How to ship clothing from China to Argentina

Key Challenges for Argentina Imports

1. Protectionist Policies:
   • Clothing tariffs: Up to 35% + 21% VAT (varies by HS code).
   • Non-automatic import licenses (LI) may apply for >$1,000 shipments.
2. Labeling Laws:
   • Tags in Spanish with fiber content, care instructions, size, origin.
   • RNPA registration for textiles (health compliance).
3. Customs Delays: Average clearance = 10–20 days.

Step-by-Step Shipping Process

1. Pre-Shipment Prep

• HS Code Accuracy:
  • e.g., Men’s cotton T-shirts = 6109.10.00 (35% duty).
  • Verify via Argentine Customs.
• Label Compliance:
  • Example tag:
     

    COMPOSICIÓN: 100% ALGODÓN LAVAR A MÁX 30°C / NO USAR SECADORA TALLE: M / HECHO EN CHINA
• Supplier Docs:
  • Commercial invoice (Spanish/English)
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of Origin (for Mercosur duty claims)

2. Choose Shipping Method

 CBM Calculation:
Weight (kg) ÷ 250 = CBM (e.g., 500kg = 2 CBM)

3. Customs Clearance in Argentina

• Essential Steps:
  1. SIMI Permit: File import declaration via SIMI system pre-arrival.
  2. Hire Local Broker: Mandatory for commercial shipments.
  3. Pay Duties:
     • Total Cost = (CIF Value × Duty Rate) + 21% VAT + $150–500 broker fees.
     • Example: $10,000 goods + $1,000 freight:
       Duty = $11,000 × 35% = $3,850
VAT = ($11,000 + $3,850) × 21% = $3,118 → Total Fees = $6,968.
  4. AFIP Inspection: 30% of shipments undergo physical checks.

4. Delivery & Logistics

• Ports of Entry:
  • Buenos Aires (AIR: EZE / SEA: BUE) for 85% of imports.
• Last-Mile Options:
  • Palletized Delivery: For LCL shipments (cost: $200–400/port to door).
  • Warehouse Consolidation: Use 3PLs like DHL Supply Chain or Andreani.

Critical Documents Checklist

1. Commercial Invoice (with Incoterm: CIF Buenos Aires)
2. Packing List (itemized weights/dimensions per box)
3. Bill of Lading (for sea) or Air Waybill
4. SIMI Declaration Number
5. Phytosanitary Certificate (if organic fibers like cotton/silk)
6. RNPA Registration (issued by ANMAT for textile safety)

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Mercosur Exemptions:
   • Claim duty discounts if fabrics originate in Mercosur countries (Brazil/Uruguay).
2. Use Free Zones:
   • Ship to Tierra del Fuego (reduced VAT) → truck to mainland.
3. Consolidate Shipments:
   • Group multiple orders into one LCL container to lower per-unit costs.
4. DDP Shipping:
   • Let suppliers handle export/customs (prevents clearance surprises).

Top 3 Local Partners

1. Customs Brokers:
   • Despachante de Aduana Juan Pérez (Buenos Aires specialists).
2. Freight Forwarders:
   • Maersk (sea), LATAM Cargo (air).
3. 3PL Warehouses:
   • Loginter (Buenos Aires) or Operadora Logística (Córdoba).

Risks & Mitigation

• Customs Holds:
  • Pre-submit docs via VUCE portal.
• Currency Controls:
  • Use escrow payments (e.g., through PayPal).
• Theft in Ports:
  • Insure shipments at 110% value (premium: ~0.8% of CIF).

“Argentine customs reject vague HS codes like ‘garments.’ Specify:

• 6109.10.00 (knit cotton shirts)
• 6211.42.00 (men’s industrial coats)
  Exact codes cut clearance time by 50%.”

Useful customs links:

1. China Customs
2. Argentina Customs