• Argentina is China’s sixth largest trading partner, sixth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports in Latin America.
• China is Argentina’s second largest trading partner, largest source of imports, largest agricultural product export market and third largest source of investment.

Argentina is the second largest economy in South America after Brazil. The scale of bilateral trade between China and Argentina continues to expand. Predictive planning, good knowledge of the local conditions and security during customs clearance are essential prerequisites for a fast shipment from China to Argentina.

Import into Argentina

Argentina has transitioned to a new import system – SEDI (Sistema Estadístico de Importaciones), replacing SIRA, the previous system of Argentina. Under the new system, import procedures have been simplified and the requirement for import licenses eliminated.

The Harmonized Schedule (HS) is used to specify tariff classifications in Argentina. The HS is aligned with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Customs Classification Code. Argentina uses the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature, known as the Nomenclatura Común del MERCOSUR (NCM).

Ad-valorem duties are assessed on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of the imported merchandise (at the Argentine port or airport of entry).

The following documents are required when importing into Argentina: commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. And the documents should container:

• Invoice number
• Place and date of execution
• Full name and address of the exporter
• Full name and address of consignee
• Full name and address of the agent/freight forwarder
• Quantity, indicating measuring units invoiced
• Name and description of goods (in Spanish)
• Unit price and total
• Currency used in transaction
• Terms of payment and delivery, using INCOTERMS
• Origin and place/port of export of the merchandise
• Means of transport (specifying via ocean, air, or parcel post)
• Port or place of entry into Argentina

If the import papers are in English, the common practice is to show the Spanish translation just below the English text.

Sea Freight from China to Argentina

Sea freight is the most common method for shipping containers to Argentina from China. It is cost-effective for large quantities of goods and offers various container sizes to suit different cargo types.

• Full Container Load (FCL): Ideal for large shipments, FCL allows you to rent an entire container exclusively for your cargo.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Perfect for smaller shipments, LCL involves sharing container space with other shippers, reducing costs.

Container shipping involves a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the various shipping methods, costs, transit times, and key ports, you can streamline your operations and ensure timely delivery of goods. Additionally, partnering with a reliable freight forwarder and staying on top of necessary documentation will further enhance the efficiency of your shipments.

Bill of Lading

Bill of Lading Format Requirements:

• Telex release and Sea Waybills are not allowed; only Original Bills of Lading (OBL) can be issued.
• Express release / Destination release is accepted.

Mandatory Information on the Bill of Lading:

• HS Code (NCM NO.) — If shipping multiple commodities, display the code corresponding to the highest cargo value.
• Complete information for the Shipper, Consignee, and Notify Party: Name, Address, Phone/Fax, and Tax ID (CUIT NO.).
• Failure to display the HS Code will result in fines.

Multiple Bills of Lading per Container:

Splitting one container into two or more Bills of Lading is allowed, but the Shipper, Consignee, and Notify Party must be identical across all bills.

Special Notice:

• All imported goods into Argentina require an advance application for a DJAI import license.
• Bill of Lading information must strictly match the Commercial Invoice and Packing List.

Top Container Ports in Argentina

Argentina has 45 seaports, 32 inland ports, and 11,000 kilometers of waterways. More than 90% of Argentina’s foreign trade transportation is completed by water transportation.

Argentina has a coastline of more than 4,000 kilometers, and its main coastal ports are located along the Paraná River, the La Plata River, and the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires Province.

The Port of Buenos Aires is the most important port in Argentina and the main transit hub for Argentina’s foreign trade. It is interconnected with large ports in neighboring countries such as Uruguay and Brazil. The Port of San Martin is the largest grain port in Argentina and the third largest grain port in the world. The Port of Rosario is the second largest grain port in Argentina and the second largest agricultural product export port in the world.

The Paraguay-Parana River is Argentina’s main inland waterway, with a total length of 3,302 kilometers.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Argentina

The ocean cost of shipping a container to Argentina varies based on several factors, including the type of cargo, container size, shipping method, the carrier and service type.

For example, the port-to-port container rate from Shanghai China to Buenos Aires Argentina is $3,000 for 1x40ft container.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Argentina

It can take approximately 40-45 days for goods to reach their destination port in Argentina from China. If to door, add 5-10 days.

Air Freight from China to Argentina

Air freight offers quicker delivery but comes at a higher cost compared to sea freight. It is suitable for time-sensitive shipments or valuable items that require quick delivery.

Top Airports in Argentina

Argentina has 58 airports, including 23 international airports. Currently, there are more than 30 airlines flying to and from Argentine airports, providing direct flights to 40 cities on five continents.

Buenos Aires Airport goes under the official name Ministro Pistarini International Airport but is commonly known as Ezeiza Airport after its location’s name.

The airport is not only the main airport in Buenos Aires but also the biggest aerodrome in the country, operating domestic flights and more than two-thirds of Argentina’s international flights.

EZE Airport serves numerous airlines. Being the hub for the flag carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas and the focal area for other national airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Buenos Aires International Airport mainly hosts flights to and from the Americas, apart from handling a significant number of Europe, Africa, and even Oceania destinations.

Air Freight Cost from China to Argentina

Shipping costs may differ significantly depending on several factors, including the volume, weight, and dimensions of the package(s) being shipped, the goods in the package(s), and the mode of transportation. It’s also vital to consider the shipment’s insurance and the time of year.

The information must be valid to prepare the correct quotation for an air shipping price.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Argentina

There are no direct flights between China and Argentina, but flights can usually be transferred from Frankfurt, Paris, Dubai and other cities. China’s flights to Argentina are mainly operated by Air France, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, American Airlines and other companies in a transfer mode.

Average air transit times to Argentina:

• Express: 3 to 5 business days
• Standard: 4 to 6 business days
• Economy: 5 to 8 business days

Working with CFC

CFC specializes in facilitating transport to Argentina from China. We offer ocean shipping as well as air options to help your goods get to their destination safely and quickly. Our profound knowledge in logistics and documentation ensures adequate economic and low-risk shipment to Argentina.

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