Argentina reforms postal customs regime, lifts export limits and unifies import franchise

On July 17, 2026 the Argentine government issued Decree 604/2026, overhauling the customs rules for international postal shipments. The decree eliminates the historic 50 % tax that applied to parcels sent through the official postal service and removes the US$50 per‑package import limit that existed for the national post. A single import franchise of up to US$400 per shipment is now granted, with a maximum of five such shipments per person each year, regardless of whether the parcel arrives via the Argentine postal service or a private courier. Exporters can now send commercial goods by post with no value ceiling, ending a long‑standing restriction that hindered small producers and e‑commerce sellers. The decree also replaces article 8 of Decree 161/99, consolidates the regime under the Customs Code, and delegates operational rules to the Agency of Revenue and Customs Control (ARCA). The reforms aim to simplify cross‑border trade for individuals, small businesses and entrepreneurs, aligning postal and courier treatment and expanding market access for Argentine exporters.

The new framework is expected to boost e‑commerce activity, reduce cost asymmetries, and provide clearer, more predictable procedures for both imports and exports conducted via postal channels.