Container shipping to Argentina

A 20-ft container typically costs between $1,800 and $2,500 and a 40-ft between $3,000 and $4,500. The final price depends on the origin port, the type of cargo and whether you ship a full or a shared container; when you request a quote we confirm it within one business day with the full breakdown. Imports also pay Mercosur tariff duty, a 3% statistics fee and 21% VAT.

From the U.S.: 20-30 days. From Europe or Asia: 25-35 days. These are estimated ocean transit times; when you request a quote we confirm the next weekly sailing and the estimated arrival date. A despachante files the customs declaration with ARCA in the Malvina system (SIM), which assigns a documentary or physical review.

You need a Spanish-language commercial invoice (original plus three copies), a packing list and the ocean bill of lading, plus a certificate of origin for listed goods such as textiles, footwear, toys and tires. A despachante de aduana must hold your electronic authorization in ARCA's Malvina system, and the importer needs an active CUIT. Import licences and SEDI no longer apply. We prepare them for you and handle customs clearance at destination, so no missing paper holds your cargo.

Choose LCL below roughly 10 to 12 CBM, compare it with a 20ft FCL between 12 and 15 CBM, and book FCL above 15 CBM or for heavy, fragile or high-value cargo. Destination LCL handling in Buenos Aires adds cost per shipment, so consolidation loses its edge as volume grows. Ask for both quotes side by side. Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we recommend the format with the best total cost.

Yes, by 20ft container or LCL. Household shipments clear like other imports: a despachante de aduana files the declaration in ARCA's Malvina system, goods are classified under the eight-digit NCM and valued on CIF, and duties and taxes are paid before release at Buenos Aires (ARBUE). Relief for used personal effects depends on residency and time of use, so the despachante confirms it before shipping. We move personal items, household goods and full relocations, with customs and documentation handled door to door.

We serve Buenos Aires, Rosario, Bahía Blanca, with customs clearance handled at each one and inland delivery coordinated to the final destination if you need it. Buenos Aires (ARBUE) handles most import containers, Rosario (ARROS) is a Paraná river port with container and general cargo terminals, and Bahía Blanca handles agro-exports and energy cargo.