ARCA simplified door-to-door international purchases: all the changes

The regime of international purchases door to door has added changes that simplify the entry of packages into the country. The ARCA has defined new rules that eliminate procedures and controls for a wide variety of products.

Shipments must meet specific conditions regarding value, quantity, and personal use. In exchange, they are exempt from interventions that previously delayed the arrival of packages.

What are the requirements for door-to-door shipping

For a package to enter the country under this simplified regime, it must meet the following conditions:

• Value limit: the total amount of the purchase must not exceed 3,000 dollars FOB per shipment

• Personal use: purchases must be for personal use or consumption, without commercial or resale purposes

• Maximum quantity: up to 3 units of the same kind can be brought per package

Which products no longer require prior authorization

One of the most important changes in the ARCA regulations is the elimination of controls and prior procedures for several categories. International shipments are exempt from:

• Perfumes and cosmetics: ANMAT no longer intervenes for toiletries, perfumes, or cosmetics

• Food: exempt from the intervention of the National Food Institute (INAL)

• Technical standards and regulations: no local certifications or technical standards are required

• SiDIP: excluded from the Digital Product Identification System

• Anti-dumping duties: safeguard measures or compensatory duties do not apply

• Economic restrictions: commercial prohibitions for these shipments are eliminated

As an exception, the entry of medicinal specialties for the exclusive use of the buyer or a family member is allowed, although in this case, prior authorization from ANMAT may be required if applicable.

How the new process works according to the type of purchase

The procedure varies depending on the platform or store where the purchase is made.

Purchases on large international platforms (e-commerce): if the site charges taxes and shipping fees at the time of payment, the process works as follows:

• The platform sends the package details (sender, value, CUIT/CUIL) to the national postal service

• The postal service provides the pre-filled declaration

• The buyer has 24 hours to validate the information; if not done, the postal service is authorized to submit it

• The package goes directly to the address

Traditional purchases: if the store does not charge taxes in advance, the process is different:

• Before the package arrives in the country, a notification with the tracking number is received

• You must go to the postal service's website, review the declaration, and pay the storage fee and customs duties

• Once payment is verified, the goods are released for delivery to the address or pickup at the branch

How customs verification works

The customs may perform checks using scanners or non-intrusive methods such as automatic verification. In the case of books, printed materials, or documentation, entry is automatic and direct to the address, without complex customs procedures.

If the postal service or customs decides to conduct a physical verification of the package, a postal representative will automatically act on behalf of the buyer to expedite delivery. Those who prefer to be present must express this explicitly before the shipment arrives in the country.