicaments authorized for consumption
on the domestic market of exporting countries.
5. Decrees Nos. 2505/85, 150/92, 177/93.  National Customs Administration Resolutions
Nos. 2014/93, 262/94, 461/95 and 455/96.  Minist ry of Health Resolutions Nos. 139/89, 551/86
(Annex IV).
6. The questions under this item are not answered, since current legislation does not fix quotas
for imports of these goods.
7(a) Licences are issued within 24 hours.  In urge nt cases, they may be issued during the working
hours of the same working day.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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7(b) See 7(a).
7(c) There is no limitation on the period of the year.
7(d) Only one body is involved.  The importer must refer to one single body.
8. An application may be rejected on the following grounds:
(a) The importer is not included in the relevant register, kept by the National
Medicaments, Food and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT);
(b) there is no certificate of approval of the establishment;
(c) there is no certificate of approval of the product.
When informed of the reasons, the importer mu st comply with the requirements stipulated,
and this must be done on a one-time basis.
9. Provided the requirements set out in item 8 are met, there is no selection of the type of
importer.
10. A sample form is attached (see Annex IV).
11. Registration in the National Customs Administ ration's Register of Exporters and Importers.
12. The amount of the administrative charge is fifty (50) pesos.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment obligation.
14. The body concerned does not fix a date of expiry.15. No penalty.
16. They are no transferable.
17. None.
18. None.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
V. REAGENTS AND MATERIAL FOR MEDICAL USE
1. For the purpose of importing disposable items for medical use, equipment and devices for
medical and odontological use, "in vitro" diagnostic reagents and products for domestic use affecting
human health, import applications are subject to the presentation of certificates of registration of theimporter and the product, issued by the Secretariat of Health, Ministry of Health and Social Action.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex V.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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4. The authorization is not intended to restrict imports;  the purpose consists in making sure that
the products are sterile, non-toxic and function with mechanical and the other properties necessary for
perfect use in the treatment of patients.
5. Decree No. 2505/85.  Ministry of Health Resolutions Nos. 551/86, 139/89 (Annex IV).
National Customs Administration Resolutions Nos. 2015/93, 460/95, 1380/95 and 446/96.  ANMAT
Resolution No. 607/93.  Ministry of Heal th Resolution No. 255/94 (Annex V).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, because there are no import quotas for these
goods.
7. Licences are issued within 24 hours.  In urgent cases, they are usually granted during the
working hours of the same working day.
There is no limitation as to the period of year.
One single body is involved.
8. An application may be refused on the following grounds:
(a) The importer is not in the relevant register;
(b) there is no certificate of approval of the establishment;
(c) there is no certificate of approval of the product.
When informed of the reasons, the importer mu st comply with the requirements stipulated,
and this must be done on a one-time basis.
9. Provided the requirements set out in item 8 are met, there is no selection of the type of
importer.
10. A sample form is attached (see Annex V).
11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Exporters and Importers.
12. The amount of the administrative charge is fifty (50) pesos.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment obligation.
14. Enforcement authority does not fix a date of expiry.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization.
16. They are not transferable.17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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VI. TOILETRIES, COSMETICS AND PERFUMES
1. Import applications are subject to prior authorization by the Secretariat of Health, Ministry of
Health and Social Action.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex VI.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.4. The purpose is to ensure the quality and innocuousness of the products, and the requisite
streamlining and transparency of the current policy of deregulation.
5. National Customs Administration Resolutions Nos.  262/94 and 518/96 (Annex VI).  Ministry
of Health Resolution No. 337/92 (Annex VI).
6. The questions under this item are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7. Authorizations are issued within 48 hours.  In urgent cases, they are usually granted within
the working hours of the same working day.
There are no limitations on the period of the year.
One single body is involved in the consideration of applications.
8. An application may be refused on the following grounds:
(a) The importer is not in the relevant register, kept by the enforcement authority;(b) there is no certificate of approval of the establishment;
(c) there is no certificate of approval of the product.
When informed of the reasons, the importer mu st comply with the requirements stipulated,
and this must be done on a one-time basis.
9. Provided the requirements set out in item 8 are met, there is no selection of the type of
importer.
10. A sample form is attached (see Annex VI).
11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Exporters and Importers.
12. The administrative charge is fifty (50) pesos.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment obligation.14. The enforcement authority does not fix a date of expiry.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the authorization.
16. Authorizations are not transferable.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
VII. NARCOTIC DRUGS, INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS AND PSYCHOTROPIC
SUBSTANCES
1. Applications for final or temporary imports are subject to prior authorization by the
competent authority of the Secretariat of He alth, Ministry of Health and Social Action.
It is prohibited to import and export the goods listed in Annex III and the goods defined as
medicaments with a base of Narcotic Drugs IV and Psychotropic Substances I of Annex IV, of ANA
Resolution No. 2017/93, as amended by ANA Resolu tion No. 543/95, except for quantities strictly
necessary for medical and scientific research and clinical experiments with narcotic drugs conductedunder the supervision and control of the health authority.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex VII.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is to keep a proper check on the destination and use of the goods in question.
5. Law Nos. 17818, 19.303. National Customs Admi nistration Resolutions Nos. 2017/93 and
3945/96.  Provisions Nos. 4855/96 and 4861/96 of the National Medicaments, Food and Medical
Technology Administration (Annex VII).  The function of the enforcement authority in regard to
imports of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substanc es is in keeping with the following conventions,
to which the Argentine Republic is a signatory:
- 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Protocol of Amendment.- 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
- 1988 Convention on Essential Precursors and Chemical Products (Art. 16)
6. The importation of narcotics and psychotropic substances is subject to annual quotas for each
country, in keeping with the stipulations of the C onventions cited in item 5 and with the terms laid
down by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
The country's annual quota is allocated by the enforcement authority among the firms
manufacturing medicaments which include the products in question.
There is a maximum amount for each applicant and it is allocated annually.
The interested parties may, for each shipment, deduct from this maximum amount the
quantities of products they need to be cleared by customs.
The enforcement authority keeps a strict check on the imports by each importer.
Once each importer is allotted his annual quota, the formalities are automatic.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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Every year, the enforcement authority informs the United Nations of compliance with the
country's allocations.
Quota allocations are not transferable.
7. The enforcement authority issues documents automatically, which indicates that there is no
need for applications to be made in advance.
There is no limitation as to the period of the year.
One single body is involved.
8. An application may be refused where the applicant has not been allocated an annual quota.
9. Imports may be made only by importers registered as such by the enforcement authority.
10. A sample form is attached in Annex VII.
11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
12. There is a charge of sixteen (16) pesos for an import certificate (a copy of the certificate is
attached in Annex VII).
13. There is no deposit or advance payment.
14. The period of validity expires at the end of the calendar year in which the quota is allocated.
15. There is no penalty.  Non-utilization will be taken into account for the purposes of allocating
the next annual quota.
16. The certificates are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
VIII. NUCLEAR ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
1. Importation of nuclear elements and materials, even in the case of radioactive material,
presented in any form, or containing such material  or with component parts and/or accessories and/or
measuring, checking or control devices containing a radioactive source, is subject to prior
authorization issued by the Nation al Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA).
2. Goods covered by the tariff headings in the National Tariff Nomenclature cited in Annexes I
and II of National Customs Administration Resolution No. 2018/93, as amended by ANA Resolution
No. 3342/93 (copies of these resolutions are attached in Annex VIII).
3. There is no differentiation between countries.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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4. The purpose of the licensing system is to make sure that the user of radioactive material
utilizes it with a cost/benefit balance for soci ety, in keeping with international standards.
5. Decree No. 1540/94 establishes that the Natio nal Nuclear Regulatory Body is competent to
issue licences to import radioactive and nuclear material.  The National Nuclear Regulatory Body is
independent in issuing the rules governing the import licensing system, which is administeredtogether with the National Customs Administration.   (National Customs Administration Resolutions
Nos. 2018/93, 3342/95, 451/96 and 2400/96 - Annex VIII).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7(a) and (b) A permit to use radioactive material is required in order to be able to apply for an
import licence.  Nuclear power stations have an operating licence.  Import permits can be issued
immediately under the relevant permit to use radioactive material.  In the case of nuclear powerstations, the time needed may vary, depending on the complexity of evaluating the material being
imported.
7(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which applications for import
permits may be made.
7(d) One single organ is involved in the licensing system:  the National Nuclear Regulatory Body.8. Imports may be limited to the importer's installed capacity to store the goods, without
endangering the safety of the plant and the population.
9. Radioactive and nuclear materials may be imported only by agents in possession of a permit
to use radioactive and nuclear material, or an operating licence in the case of nuclear power stations.
These permits are also issued by the National Nuclear Regulatory Body.  There is a charge for thesepermits and operating licences.  The rates are established in National Atomic Energy Commission
(CNEA) Resolution No. 18/91.  CNEA  Resolution No. 272/65 sets out the fines for infringements of
the rules.
10. Annex VIII contains a copy of the requisite application form for an import permit, which is
submitted as a sworn declaration.
11. The usual import documents.
12. There is no fee for import licences.
13. No deposit is required.
14. An import permit is valid for 60 days.  On expiry, a new licence must be applied for.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.16. Licences are not transferable; a change of holder of a permit to use nuclear material or of an
operating licence is needed in order to transfer an import licence.
17. A permit to use radioactive and nuclear material, or an operating licence in the case of nuclear
power stations, is required in order to obtain an  import licence;  such permits are issued by the
National Nuclear Regulatory Body.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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18. None.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
IX. SENSITIVE MILITARY IMPORTS1 & 2. Decree No. 603/92 established the National Control Commission for Sensitive Military
Exports, established by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of
International Trade, and the Ministry of the Economy and Public Works and Services.  Depending on
the products involved, an official of the National Nuclear Regulatory Body and of the Armed Forces
Scientific and Technological Research Institute al so form part of the Commission.  The Commission
grants import certificates for the schedule of nuclear products or products for nuclear use set out in the
annexes to Decree No. 603/92, as amended by Decree  No. 1291/93.  This schedule concords with the
schedules prepared by international suppliers of nuclear material (Annex IX).
3. The system applies to imports originating in or consigned from all countries.4. The purpose of the licensing system is to abide by Argentina's steady and firm commitment to
the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as reflected in various agreements and
international commitments, including the Memorandum  of Understanding between the Government of
the Argentine Republic and the Government of the United States on the transfer and protection of
strategic technology.
5. Decrees Nos. 603/92 and 1291/93 establish the licensing system.  The National Control
Commission for Sensitive Military Exports, established under the decrees in question, can modify the
schedules of chemical products, missiles and products for nuclear use under its control (Annex IX).
6. There are no quotas.7(a) and (b) The process of obtaining import licences takes a total of 20 days.  The Executive
Secretariat of the National Control Commission for Sensitive Military Exports must decide in five
days and the application is then referred to the corresponding technical body.
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year for applications for import licences.(d) The National Control Commission for Sensitive Military Exports is the only body involved in
considering an application for an import licence.
8. Imports may be limited when they are consigned from countries which do not comply with
the requirements of Comprehensive Agreement on Safeguards.
9. Agents applying for import certificates do so at the request of the exporting country, where
the exporting enterprise applies for an export permit.
10. A sample copy of the requisite import certificate is attached in Annex IX.11. The usual import documents are required.12. There is no fee for an import licence.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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13. There is no deposit for imports.
14. An import licence is valid for 60 days.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.
16. Import licences are not transferable.17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
X. CONDOMS
1 & 2. Establishment of standards for the manufacture and importation of condoms of natural rubber
latex, for one-time use.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. Import permits are intended not to restrict imports but to check on the quality and safety of
the product, in view of the fact that it helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Ministry of Health Resolution 255/94 (Annex V). National Customs Administration
Resolution No. 459/95 (Annex X).
6. The questions in item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7. Permits are granted within 48 hours.
There is no limitation as to the period of the year.One single body is involved.
8. An application may be refused on the following grounds:
(a) The importer is not in the corresponding register.
(b) There is no certificate of approval of the establishment.(c) There is no certificate of approval on  the product.When informed of the reasons, the importer must meet the requirements, and this must be
done on a one-time basis.
9. If the requirements set out in item 8 are met, there is no selection of the type of importer.
10. A sample form is attached (see Annex X).G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Exporters and Importers.
12. The amount of the administrative charge is fifty (50) pesos.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment obligation.14. The enforcement body does not fix an expiry date.15. There is no penalty for non-utilization.16. They are not transferable.17. There are no other conditions.18. There is no other administrative procedure.19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
XI. NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES
1. Office of the President, Secretariat for the Prevention of Drug Addiction and the Campaign
against Drug Trafficking.
Applications for final or temporary imports or exports require authorization from the Office
of the President's Secretariat for the Prevention of Drug Addiction and the Campaign against Drug
Trafficking.
Applications for final or temporary imports of ch emical products listed in Schedule II of the
annexed legislation are subject to inclusion of the importers and exporters in the special register kept
for that purpose by the Secretariat.
The substances included in Schedules I and II may not be imported or exported under the
Border Customs or Border Traffic Export Regime.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex XI.3. There is no differentiation between countries.4. The purpose is to keep a proper check on the destination and use of the goods in question.
The mechanism has been adopted in keeping with terms of the United Nations Single
Convention against Illegal Traffic in Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. (Art. 12)
5. Law No. 23.737, Decree Nos. 2064/91 and 1095 /96.  National Customs Administration
Resolutions Nos. 2020/9 and 454/96.  Legislative approval is required to abolish the system
(Annex XI).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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7. The application for an import permit must be made 72 hours in advance.
There is no limitation as to the period of the year.
One single body is involved.
8. The application may be refused when it is deemed to be suspect.
Under the Convention mentioned in item 4, c onsultations are held between importing and
exporting countries and importers.
9. Any natural or legal person may apply for a licence, provided the person is included in the
Special Register of Producing, Importing and Exporting Enterprises.
There is no fee.
10. Forms are attached in Annex XI.11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
12. There are no administrative charges or fees.13. There is no deposit or advance payment.14. The permit is valid for 120 days.15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the permit.16. Permits are not transferable.17. There are no other conditions.18. There is no other administrative procedure.19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
XII. WILD FAUNA AND FLORA1 & 2. Under this system, wild fauna and flora, te mporarily or permanently in the territory of the
Argentine Republic, as well as their protection, conservation, propagation, restocking and rational
development, are regarded as being in the public interest.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.4. The purpose is to protect and conserve the fauna and flora of the Argentine Republic and all
countries in the world.
The Argentine Republic is a signatory of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), concluded in Washington on 3 March 1973,
and the Appendices thereto, as well as the amendm ents to Appendices I, II and III, adopted at theG/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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meetings of the Conference of the Parties, held in Berne on 2 and 6 November 1976 and in San José,
Costa Rica, from 19-30 March 1979.
5. Law No. 22.344, Law No. 22.421, Decree Nos. 691/81 and 177/92, SAG y P
Resolution No. 144/83, SSRN Resolution No. 34/93, National Customs Administration Resolutions
Nos. 2513/93 and 443/96 (Annex XII).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for these goods.  In
keeping with the Convention mentioned in item 4, an y quotas relate to exports, which indicates that
they are fixed by the exporting countries.
7. Applications must be made whenever importation is necessary.  Whenever an application for
an import permit is submitted, it must be accompanied by the export certificate issued by the
exporting country.  The time taken to issue an import permit depends on the kind of import concerned.
This is in keeping with the terms of CITES.
8. An application may be refused if CITES requirements are not met.
9. There is no discrimination as between importers.  The only requirement is inclusion in the
relevant register.
10. Annex XII contains the requisite forms for inclusion in the register and for import permit
applications.
11. Inclusion in the National Customs Administration's Regist er of Importers and Exports.
12. There are no administrative charges or fees for the issue of import permits.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment.
14. Permits for CITES goods are valid for three months.  None-CITES goods do not involve any
expiry date.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the permit.
16. Permits are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
XIII. PUBLICATIONS
1. For the purpose of importing and exporting publications which, either in whole or in part,
describe or represent the mainland, island and Antarctic territory of the Argentine Republic, the
relevant authorization by the Military and Geographi cal Institute is required when applications are
made.
2. See the schedule of products in Annex XII.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is to avoid differences in geographical information concerning the Argentine
Republic and for such information to be in keeping with the official position.
5. Law 22.963 and ANA Res. 2514/93 (Annex XII).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7. Import licensing takes no more than five working days.  There is no limitation as to the period
of the year.  One single body is involved in the consideration of applications.
8. An application may be refused when differences are detected in the geographical information.
Applicants are notified.  In the case of printed works, it is permissible to issue a list of errata.
9. There is no differentiation between importers.  An amount of thirty (30) pesos is charged for
each application.
10. The work to be imported must be submitted.
11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
12. See the reply to item 9.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment.
14. The period of validity is 18 months.15. There is no penalty.
16. They are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
XIV. ARMS AND AMMUNITION
1. Imports of arms, ammunition and other items classified as ordnance or material for civil use
are subject to Law 20,429 and the regulations thereto, which specify in all cases the involvement of
National Arms Registry (RENAR).  The RENAR keep  a Register of Arms Importers, in which anyone
wishing to import this kind of material is required to be registered.  Material of this kind belonging to
the Armed Forces is excluded.
2. The schedule of goods covered by the system is contained in ANA Resolution 3115/94
(Annex XIV).G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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3. The system applies to the goods originating in and consigned from all countries.
4. The nature of the material to be imported requires it to be checked on entry into Argentina.
5. The system was established under Law 20.429/73 and Regulatory Decree No. 395/75.  It is
also governed by ANA Res. No. 3115/94, which establishes the schedule of goods where necessary
(Annex XIV).
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7(a) and (b) It takes seven days to obtain import authorization, and this is required by the
exporting country for the exporter's licensing procedure.  On receipt of the advice of shipment to
Argentina, the material is checked before being en tered for consumption.  The check is carried out by
a Commission consisting of the authority of the place of entry, the ANA and the RENAR.  Goods
entering without an import permit are seized by the RENAR.
7(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year for import licence applications.
7(d) The only body involved is the National Arms Registry (RENAR).
8. Imports of a type of weapon may be limited on account of the danger involved.  Decree
No. 64/95 restricts the quantities of imports of semiautomatic-type rifles with detachable magazines
developed from military weapons, similar to assault rifles.
9. To apply for an import licence, agents must be included in the National Arms Register, for
which purpose they must have no criminal record and must be registered with the National Customs
Administration.
10. A copy of an application for registration of imports of weapons and an application for a check
on the imported equipment are attached in Annex XIV.
11. The usual import documents.
12. Forms for arms import applications and for import verification cost 100 (one hundred) pesos
each.
13. No prior deposit is required.
14. An import licence is valid for six months and may be extended.15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.
16. Licences are not transferable.
17. There are no other conditions.
18. There is no other administrative procedure.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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XV. MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
1. Imports of any apparatus or device for counting or determining values of any kind must be
approved and submitted for inspection by the National Legal Metrology Office, which must register
the importer.
(Legislation:  SC Resolution No. 198/84)2. See the schedule of products in Annex XV.
3. There is no differentiation between countries.
4. The purpose is not to distort the system established in the Argentine Legal Metric System
(SIMELA) and to assure the various user sectors of the uniformity of the Argentine measuring
system.
5. Law No. 19.511, Decree No. 1157/72, SC Res. No. 198/84, SCI Res. No. 140/86.
(Annex XV.)
6. The questions under item 6 are not answered, since no quotas are fixed for imports of these
goods.
7. Applications for inspection must be submitted before customs clearance.
In special circumstances in which the above requirements have not been met or the
enforcement authority has not acted in time, the importer may have the goods cleared, without anyright to use them, provided the requisite documents are attached.
The time-limits for applications depend on the complexity of the examination of the goods.
The maximum period does not exceed 60 working days.  There are no limitations as to the period of
the years.  One single body is involved in the consideration of applications.
8. An application may be refused if the parameters and characteristics do not comply with the
Argentine Legal Metric System.  The reasons for the refusal are communicated to the interested
parties.
The SIMELA consists of the units, multiples and sub-multiples, prefixes and symbols of the
International System of Units (SI), as recommended by the 14th General Conference of Weights and
Measures and the non-SI units, multiples and sub-multiples and symbols contained in the table ofSIMELA units annexed to Law No. 19.511.
9. There is no discrimination as between or selection of importers.  Anyone may be an importer
if included in the register accrediting him as such to the enforcement authority.
10. The requisite information is contained in SC Resolution No. 198/84, Title II (Annex XV).
11. Inclusion in the National Cu stoms Administration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
12. A fee is charged.
13. There is no deposit or advance payment.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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14. No period of validity is specified.  The law stipulates a periodic check on goods that have
been imported.
15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of the licence.16. They are not transferable.17. There are no other conditions.18. There is no other administrative procedure.19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
XVI. NEW VEHICLES1. Decree 2677/91 sets out the General Regime for Imports of Complete Vehicles.
Imports of vehicles with specifications in Categories A and B, set out in Article 3 of
Decree 2267/91, are subject to quotas determined each year in terms of Argentine production of units
in the same year.  For this purpose, the Secretariat of Industry establishes the mechanism for
allocating quotas between potential importers on the basis of the payment of tariffs above the normalrate and establishes the necessary rules and procedures for making the imports allocated.  Motor-
vehicle assemblers in Argentina can not obtain allocations within these quotas, as the exclusive
arrangements for importing complete vehicles by such enterprises are those defined in Article 14 of
Decree 2677/91.
The Secretariat of Industry allocates the import quotas as follows:
Import quotas for official agents and distributors (Categories A and B) :
To take part in each allocation procedure, the requirement is an up-to-date certificate of
registration in the Register of Official Motor Vehicle Agents and Distributors, kept by the National
Directorate of Industry.
Official agents and distributors must obtain application forms for allocations from the
Ministry of the Economy and Public Works and Services.
Official agents and distributors may apply in the allocation procedures for Categories A and B
for a maximum annual amount established each year by Resolution of the Secretariat of Industry, in
terms of the actual allocation of quotas assigned in procedures in previous periods;  a maximum
amount may be fixed for official agents and distributors participating in the procedure for the current
year.
On the day on which the allocation is made, the interested parties must submit a sealed
envelope to the Directorate of Industrial Policy Im plementation containing the form, with two copies,
and sufficient guarantees to the Secretariat of Industry of an amount of US$50,000, which shall be
valid for 420 days as from the day of the allocation.
After a check that the applicants have fulfilled the requirements, the number of applications
for each make is counted and a pro rata  allocation is made if the maximum number for each make isG/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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exceeded.  The units applied for are then allocated on a general basis, with a pro rata  apportionment if
necessary because the applications for the total number of units has been exceeded.
In the case of applications which have been accepted, within 30 working days following the
date of the allocation agents and distributors of Ca tegory A vehicles must pay the Bank of Argentina
25 per cent of the total c.i.f. value of the units they have been allocated, as advance payment and on
account for duties and other taxes, which will be deducted by the National Customs Administration
when the units are entered for consumption.  Proof of payment must be produced for the Directorate
of Industrial Policy Implementation, which shall issue the import certificate.  In the case of agents and
distributors of Category B vehicles, the Directorat e of Industrial Policy Implementation will issue the
relevant import certificate.  A period of 365 days from each allocation procedure is established to
provide proof of total payment of the duties and other taxes on all vehicles covered by the import
certificate.  Without prejudice to this time-limit, those who have been allocated quotas must make the
payments at the time of clearance of the imported units, pursuant to customs regulations.
Allocation of units to private individuals (Categories A and B):
Category A
The persons concerned, end-users - taken to mean any natural or legal person, must be in
possession of a Tax Identification Number (CUIT) and must be in the National CustomsAdministration's Register of Importers and Exporters.
Registered persons must obtain the printed forms from the Ministry of the Economy and
Public Works and Services, and forward the corresponding coupon to the same body.  Interested
persons may submit only one form per natural or legal person applying for a vehicle.
Interested persons whose forms have been accepted must pay $2,500 on account for duties
and other taxes, and the amount will be deducted by the National Customs Administration on final
settlement of clearance of the unit.  Proof of payment must be produced for the Directorate of
Industrial Policy Implementation within 30 days following the date of the allocation.  With proof of
payment and the CUIT number and on submission of the form, the Directorate issues the imports
certificate, which is non-transferable.
Category B
To take part in this allocation procedure, transport enterprises which are in possession of a
Tax Identification Number and are included in the Register of Importers and Exporters must apply to
the Secretariat of Transport, Ministry of the Economy and Public Works and Services, for a certificate
of approval (SI Resolution No. 212/94).
Direct users (transport on own account, building companies and others) which are in
possession of a Tax Identification Number and are included in the Register of Importers and Exporters
must, in the form of a sworn declaration, state that the vehicles will be used in the enterprise's
production activities for a minimum of two years.
On the day before the actual allocation, interested persons must submit a sealed envelope to
the Directorate of Industrial Policy Implementation, containing the duly completed form, with one
copy, and the certificate of approval in the case of transport enterprises.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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At the actual allocation, the envelopes will be opened in public and a check will be made that
the original and the copy of the forms are identical and that the number of units applied for does not
exceed the number authorized by the Secretariat of Transport.  If the total number is higher, a pro rata
allocation will be made to ensure a minimum of  one vehicle per application.  The Directorate of
Industrial Policy Implementation will issue the import certificate, which does not specify the make ormodel.
The certificate of approval may be transferred to another natural or legal person if that person
has a Tax Identification Number, is included in the Register of Importers and Exporters and hascompleted the certificate of approval procedures.  Import certificates issued for direct users are not
transferable.  Import certificates issued by the Secretariat of Industry to import vehicles in
Categories A and B, both for official agents and distributors and for private individuals, are valid for
one year from the date of issue, after which the holder 's rights to such certificates shall in each case
lapse.
2. The system applies to vehicles classified in Categories A and B in Decree No. 2766/91 (see
Annex XVI).
3. The system applies to goods originating in and consigned from all countries.
4. The vehicle importation system forms part of the programme to reorganize and regulate to the
Argentine motor vehicle industry, as set out in Decree No. 2766/91.  The Decree, as amended byDecree No. 683/94, establishes the system of pr oduction and imports by off-shore motor vehicle
assemblers and the general system of imports of complete vehicles.
5. The system was established under Decree N o. 2267/91, as amended by Decree No. 683/94.
Import quotas for Categories A and B are fixed every year in a resolution of the Secretariat of
Industry.
6.(i) The information regarding the way in licence ap plications are to be filled in is contained in
the resolutions of the Secretariat of Industry.  Similarly, information on allocation of quotas is
provided by the Directorate of Industrial Policy Implementation, which forms part of the Secretariat.
(ii) Quotas are fixed on an annual basis.(iii) Import quotas are allotted to official representatives and distributors of vehicles in
Categories A and B and to interested producers.  Official motor vehicle agents and distributors who
have been allocated import quotas must deposit with Bank of Argentina a proportion of the total
amount of import duties payable.  In addition, if the import is not effected after the period of validityof the licence (one year) has elapsed, the Secretariat of Industry enforces the guarantee submitted with
the application for an import licence.
Interested individuals must also deposit part of the import duty.  In the event of failure to
make such payment, allocation of the unit is lost.
The names of importers who have been allocated quotas are available in the Secretariat of
Industry.
(iv) The dates for the quota allocation procedure are established in the resolutions issued each
year for that purpose by the Secretariat of Industry.
(v) Applications are processed on the day on which procedure of allocating the quotas takes
place.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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(vi) Licences may be used immediately.
(vii) One single body is involved in the consideration of applications for import licences:  the
Secretariat of Industry.
(viii) Licences are issued to applicants on the basis of the imports of each make in previous years.
An allocation for new importers is made every year.  The applications are examined together.
(ix) Not applicable to this system.
(x) Not applicable to this system.
(xi) Imported products are sold on the local market.7(a) and (b) The application must be submitted on the day on which the quotas are allocated.(c) Every year, the Resolutions of the Secretariat of Industry fix the dates for submitting
applications.
(d) Only the Secretariat of Industry is involved in the consideration of licence applications.
8. Licence applications are rejected if they do not meet the requirements.9. To apply for import licences, official agents and distributors must be included in the Register
of Official Motor Vehicle Agents and Distributors, kept by the National Directorate of Industry of the
Secretariat of Industry.  Importers who are assemblers must be included in the National Customs
Administration's Register of Importers and E xporters and must be in possession of the Tax
Identification Number (CUIT).
There is no registration fee.  The registers mentioned are available at the relevant bodies.
10. A copy of the form for submitting applications is attached in Annex XIV.11. The usual import documents are required.12. The forms for submitting applications cost two thousand (2,000) pesos.13. Where applications have been accepted, an advance payment must be made of 25 per cent of
the c.i.f. value of the imports in the case of official agents and distributors, and two thousand five
hundred (2,500) pesos in the case of private individuals.  This advance payment is on account for the
total amount of the duties and other taxes payable at the time of importation.
14. The licence is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.  This period cannot be
extended.
15. If, after the period of validity of the import licence has elapsed, those awarded allocations
(official agents and distributors) do not make full payment of the import and other duties, the
Secretariat of Industry enforces the guarantee requested at the time of submission of the application.
16. Licences are not transferable.G/LIC/N/1/ARG/2
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17. A certificate of approval from the Secretariat of Transport is required for imports by private
individuals of units in Category B.
18. Registration is required in the Register of Official Motor Vehicle Agents and Distributors,
kept by the Secretariat of Industry, and the National Customs Administration's Register of Importers
and Exporters.
19. There are no foreign exchange controls in the Argentine Republic.  The foreign exchange
market is free.
__________