ANMAT implements new tariffs on high-cost medicine imports

Argentina's National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Technology (ANMAT) has implemented new tariffs on the importation of high-cost medicines and complex medical devices. Under Disposition 5461/2026, which took effect on September 1, a fee is applied to the FOB value of goods, with a general rate of 1.5% and a reduced rate of 1.25% for higher-volume operations. The regulation sets maximum caps of 12 million pesos for medicinal specialties and 5 million pesos for medical products.

The measure has faced criticism from patient groups, unions, and disability advocates. Reports indicate that the agency has stopped accepting new exemption requests and has invalidated existing ones, making the cancellation of the fee a mandatory requirement for processing files. This has caused delays for individuals holding a Unique Disability Certificate (CUD) who rely on imported supplies that lack domestic production.

While the government states the changes are part of a process to update tariffs and ensure resources for oversight and fiscalization, critics argue the move contradicts existing economic resolutions that exempt imports intended for the treatment or rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.