WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
15 September 2006 
 
 (06-4413) 
Committee on Import Licensing 
 Original:   Spanish 
 
 
 
REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT 
LICENSING PROCEDURES1  
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import  
Licensing Procedures  
 
ARGENTINA 
  
 The following notification, dated 12 September 2006, has been received from the delegation 
of the Argentine Republic.  
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 Outline of systems
 
 
Question 1  
  Give a brief description of each licensing system  as a whole and, with respect to each, reply 
to the following questions as relevant, placing all of  the material with respect to a given system in 
sequence together, and using cross references as appropr iate when elements which have already been 
described are also present in another system. 
 
Reply
 
 
 Two types of import licence are administered at present by the Secretariat of Industry, Trade 
and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: automa tic and non-automatic.  Automatic import licences, 
as their name suggests, are granted on the basis of a single requirement, namely compliance with all of the prescribed formalities.  They are approved in all cases and are consistent with Article 2 of the 
World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Impor t Licensing Procedures.  Applications for non-
automatic licences are consistent with Article 3 of  this Agreement, which is incorporated into 
Argentine legislation by way of Law 24.425.   As a general rule, import licences are import certificates issued by the National Foreign Trade Management Directorate to importers who comply w ith current statutory requirements with regard to 
consumers' rights and submit the corresponding app lication to the Directorate-General of Customs 
when requesting clearance documents for imports  of consumer goods.  Au tomatic import licences 
currently being administered include the Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP) and the 
Prior Automatic Import Licence (LAPI).  Procedures for the DJCP are manual and applications are 
submitted to the Directorate of Imports of the Un dersecretariat for Trade Policy and Management.  
The LAPI is the first computerized import licence processed by the MARIA computer system (SIM).  
                                                     
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
Page 2  
 
  It aims to monitor imports in advance, thereby providing an advance supply of descriptive statistical 
information for the historical records which, in turn , enables their trend to be analysed.  This would 
prove useful in the event of trade defence measur es being adopted and avoid delays which could harm 
the various domestic sectors.  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
Question 2  
  Identify each licensing system  maintained and state what pr oducts, appropriately grouped, 
are covered.  
Reply
 
  Automatic licences include the Prior Automatic Import Licence (LAPI), which covers imports 
of, inter alia , the following products:  footwear parts, paper in reams and rolls, textiles (cotton and 
synthetic yarn), parts and spare parts of agricu ltural and self-propelled machinery, cardboard boxes, 
telephone accessories, wooden furniture (bedroom fu rniture and cupboards), dried egg yolks and 
canned peaches;  and the Sworn Declaration of Pro duct Composition (DJCP), which covers the textile 
and clothing industry.  
 Non-automatic licences include the Footwear Import Certificate, the Paper Import Certificate, 
the Bicycle Import Certificate, the Washing Machine Import Certificate, the Toy Import Certificate and the Tyre and Tube Import Certificate.  
Question 3
 
  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries ? 
 Reply
 
  The system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from all countries. 
 
Question 4
 
  Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its 
purposes?  Have alternative methods of accomplishi ng the purposes been considered and if so which?  
Why have they not been adopted?  
Reply
 
  Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or the value of imports.  The purpose of the system is to protect consumer rights by establishing the origin and source of imported goods. 
 
Question 5
 
  Cite the law, regulation and/or administrati ve order under which the licensing is maintained.  
Is the licensing statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave designation of products to be 
subjected to licensing to administrative discretion?  Is it possible for the government (or the executive 
branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval? 
 
   G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Reply  
  Licensing is maintained under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures of the GATT 
1994, which is incorporated into Argentine legislation by way of Law 24.425.    
 Licensing is statutorily required for certain types of goods. 
  The regulations provide that the designation of products subject to licensing be left to 
administrative discretion, the responsible authorit y being the Undersecretariat for Trade Policy and 
Management of the Secretariat of Industry, Trad e and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, under the 
Ministry of the Economy and Production. 
  The executive branch does not need legislative approval to abolish the licensing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 
Question 6  
  For products under restriction as to the quan tity or value of imports (whether applicable 
globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally ): 
 
I. Is information published, and where, con cerning allocation of quotas and formalities 
of filing applications for licences?  If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers?  Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives?  Is the overall amount published?  The 
amount allocated to goods from each country?  The maximum amount allocated to 
each importer?  How to request any excepti ons or derogations from the licensing 
requirement? 
 
Reply
 
  Yes, in the Official Journal. 
 
 Yes.  The Directorate-General of Customs handles such matters.   Some derogations were provided for in the cu rrent regulations for each licence. Exceptions 
are analysed on an individual basi s in response to a written submission by the interested party to the 
Undersecretariat for Trade Policy and Management (Secretariat of Industry, Trade and Small and 
Medium-Sized Enterprises). 
 
II. How is the size of the quotas determin ed:  on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly 
basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but 
licences  are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?  In the latter 
case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or 
quarterly basis? 
 
Reply
 
 
 See the reply to point IV below. 
 
III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like 
goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that  licences allocated are actually used for 
imports?  Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period?  Are the G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
Page 4  
 
  names of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to 
governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request?  If not, for what reason?  (Indicate products to which replies relate.) 
 
Reply
 
 
 Footwear import licences are allotted to both foreign and domestic producers.   Certificates are issued and must be presente d together with the rest of the documentation 
required for inward customs clearance. 
 
 Unused allocations are not added to quotas for a succeeding period.   The names of importers to whom licences have been allocated are made known to 
governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request. 
 IV. From the time of announcing the opening of  quotas, as indicated in I above, what is 
the period of time allowed for the subm ission of applications for licences? 
 
Reply
 
 
 Licences administered by the Secretariat of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized 
Enterprises are not subject to quotas.  The current footwear quotas stem from the application of a safeguard measure.  
V. What are the minimum and maximum le ngths of time for processing applications? 
 
Reply
 
  LAPI and DJCP:  a minimum of two and a maximum of ten working days.     Import certificates for footwear, paper, automatic washing machines, bicycles, toys, and tyres 
and tubes:  a minimum of ten and a maximum of 30 calendar days. 
 
VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date 
of opening of the period of importation? 
 Reply
 
  See point 14 below on periods of import licence validity. 
 
VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ?  
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  If 
so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative 
organ? 
 
Reply
 
 
 Consideration of licence applications is e ffected by the following administrative organs: 
  LAPI:  The Directorate-General of Customs al one.  The Secretariat of Industry, Trade and 
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises is also i nvolved in cases of changed circumstances where 
licences are cancelled to amend some of the data furnished.  G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
 Page 5 
 
 
   
 DJCP:  The Secretariat of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises alone. 
  Import certificates:  The Secretariat of I ndustry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized 
Enterprises, and the Undersecretariat for Consumer Protection.  
 
VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to 
applicants made?  First come, first served?  Past performance?  Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so , on what basis is it determined?  What 
provision is made for new importers?  A re applications examined simultaneously or 
on receipt? 
 
Reply
 
  The allocation of all import licences to applican ts is on a first come, first served basis. 
 IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or ex port restraint arrangements where export permits 
are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required?  If so, are licences issued automatically? 
 
Reply
 
 
 See point IV above.  
X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the 
importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the 
understanding between the two countries? 
 
Reply
 
  The above-mentioned licensing procedures do not include such a mechanism.  
XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
 
Reply
 
 
 No. 
 
Question 7  
  Where there is no quantitative limit on importa tion of a product or  on imports from a 
particular country: 
 
(a) How far in advance of importation must  application for a licence be made?  Can 
licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 
Reply
 
  Applications for licences may be submitted on any working day prior to the customs 
clearance of the goods.   G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
Page 6  
 
   The only cases in which licences may be obtained within a shorter time-limit are applications 
for automatic import licences either for perishable goods or critical inputs for a sector of the domestic 
industry or for products which are covered by the licence and the value or quantity of which is 
minimal in relation to the rest of the goods making up the import.  
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
 
Reply
 
  The minimum lengths of time specified in point V above apply in all cases. 
 
(c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence and/or importation may be made?  If so, explain. 
 
Reply
 
 
 There are no restrictions as to the period of the year during which an application for a licence 
may be made.  
(d) Is consideration of licence applications e ffected by a single administrative organ?  Or 
must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?  If so, 
which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
Reply
 
   Licence applications are examined by th e Secretariat of Industry, Trade and Small 
and Medium-Sized Enterprises. 
 
Question 8
 
  Under what circumstances may an application fo r a licence be refused other than failure to 
meet the ordinary criteria?  Are the reasons for any  refusal given to the applicant?  Have applicants a 
right of appeal in the event of refusal to issu e a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what 
procedures?  
Reply
 
  The only reason for a non-automatic import licen ce being refused is failure to meet the 
ordinary criteria.  The interested party is always not ified of such reasons so that the errors detected 
can be rectified.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
Question 9  
 
 Are all persons, firms and instituti ons eligible to apply for licences: 
  (a) Under restrictive licensing systems?  
 (b) under non-restrictive systems? 
  If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation?  What persons or firms  are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a published list 
of authorized importers?  G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Reply  
  All importers are eligible to apply for licen ces, the only requirement being inclusion in the 
Directorate-General of Customs' Register of Importers.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 Question 10
 
  What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What documents is the 
importer required to supply with the application?  
Reply
 
  The information required for import licence app lications is that specified on the respective 
forms (see Annexes to current regulations). 
 
Question 11
 
  What documents are required upon actual importation?  
Reply
 
 
- The Prior Automatic Import Licence (L API), processed by the MARIA computer 
system (SIM). 
- The Sworn Declaration of Product Composition (DJCP) 
- The Footwear Import Certificate (CIC) 
- The Paper Import Certificate (CIP) 
- The Washing Machine Import Certificate (CIL) 
- The Bicycle Import Certificate (CIB) 
- The Tyre and Tube Import Certificate (CICC) 
- The Toy Import Certificate (CIJ) 
 
Question 12  
  Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge ?  If so, what is the amount of the fee or 
charge? 
 
Reply
 
  Pursuant to Resolution No. 44/2003, there is currently no licensing fee or administrative charge.  Question 13
 
  Is there any deposit or advance pay ment requirement associated with  the issue of licences?  If 
so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
 
Reply
 
  No deposit or advance paymen t requirement is associated with the issue of licences. 
 G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
Page 8  
 
  Conditions of licensing
 
 
Question 14  
  What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be extended?  How? 
 
Reply
 
 
The periods of validity of the various import licences are as follows: 
 
LAPI:  60 calendar days as from the date of processing; 
DJCP:  360 calendar days as from the date of issue; 
 CIC:  60 calendar days as from the date of issue; 
CIP:  120 calendar days as from the date of issue; CIL:  60 calendar days as from the date of issue; 
CIB:  60 calendar days as from the date of issue; 
CICC:  60 calendar days as from the date of issue; CIJ:  60 calendar days as from the date of issue. 
  Licences may not be extended.  A new licen ce may, however, be issued, for which the 
importer can commence the application procedures as  far in advance as he considers appropriate. 
 
Question 15
 
  Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?  
Reply
 
  There are no penalties for the non-utilization of a licence or portion of a licence.  
Question 16
 
 
 Are licences transferable between importers?  If so, are any limitations or conditions 
attached to such transfer?  
Reply
 
 
 Licences are non-transferable and are only deliv ered to the holders themselves or their 
authorized and duly accredited representatives or agents.  
Question 17
 
  Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence: 
 
 (a) For products subject to quantitative restriction?  (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
 
Reply
 
 
 No other conditions are attach ed to the issue of a licence. 
  G/LIC/N/3/ARG/3 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
 
Question 18  
  Are there any other administrative proce dures, apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation?  
Reply
 
  No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation. 
 
Question 19
 
  Is foreign exchange automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange 
always available to cover licences issu ed?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign 
exchange? 
 
Reply
 
  The banking authorities are not involved in import licensing. 
 
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