It is now possible to import cars from Chile without intermediaries. How much does it cost? What procedures are required?
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Since the government announced the possibility of importing cars without intermediaries, interest has grown in finding out how much could be saved by bringing a brand new car from Chile.
Minister Federico Sturzenegger confirmed that it will be possible to buy a car abroad and bring it into the country, as long as it is not of Mercosur origin. Although the official regulations are still pending, the announcement has already caused a reaction.
El ministro de Desregulación Federico Sturzenegger
Is it worth bringing a car from Chile?
Currently, car prices in Chile average around US$22,000. However, there are economical models that may be attractive to those seeking a more affordable option.
An example is the Suzuki Alto GL, a city car of Indian origin that costs US$7,678 in Chile. In comparison, the Renault Kwid in Argentina is around US$20,000.
How much does it cost to import a Chilean car
To calculate the total value, the following items must be added to the FOB price:
International insurance
Import duty: 35%
Fees: 3%
Internal taxes: 10%
VAT: 21%
Cuánto cuesta importar un auto chileno
With all these items, the imported Suzuki from Chile would reach an approximate value of US$16,000. Even so, it remains cheaper than similar models sold in the country.
What procedures are required to drive in Argentina
For an imported car to be allowed on the road in Argentina, it must have the corresponding licenses. Until now, two procedures were required:
LCM (Model Configuration License), granted by INTI
LCA (Environmental Configuration License), from the Undersecretariat of Environment
Qué trámites hay que hacer para circular en Argentina
These processes are slow and are usually reserved for registered manufacturers and importers. However, with the new regulations, a new permit would come into play.
The Vehicle Safety Certificate (CSV)
The reform proposes replacing the LCM with the CSV, a more streamlined procedure that would validate vehicles with international standards already recognized by Argentina.
This would speed up the entry of cars from countries such as Chile, although the system still needs official implementation by the Secretariat of Industry.
