Deregulation of Food Products Import and Export

On January 17, 2025, the Argentine Executive issued Decree 35/2025, published in the Official Gazette on January 20, 2025. This Decree amends Regulatory Decree 2126/1971 of Law 1828, by simplifying administrative procedures related to the import of food products and the export of domestic products, to optimize processes and improve efficiency.

Regarding imports, the implemented amendment states that the standards of the Argentine Food Code (CAA) will be deemed met when food products and/or containers have certifications issued by countries with high sanitary vigilance—Australia, Canada, the Swiss Confederation, the European Union, the United States, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland—or when countries adopt the  “Codex Alimentarius” standards (FAO/WHO).

In these cases, customs clearance will only require submitting a sworn statement, regardless of whether the products are covered by local regulations or not. Neither the Argentine Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Technology (ANMAT) nor the Argentine Food Institute (INAL) are authorized to impose additional requirements.

Products that have certifications issued by countries with high sanitary vigilance will be exempted from the obligation to be previously incorporated into the CAA. They will also be exempted from complying with the procedures established in it. In these cases, attaching the “marketing authorization,” the “certificate of free sale,” or any analogous document approved by the health authority of the country of origin will suffice.

Given a prior evaluation, INAL may also consider CAA standards are met for imports from countries covered by economic integration treaties or mutual recognition agreements in force.

Exports will only need to comply with the requirements and restrictions established by the country of destination, and INAL will not be able to impose additional requirements. The exporter may request the relevant certificates from INAL if required by the country of destination.

This change seeks to reduce administrative bureaucracy and minimize State intervention in the private sector, to encourage trade, promote industry, and drive Argentina’s economic development.

ANMAT announced that complementary provisions and procedures to implement this regulation will be published in the upcoming days.

Decree 35/2025 became effective on January 21, 2025.