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Courier shipments · International connections
Before choosing how to ship your goods

Courier regime in Argentina.

Its limits, the differences between personal and commercial shipments, and when to move to a general cargo import.

PRACTICAL GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026

What the courier regime is.

A simplified regime for importing and exporting shipments through postal and courier operators registered with customs. The courier handles transport, customs presentation and payment of taxes, which are then charged to you.

It is currently governed by ARCA General Resolution 5608/2024, most recently amended by General Resolution 5883/2026, published on July 29, 2026. The main import limits are:

01

Up to USD 3,000 FOB per shipment

The maximum value of the goods in each shipment. If customs determines a higher value, the operation moves to the general regime.

02

Up to 50 kg per package

The limit applies to each package or item, regardless of the shipment’s total weight.

03

Identified recipient

The shipment must be addressed to an individual or legal entity with a CUIT or CUIL tax ID and a registered Electronic Tax Address. Missing details may result in the cargo being held for up to five business days.

04

Import taxes

As a general rule, shipments pay the same taxes as an import for consumption. The exception is small personal shipments, explained below. To estimate those taxes, you can use the import cost calculator.

This guide summarizes the rules in force as of October 2026. Courier rules have changed several times in recent years: confirm how they apply to your product before buying.

Personal or commercial

Goods for yourself are different from goods for resale.

The courier regime covers two situations with different rules. The main difference is the shipment’s purpose and its tax allowance.

A

Small personal shipments

For non-commercial purposes, with up to three units of the same kind and a maximum of five shipments per person per calendar year. The first USD 400 FOB of each shipment is exempt from import duties and the statistical fee; VAT and other taxes apply where relevant.

B

Commercial shipments

Goods for resale or use in your business. The same USD 3,000 FOB and 50 kg per package limits apply, but there is no allowance: all taxes on imports for consumption are payable.

If you buy several identical units or import frequently, customs may treat the shipment as commercial even if you declare it as personal.

Goods that cannot enter through courier.

The simplified regime excludes, among other cases, goods that:

01

Are prohibited or require other agency approvals

Products requiring authorization or checks by other agencies before entry, depending on their category.

02

Require a certificate of origin

Operations in which the origin of the goods must be supported by a certificate.

03

Fall under special regimes

Goods subject to special tax treatment or seeking export benefits.

In these cases, imports must use the general regime with customs clearance.

Courier or general cargo

When to choose
each option.

There is no single answer: it depends on the product, volume, frequency and urgency.

When is courier usually a good choice?

For samples, small or urgent batches, lightweight goods of limited value, and first purchases to test a product. It is simple and fast, but the cost per kilogram is usually higher.

When should you move to general cargo?

When the value exceeds USD 3,000 FOB, volume grows, goods require agency approvals or certificates, or you want to reduce unit costs with consolidated air or ocean freight.

Can I split a purchase into several courier shipments?

Splitting an operation to stay within the limits may be challenged by customs. Assess the complete operation before buying.

Do I need to register as an importer?

It depends on the shipment method and type of operation. The general regime does require importer registration with ARCA. If you plan to import regularly, review this from the start.

What changed in 2026?

Decree 604/2026 aligned Correo Argentino shipments with courier shipments on the USD 400 exemption and maximum of five annual shipments. General Resolution 5883/2026 also updated the regime’s procedures.

Official sources.

To read the full regulations: General Resolution 5608/2024 (updated text) ↗ · Decree 604/2026 ↗

From information to your operation

Professional analysis · USD 200

We assess whether your product can enter by courier or is better suited to the general regime, covering requirements, estimated costs and logistics.

What the analysis includes →
Courier questions

Video consultation · USD 50

Questions about a courier shipment, personal or commercial? We answer them in a video call of up to 1 hour: limits, taxes and whether your purchase can enter by courier or is better suited to the general regime.

Paid in advance by bank transfer, in US dollars or in pesos at the day's exchange rate. It does not include a written report or a quote for the operation; that is what the professional analysis is for.

Book a video consultation ↗
Soledad Facchetti
Soledad FacchettiForeign Trade Manager · More than 13 years of experienceMeet the person supporting your operation ↗

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