Argentina's market opened dramatically in 2024-2026: import licences were abolished and a zero-tariff quota for affordable EVs and hybrids brought BYD ashore with its own RoRo vessel at Zarate. One rule has not changed: commercial imports of used vehicles are generally prohibited - Argentina is a new-vehicle market.
What can be imported
Only new (0 km) vehicles can be imported commercially under Decree 110/1999. Limited exceptions apply to returning residents, diplomatic missions, qualifying collector vehicles, and other cases expressly authorized by law. Individual import eligibility is limited to the exceptions expressly provided by Argentine law - a previous-model-year vehicle is not automatically eligible for import. Argentina drives on the right with left-hand-drive vehicles.
Certification - LCM with international evidence
An LCM (Licencia de Configuracion de Modelo) is still required. Under Resolution 271/2025, qualifying compliance evidence may include reports issued under UN WP.29 procedures, by recognized laboratories, or through applicable NHTSA pathways - which greatly simplifies the process for models holding international type approval, but does not remove the LCM itself. Models with only China-domestic certification need supplementary international evidence.
Tariffs and taxes
| Item | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (extra-Mercosur) | 35% | Standard for vehicles from China |
| EV / hybrid quota | 0% | FOB up to US$16,000, 50,000 units/year (Decree 49/2025) - requires meeting technical requirements AND obtaining a quota allocation |
| IVA (VAT) | 21% | Standard rate; final burden depends on vehicle, importer and customs value |
| Internal (luxury) tax | suspended | Temporarily suspended until June 30, 2027 - not permanently abolished |
Eligible electric and hybrid vehicles with an FOB value of up to USD 16,000 may receive 0% import duty only when they meet the technical requirements and obtain an allocation under the annual quota. Secure quota allocation before ordering.
Shipping from China
Container sailings from Shanghai, Guangzhou (Nansha) or Ningbo reach Buenos Aires in roughly 30-45 days port-to-port; RoRo calls at Terminal Zarate, Argentina's dedicated vehicle port. Shipping routes, ports, and transit times vary by carrier and sailing schedule - confirm the current route and estimated transit time before booking.
Chinese brands in Argentina
BYD launched in October 2025 with quota-eligible EV and hybrid models; Chery, Great Wall and JAC are expanding through the reopened import regime. The quota system currently favours affordable electrified models - exactly the segment Chinese manufacturers dominate.
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Official sources
Decree 110/1999 (used-vehicle ban, current text) Resolution 271/2025 (certification) 2026 EV/hybrid quota allocation
Data reviewed August 2026 against official government sources. Regulations and tax rates change frequently - final eligibility and total cost must be confirmed per vehicle (VIN, age, displacement, energy type, importer status) with your customs broker. CBT Auto Export assists with export documentation from the China side on every order.