Agreement between Argentina and India on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters

On April 26, 2011, the Federal Administration of Public Revenue of the Republic of Argentina and the Central Board of Excise and Customs of the Republic of India (the “Customs Administrations”) entered into an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Customs Matters (the “Agreement”).

Under the Agreement, the Customs Administrations will:

1. cooperate and assist each other in the prevention, investigation and fight against illegal customs activities,
2. aid in the collection of debts, taxes and other customs duties,
3. exchange all information and documents available to ensure the enforcement of each other’s regulations.

The information to be exchanged has a broad scope including but not limited to data regarding the valuation, origin and classification of merchandise, customs procedures and methods, and the legality of exports and imports between both countries.

Additionally, the Customs Administrations will share information about merchandise, means of transport, and storage facilities which is known or suspected to be being used as means to carry out illegal customs activities. Information about individuals involved in illegal customs activities can also be shared.

The information will be deemed confidential and shall be used only within the scope of the Agreement. The information may be used both in administrative and judicial proceedings.

The Agreement shall enter into force the first day of the second month after the Customs Administrations have notified each other in writing that the necessary national legal requirements for effectiveness of the Agreement have been fulfilled.

Both Customs Administrations reserve the right to suspend the implementation of the Agreement due to national security or reasons of national interest.

The Agreement may be terminated by any of both Customs Administrations with a prior 3-month advance notice in writing.