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The process of searching for, choosing and importing machinery in Argentina can be complex if you do not have the necessary orientation and information. Is this happening to you right now?
We tell you that you have come to the right place if what you need is a complete guide to import any type of machinery into the country: industrial, agricultural, gymnasiums and more, regardless of their condition:
Here it is important to emphasize that the machines in question are all those that can be used to grow the economy and the market, such as pelletizing machines, machines to work different materials, such as glass, metal, laser cutters, machines to select grains, machines to manufacture different products and more.
You should also keep in mind that some of the above mentioned machines do not generate added value, which is why in many cases they have restrictions at the time of being imported.
You must keep in mind that each one of them has a different process to pass through customs, and for this reason we are going to detail all of them to make your task easier and to be able to advise you in case you need it.
Differences between importing a new or used machine
The acquisition of new or used machines is a great challenge for organizations, which must foresee the disbursement of a significant amount of money to be able to buy, transport and clear them through customs.
There are some fundamental differences between importing a new or used machine into Argentina. The first of these is the cost: new machinery will undoubtedly cost much more than used machinery!
In Argentina you can import used machinery, which represents an important window for small and medium-sized companies that do not have the necessary money to buy a new machine, but wish to start producing, but must be aware of the import prerequisites.
Something important to keep in mind is that the decree that allows the import of used machinery does not contemplate machinery destined for services: for the moment it is exclusively for commercial activities that are productive.
Here are some important points to keep in mind if you are looking to import any of the products mentioned in this guide:
- You can only request machinery that is less than 20 years old.
- It must be for a company in the productive sector.
- Used equipment must be destined for an autonomous and complete production line, as detailed in M.P. Decree 1174 of 11/15/2016, Resolution S.C. and S.I. and S. 5 of 11/21/2016 of the Argentine Republic.
- New national machinery must be acquired for 30% of the import value.You must be registered in the RUMP (Registro Único del Ministerio de Producción).
- You must have an importer’s license and it must be clear whether yours is an automatic or non-automatic importer’s license.
- You must use the portal “TAD” (Tramites a distancia) which is connected to AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos), since the application is made completely online.
Types of machines commonly imported from Argentina
Argentina generally imports heavy agricultural machinery, sewing machines, machines for gyms, rotary machines and various industrial machinery.
On the other hand, we tell you about the difficulties that exist to bring agricultural machinery and the importance of having customs brokers to be able to carry out all the procedures in an agile way so that the operation is successful.
Import of agricultural or industrial machinery
Being linked to the most important economic activity of the country, agricultural machines and the sale of industrial sewing machines are another type of products commonly imported, due to their positive impact on the domestic market.
Machinery of this type is tied to various types of regulations. In this case, the importer is the person responsible for ensuring that the machinery purchased complies with the corresponding regulations.
In case the imported machinery does not comply with the required regulations, it can lead to significant fines and even confiscation, so it is essential to comply with the necessary customs standards.
There are currently no specific restrictions on the importation of agricultural machinery, although the new regulations established by the Central Bank do exist.
Difficulties
What must be taken into account at the time of importation is that if they are machines to produce or process a product that generates value in Argentina, work and economic development, these machines are always easier to bring and enter, since they have automatic licenses and are promoted. In other words, the procedure for importing used production machinery may vary.
But if they are machines for direct users and common uses, they must be analyzed one by one, since they cannot be generalized at the time of import.
Basic import formalities
The first step to clarify the administrative procedure for importing is to define whether they are new or used agricultural or industrial machinery.
If they are new, there are no more requirements than the basic ones for any product, but if they are used machines, some of them require the intervention at origin and an additional procedure called “CIBU” (Import Certificate for Used Goods), and there are also cases in which the import taxes are higher.
Import duties
Tariffs on agricultural or industrial machinery vary from 0%, some 12% and others 14%.
On used machinery, this rate is sometimes as high as 28%, representing a benefit for the importer if he chooses this type of products that are not new.
Examples
Some examples of agricultural and industrial machinery we can mention are: rice, corn or wheat harvesters, sewing machines, cotton harvesters, lawn mowers, plows and chisel plows, among others. In the case of rice harvester imports, these are production elements that generate employment and diverse products in the domestic market.
Imports of fitness machines
It is also recurrent the import of machines destined to health and care centers, gymnasiums and more for the strengthening of the market and economy of the country through the employment, rent and use of the same.
Difficulties
As in the case of agricultural machines, this type of machines are easier to enter, since they have automatic licenses and are promoted, because they generate value, production and resources for the country (employment, for example for Argentines who make use of a gym, who work in it, and more).
Basic import formalities
The first step to clarify the administrative procedure for importing is to define whether they are new or used gym equipment.
If they are new, there are no more requirements than the basic ones of any product, but if they are used machines, some of them require the intervention at origin and an extra procedure called “CIBU” (Certificate of Importation for Used Goods), and there are also cases in which the import taxes are increased.
Import Duties
Duties on gym machines can start at 0%, 12% and some at 14%.
On used machinery, this rate is sometimes as high as 28%, which is a benefit for the importer if he chooses this type of product that is not new.
Examples
Some examples of gym equipment that we can import are: aerobic training machines, weight training machines, plate-loaded machines, cages, benches, lever machines, multi-function machines, multi-powers and racks.
Countries from where we commonly import machines
# China
Importing machines from China is one of the most recurrent actions: it is a country that due to its costs and manufacturing make it convenient to buy any type of machinery, to bring it to Argentina.
Alibaba purchases from China: some of the common sites where you can buy machinery for various uses is Alibaba, the wholesale portal that sells quality products at affordable prices.
# United States
The United States is another country from which different machines, such as agricultural machinery, are regularly imported for various domestic production processes.
Some of the machines that are available in the United States are: new and used pasture equipment, new and used soil preparation equipment, new and used tractor-elevators and more.
In this case, it is also possible to import construction, mining, transportation, industrial and forestry machinery. All these products are regularly imported from Argentina to get a better final price, for this reason we recommend personalized advice in case of any doubt to find what you are looking for.
Do not hesitate and write to us for advice!
If you are interested in our help to analyze the importation of a particular machine or advice on the procedure, do not hesitate to contact us!
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