On January 21, 2025, Decree No. 35/2025 (the “Decree”) was published, introducing measures to simplify procedures related to the import and export of food products. This change aims to reduce bureaucracy, speed up processes, and promote trade and industry development.
Under the new regulation, imported products from countries with regulatory standards equivalent to or higher than Argentina’s, or those governed by the Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO), will be exempt from several requirements of the Argentine Food Code. In these cases, importers will only need to submit a sworn import declaration. Countries included in this exemption are Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states, all listed in Annex III of the Decree.
Regarding exports, the regulation establishes that food products must only comply with the requirements of the destination country, eliminating the possibility for the National Health Authority to impose additional conditions. However, if the importing country requests specific certifications, exporters may obtain them directly from national authorities.
Additionally, the Decree provides greater clarity on the necessary documentation for importers working with the aforementioned countries. It also limits the National Health Authority’s ability to require certifications from exporters unless explicitly requested by the destination country.
This Decree came into effect on January 21, 2025.
