Argentina: Digital certificates of origin streamline release of customs guarantees
The new procedure, effective immediately, is expected to simplify and accelerate customs administrative processes.
Argentina's Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA) has issued General Resolution No. 5880/2026, allowing importers and customs brokers to request the release of customs guarantees posted due to the absence of a Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) certificate of origin (FCEO), as well as associated automatic fines (MUAU), by submitting a digital certificate of origin (COD) through the customs electronic filing system (SITA).
Applicants must provide the relevant customs declaration information and applicable digital certificate details. Customs authorities will review the submission, verify compliance with applicable origin requirements, and notify applicants of their decision electronically through the Customs Electronic Communication and Notification System (SICNEA).
The measure builds on prior recognition of digital certificates of origin by the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), which granted them the same legal validity as paper certificates. According to ARCA, importers previously had to submit paper certificates to obtain the release of guarantees because no electronic process was available. The new procedure, effective immediately, is expected to simplify and accelerate customs administrative processes while maintaining origin-verification controls.
Read a July 2026 report (Spanish) prepared by the KPMG member firm in Argentina