A new official protocol strengthens risk-based inspections and requires technical, documentary, and regulatory support to expedite customs clearance.
The Argentine government introduced a set of changes to the import control framework and enacted a protocol that restores prominence to the so-called “red channel” in Customs. For companies, this change does not signal a return to the previous system of pre-entry restrictions. However, it does serve as a clear warning: entry into the country will be faster for companies that remain compliant, and more demanding for those unable to demonstrate technical, documentary, and regulatory compliance.
The update was formalized through a resolution issued by the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce, which approved a new inspection protocol grounded in risk analysis. In practice, this means controls will no longer be applied on a broad or random basis, but rather targeted at sensitive goods, shipments with a history of non-compliance, products subject to international alerts, or cases identified through foreign trade intelligence.
From Restrictive Practices to Intelligent Control
This development reflects a paradigm change in Argentina’s customs management. The previous logic was more closely tied to pre-clearance bureaucratic controls, whereas the new approach seeks to facilitate entry while reinforcing post-clearance and selective inspections.
At Aerodoc, a company specializing in international logistics, IOR, and EOR services, we observe the Argentine market as no longer a destination where customs outcomes are difficult to anticipate.
“What is surging is a broader paradigm change: greater openness to imports, more flexibility in approvals that historically caused recurring friction, and customs criteria that many operators perceive as less restrictive than in previous cycles. There is also a stronger sense that importing is becoming more accessible beyond large corporations,” said Francisco Ricci, Account Manager at Aerodoc.
Greater openness does not imply the absence of regulatory oversight. Customs authorities apply risk-based segmentation to every shipment. Under that approach, assignment to the red channel places the operation under the most stringent control: officials carry out a full physical inspection, which drives up port handling costs, delays cargo release, and may lead to penalties if discrepancies surface during verification. Repeated exposure to this type of control also leaves a trace. Over time, it can elevate the importer’s risk rating, increasing the likelihood of stricter control in subsequent filings.
Update 2026 — Key Regulatory Change
As of early 2026, the inspections are exclusively carried out by Customs personnel. Resolution 17/2025 (DGA) eliminated the participation of private sector representatives — chambers, federations and sectoral associations — that previously acted as observers during physical verifications. This change was introduced to reduce delays caused by low attendance of those observers, which was generating unnecessary operational costs.
What Customs Evaluates When Assigning the Channel
Under the new protocol, companies must submit, through Remote Procedures (TAD), certifications and reports that demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations. Another key aspect is structured around border controls coordinated with Customs when the detected risk level is high.
Within this context, avoiding the red channel depends on building a well-structured operation at origin. Consistency between the commercial invoice, tariff classification, certifications, and the actual characteristics of the IT hardware, equipment, or device is a key factor. Authorities also assess the importer’s track record, the sector’s sensitivity, and the presence of alerts or prior records associated with the goods.
There are cases where prevention becomes decisive. Mateo Villarroel, Account Manager at Aerodoc, explains, for example, that “in markets like Argentina, used equipment imports are subject to specific authorizations. A common case is the Used Goods Import Certificate (CIBU), a permit that must be obtained before the cargo departs origin. Without this approval, shipments may be held at customs.”
“These situations occur more often than expected. Companies ship equipment unaware that additional documentation applies, and only realize it once the cargo is already detained. At that point, resolving the issue becomes more time-sensitive and operationally challenging,” Villarroel adds.
How to Avoid Delays, Costs, and Compliance Issues
For companies, the primary recommendation is anticipation. This requires verifying whether the equipment or device requires technical certifications, labeling, special permits, or supporting documentation before shipment. It also requires working with accurate descriptions, consistent valuation, and well-organized documentary support.
Under the current protocol, companies have 10 business days to respond to information requests submitted through TAD. Failure to comply may result in fines, product withdrawal from the market, suspension of commercialization, and even loss of trading authorization.
Update 2026 — Operational Improvement for Red-Channel Shipments
ARCA’s Resolution 5644/2025 introduced a new procedure that allows importers to request the transfer of red-channel or orange-channel containers from port terminals to authorized fiscal warehouses within the same customs jurisdiction, before inspection takes place. This change reduces port storage costs and waiting times, since cargo no longer needs to remain immobilized at the terminal until an inspector is available. The physical and documentary verification is then carried out at the fiscal warehouse. The procedure is currently active in the Buenos Aires customs jurisdiction and will progressively extend to the rest of the country.
The Logistics Partner You Need
At Aerodoc, we support tech companies in reducing the risk of red channel assignment through our IOR service, which manages the customs clearance process, including tariff classification, permits, licenses, and customs valuation criteria for accurate declarations.
This is complemented by Pre-Shipment Inspections, during which we review the packing list, labels, country of manufacture, part numbers, and serial numbers at origin to prevent discrepancies between cargo and documentation.
We serve as the Importer of Record and manage the import process in compliance with local regulations. In addition, our door-to-door service integrates logistics and customs coordination across the entire operation. This approach reduces operational discrepancies, allowing customers to manage international shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery through a single provider.
To learn more about our services, contact us.
Q&A
- What can cause import delays in Argentina even when the shipment is correctly declared? Delays can still arise when supporting documents are incomplete, technical certifications are missing, or the product is subject to additional regulatory review. In practice, customs also considers the importer’s profile, the type of goods, and whether the shipment matches the documentation submitted.
- When is a special permit required to import goods into Argentina? Certain products, particularly used equipment or regulated technology, may require prior authorization before dispatch. Identifying those requirements in advance is essential, as missing permits can result in the shipment being held at customs upon arrival.
- How can companies reduce customs risk when importing into Argentina? The most effective approach is to prepare the operation before shipment: confirm tariff classification, verify whether certifications or labels apply, and ensure all commercial and technical documents are consistent. A well-structured file significantly reduces the likelihood of extended inspections or post-entry issues.
- Why do companies use an Importer of Record service in Argentina? Many companies rely on an Importer of Record to manage local compliance, customs documentation, and the accuracy of declarations through a single specialized party. This is especially valuable for businesses shipping technology or equipment without an established local entity.
