Argentina Investment Incentives

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Investment Incentives Argentina’s Investment Development Agency Argentina, 2009 August 2009

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In addition to laws that protect foreign investors, Argentina has a number of regimes designed to promote direct investments and economic development by both domestic and foreign investors: 1. Investment Incentives for Capital Goods and Infrastructure 2. Sector Incentives 3. Provincial and Regional Incentives 4. Incentives for Innovation and Technology Development 5. Main employment and Training Incentives 6. Financial Programs 7. Export Promotion This document was produced by ProsperAr, Argentina´s Investment Development Agency. If you need further assistance contact us at [email protected] or use our website www.prosperar.gov.ar.

Transcript of Argentina Investment Incentives

Page 1: Argentina Investment Incentives

Investment IncentivesArgentina’s Investment Development Agency Argentina, 2009

August 2009

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Investment Development AgencyArgentina, August 2009

This new investment incentives guide was developed with ad honorem collaboration of Deloitte.

Argentina´s National Investment Development Agency is not responsible for errors or omissions of the information provided. The Agency has the right to revise, ammend, alter or eliminate, at any time, the information contained in this guide. The Agency is not responsible for these revisions, ammendments, alteration or changes.

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In addition to laws that protect foreign investors, Argentina has a number of regimes designed to promote direct investments and economic development by both domestic and foreign investors.

Incentives for Productive Investment

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1. Investment Incentives for Capital Goods and Infrastructure1.1. Investment promotion law1.2. Exemption from import duties on capital goods1.3. Reduced VAT on capital goods1.4. Incentives for national production of capital goods, IT, telecom and agricultural

machinery1.5. Import regime for large industrial investment projects 1.6. Import regime for used capital goods1.7. Temporary import of capital goods

2. Sector Incentives2.1. Automotive promotion regime 2.2. Software industry promotion regime2.3. Promotion of state-of-the-art biotechnology development and production2.4. Biofuels promotion regime2.5. Mining promotion regime2.6. Forestry regime2.7. Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation incentive program 2.8. Public infrastructure works

3. Provincial and Regional Incentives3.1. Provincial incentives 3.2. Free trade zones (FTZ)

4. Incentives for Innovation and Technology Development 5.1. Overall plan for the Promotion of Employment: “More and Better Jobs” 5.2. Training and Competencies Certification Program 5.3. Tax credit for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Training 5.4. Technical Education Regime

5. Main employment and Training Incentives5.1. Benefits for Hiring New Employees5.2. Benefits for Training People

6. Financial Programs6.1. National bank credit lines (BNA)6.2. Credit lines for Investments from the Investment and Foreign Trade Bank (BICE)6.3. Federal Investment Fund6.4. Government-subsidized credit6.5. National Development Fund for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

7. Export Promotion7.1. Exports refunds7.2. Drawback7.3. Temporary admission regime7.4. Turnkey export contract7.5. Factory customs (RAF)7.6. In-House customs7.7. Reimbursements of exports from ports in Patagonia7.8. Export assistance from the Office of the Deputy Secretary of SMEs7.9. Fundación ExportAr

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1. Investment Incentives for Capital Goods and Infrastructure

1.1. Investment Promotion Law

Regulatory Framework

Law Nº 26.360

Main Characteristics

On April 2008, the Executive Branch has implemented Law 26360 to grant investors the benefits of:

• Accelerated reimbursement of value added tax (VAT) paid on purchases of capital goods and other materials related to investment projects; and/or

• Accelerated depreciation for machinery and equipment related to investment projects• Accelerated depreciation reduces the tax burden during first years of the project.

Export-oriented projects and those that are environmentally friendly may apply for both incentives; for other types of projects, companies have to choose one. The law will be in force until September 2010.

For further information

Please contact: www.infoleg.gov.ar

1.2. Exemption from Import Duties on Capital Goods

Regulatory Framework

Resolution Nº 8/2001 as amended, Decree 509/2007 and Resolution 15/2007 (MECON)

Main Characteristics

Tax-free imports of capital goods: resolution 8/2001 of the Ministry of Economy and Production sets a 0% import duty on a broad range of capital goods--most of these goods fall under chapters 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90 and 94 of Mercosur’s Harmonized Tariff System (HTS). The exemption applies only to imports of new equipment.

For further information

Enforcement authority: Customs AdministrationPlease contact: www.afip.gov.ar

1.3 Reduced VAT on Capital Goods

Regulatory Framework

Decree 493/2001, Decree 496/2001, Decree 615/2001, Decree 733/2001 and Decree 959/2001

Main Characteristics

Reduced VAT (10.5% compared to 21%) on the sale or import of finished capital goods and computer and telecommunications hardware (including parts and components).

For further information

Enforcement authority: Federal Administration of Public RevenuePlease contact: www.industria.gov.ar

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1.4. Incentives for national production of capital goods, IT, telecommunications and agricultural machinery

Regulatory Framework

Decree 379/2001 as amended and Decree 2316/2008

Main CharacteristicsThe incentives regime for investment and national production of capital goods and agricultural machinery establishes a 14% reimbursement for local producers in the form of a fiscal bonus that may be used to pay VAT, income taxes, asset taxes and excise taxes.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized EnterprisesPlease contact: www.industria.gov.ar

1.5. Import Regime for Large Industrial Investment Projects

Regulatory Framework

Decree 256/2000 as amended

Main Characteristics

Zero tariffs for imports of capital goods that are part of an autonomous and complete production line. The regime allows to import spare parts up to 5% of the line’s FOB Value.

For further information

Enforcement authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized EnterprisesPlease contact: www.comercio.gov.ar

1.6. Import Regime for Used Capital Goods

Regulatory Framework

Resolutions 511/2000, 157/2003, 255/2003, 353/2004, 78/2006, 86/2007, 18/2007, 40/2008 and 42/2008

Main Characteristics

The regime allows imports of used capital goods classified under chapters 84-90 of the HTS. These goods will pay a reduced tariff of 6% compared to the common 28%, with the condition that they form part of an autonomous production line.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized EnterprisesPlease contact: www.comercio.gov.ar

1.7. Temporary Import of Capital Goods

Regulatory Framework

Law Nº 22.415, Decree 1001/1982, and DGA Disposition 34/1998.

Main Characteristics

The regime allows the temporary importation of capital goods to a customs area, with a specific purpose and for a stipulated period of time. Once in customs, capital goods should be re-exported before the pre-specified due date.

For further information

Enforcement authority: Customs AdministrationPlease contact: www.infoleg.gov.ar

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2. Sector Incentives

2.1. Automotive and Autopart Promotion Regime

Regulatory Framework

Law Nº 26.393

Main Characteristics • Cash reimbursement: through Decree 774/05, the Argentine government implemented a program of fiscal benefits for vehicles produced domestically and that have imported parts whose value do not exceed 30% of the wholesale price of the final product. Specifically, a company manufacturing vehicles in Argentina will receive a cash reimbursement equivalent to 8% of the value of the locally produced parts being purchased. This percentage will be reduced to 7% in the second year of production and to 6% in the third year.

• The “Flex” Mechanism: Argentina and Brazil signed an agreement in June 2008 which was implemented in July 2008 and will be terminated in June 2013. The ”flex” mechanism, which determines the level of bilateral trade flows that are tariff-exempt, was modified from US$ 2.6 of Brazilian imports for every US$ of Argentine exports to the current level of US$ 1.95. Tariffs will apply when this level is exceeded. The Common External Tariff (CET) was maintained between 14 and 16%.

• Trade with Mexico: In 2006, Argentina and Mexico eliminated all bilateral trade barriers in automobile trade. Furthermore, in June 2006 Argentina and Mexico eradicated hundreds of tariff items in the autoparts sector.

For further information

Please contact: www.industria.gov.ar

2.2. Software Industry Promotion Regime

Regulatory Framework

Law 25922 and Law 25856

Main Characteristics Software design, development and production are considered to be industrial activities for tax or credit purposes and any other kind of benefits the national government may provide to the industrial sector. Law 25922 specifies the most important incentives for the software industry :

• Ten year fiscal stability including national direct taxes, duties and special contributions, meaning a company’s aggregate national tax liability will not be increased over the mandated period once it is accepted into the program.

• Non-refundable and non-transferable fiscal credit for employer social security contributions paid (up to 70%), which may be used to pay federal tax liabilities, excluding the corporate income tax (CIT).

• A 60% reduction of a company’s CIT liability during each fiscal period will be granted if they can prove they have incurred expenses related to research and development and/or quality certification processes and/or export of software in the terms and conditions to be set forth.

• Exemption from import duties on hardware and IT components.

Requirements: • More than 50% of the employees or the company’s total wage expenditures must be related to

software development activities.• Software development must be the company’s main activity (software developed for inhouse

use is excluded from the benefits)

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; Ministry of Production Please contact: www.industria.gov.ar

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2.3. Promotion of State-of-the-Art Biotechnology Development and Production

Regulatory Framework

Law 26270

Main Characteristics Law 26270 offers the following incentives on the research, development and production of biotechnology applicable to certain production processes: • Accelerated depreciation of capital goods, equipment, parts and components • Early reimbursement of VAT paid on the purchase of capital goods, equipment, parts and

components. • Listed property shall not be taxable under the minimum presumed income tax. • Fiscal credit on employer’s social security contributions paid (up to 50%)• Fiscal credit for purchases of research and development services from institutions under the

science, technology and innovation national public system (up to 50%)

For further information

www.infoleg.gov.ar

2.4. Biofuel Promotion Regime

Regulatory Framework

Law 26093, Executive Order 109/2007

Main Characteristics The public sector recognizes Argentina offers opportunities for biofuel development and has provided a national law to promote biofuels (Law 26093 ruled by Decree 109/2007). Starting in 2010, the law establishes an obligatory blend of 5% of biodiesel for diesel fuels and of bioethanol for gasoline. The law also grants the following fiscal Incentives:• Early reimbursement of VAT and/or accelerated depreciation allowance for capital goods and

infrastructure • Exemption on the minimum presumed income tax (tax paid on a company’s estimated annual

revenue and that can be deducted at time of the CIT submission) for the first three years• Exemption on the hydro infrastructure tax and the liquid fuels and natural gas tax.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: technical aspects - Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services; taxation issues - Federal Administration of Public Revenue Please contact: www.minplan.gov.ar

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2.5. Mining Promotion Regime

Regulatory Framework

Law 24196, Law 25429, Law 25161, as amended. Law 1919, Executive Order 456/1997, Law 25225

Main Characteristics It offers the following fiscal incentives for mining activities:

• Double deduction of exploration expenses: including feasibility studies, prospecting, exploration, special studies, pilot plant tests, applied research and other tests.

• VAT reimbursement: VAT credits on all exploration expenses will be reimbursed after a twelve-month period.

Also, there are extraction and production incentives:

• Fiscal stability: once a company’s feasibility study is submitted to and approved by the National Mining Authority, a 30-year fiscal stability period will be granted.

• Accelerated depreciation: investment made on equipment, construction and infrastructure can be depreciated during the first three years of operations. Fixed assets, including machinery, vehicles and facilities can be depreciated at one-third of their value per year beginning with the startup year.

• Duty exemptions on imports: registered mining companies are exempt from any import duty or tariff on capital goods, special equipment or parts and any inputs to be used in the development of the mining process. Companies in mining-related services may also apply for this benefit.

• Tax exemptions and deductions: earnings derived from mining rights that are used to increase equity are exempt from CIT. In addition, companies are exempted from the minimum presumed income tax. Also, firms may have access to tax exemptions at provincial and municipal levels.

• VAT refund: applies to the purchase or import of new capital goods and investment in infrastructure to be used as part of the mining production process.

For further information

Enforcement Authorities: Office of the Secretary of Mining, Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services

Please contact: www.mineria.gov.ar

2.6. Forestry Regime

Regulatory Framework

Law 25080, Law 25509

Main Characteristics Law 25080 grants the following fiscal and economic benefits to forestry-related investments:

• Fiscal stability: a 30-year period of fiscal stability is granted by the national government. This 30-year period may be extended an additional 20 years.

• Accelerated Depreciation: investment in equipment, construction and infrastructure can be depreciated during the first three years of operations. Fixed assets, including machinery, vehicles and facilities can be depreciated at one third of their value per year beginning with the start up year.

• VAT refund: applies to the purchase or import of goods or services to be used in the production process.

• Non refundable financial aid: companies that own less than 500 hectares can receive non refundable financial aid on a per hectare basis, in an amount that depends on the region, tree specie and the specific forestry work to be performed.

For further information

Please contact: www.sagpya.gov.ar

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2.7. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation Incentive Program

Regulatory Framework

Law 26154

Main Characteristics All the areas granted under Law 25943 and those with a geological potential over which there are no current third-party rights granted by Law 17319 are part of the promotion system. They follow the categorization below: areas in the continental shelf, 15 years; areas in non-developing sedimentary basins, 12 years; areas in developing sedimentary basins, 10 years.

The benefits of the current system are as follows:

• Early VAT refund: the early credit or refund provided for by Law 25924 will be applicable to the total amount of expenditure and investment made during the exploration phase and investments made during the exploitation phase.

• Income Tax: all expenses to be capitalized and investments made during the exploration phase and the investments made during the exploitation phase will be depreciated in three annual identical and consecutive portions, counting from the year when such expenditure and investment were incurred and made.

• Assets belonging to companies with exploration permits and exploitation concessions granted under this law will not be considered in the calculation of the taxable base for the minimum presumed income tax for a maximum of three years as from the award date.

• Exemption from payment of import duties and any other duty, levy or rate for imports of capital goods not manufactured in Argentina that are necessary for exploration.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Secretary of Energy and Mining

Please contact: www.minplan.gov.ar

2.8. Public Infrastructure Works

Regulatory Framework

Executive Orders 966/2005 and 967/2005

Main Characteristics Two alternative plans have been defined to promote private involvement in infrastructure works to incentivate investment in infrastructure in the country.

• National Regime for Private Initiatives: to promote private capital involvement in the execution of public infrastructure works, concessions, public utilities or licenses. Submission of projects is spontaneous and, should the government consider a proposal to be of public interest, it will call for bids. The particularity of this regime is that whoever proposed the project has first priority to be awarded the bid.

• Regime for Private–Public Cooperation: the government becomes involved in projects as a partner. The association can take any form permitted under Argentine legislation. The government’s contribution can be realized through a cash injection, tax benefits, rights granted to public assets or other assets pertaining to government ownership, etc. In this case, projects are presented by government agencies and bids are called to select the private partner.

For further information

Please contact: www.infoleg.gov.ar

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3. Provincial and Regional Incentives

3.1. Provincial Incentives

Main Characteristics

It is possible to obtain fiscal incentives under promotional schemes sponsored by various provincial governments. There are differences among these regimes but generally they take the form of a waiver, exemption or reduction in local taxes (turnover tax, stamp duty and real estate tax), support for infrastructure and equipment purchases, and/or preferential treatment for the purchase, rental or lease of public property.

Access to these regimes is evaluated on a case-by-case basis with each specific provincial government. At the same time, provinces have business support infrastructure such as industrial parks.

3.2. Free Trade Zones (FTZ)

Regulatory Framework

Law 24331 as amended

Main Characteristics

Free Trade Zones offer exporters the possibility to import the necessary equipment to build a “turnkey operation” within the FTZ free of customs duties, statistical fees and VAT. Furthermore, exporters manufacturing within the FTZ enjoy the benefit of buying supplies and raw materials from third countries without having to pay duties.

By exporting through a FTZ, companies not only are exempt of all export duties but also they enjoy all other available incentives at the national level. In addition, companies operating in a FTZ may face lower production costs, due to the VAT exemption and lower internal taxes on utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and telecommunication.

Currently, there are FTZs in Buenos Aires (La Plata), Córdoba (Córdoba), Chubut (Comodoro Rivadavia), La Pampa (General Pico), Mendoza (Luján de Cuyo), Misiones (Puerto Iguazú), Salta (General Güemes), San Luis ( Justo Daract), and Tucumán (Cruz Alta).

For further information

Enformcement Authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized

Please Contact: www.comercio.gov.ar

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4. Innovation and technological development incentives

4.1. Argentine Technology Fund (FONTAR)

Main CharacteristicsIt supports projects designed to improve productivity in the private sector through technological innovation. There are various funding facilities available through public calls for applicants or permanent window submissions.

For further information

Enformcement Authority: National Promotion Agency of Science and TechnologyPlease contact: www.agencia.mincyt.gov.ar

4.2. Software Industry Fiduciary Fund (FONSOFT)

Main Characteristics

The fiduciary fund created by Law 25922, grants credits to:

• Research and development programs, related to activities included in the Software Promotion Regime (software systems design, development, production and implementation);

• Tertiary or high-level training programs;

• Programs intended to improve the quality of design, development and production of software processes.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: National Promotion Agency of Science and TechnologyPlease contact: www.agencia.mincyt.gov.ar

4.3. Scientific and Technological Research Fund (FONCYT)

Main CharacteristicsThe fund supports research projects aiming to create new scientific knowledge and technological know-how. There are various promotion instruments and funds awarded, in all cases, through government bids for applicants.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: National Promotion Agency of Science and TechnologyPlease contact: www.agencia.mincyt.gov.ar

4.4. Federal Science and Technology Council (COFECYT)

Main CharacteristicsCOFECYT promotes a harmonious development of scientific, technological and innovative activities nationwide. The council has various funding facilities available: institutional strengthening projects; federal production innovation projects (PFIP); federal projects for productive innovation-productive interlinking (PFIP-ESPRO).

For further information

Please contact: www.cofecyt.secyt.gov.ar

4.5. Promotion and Encouragement of Technological Innovation

Main CharacteristicsThe National Executive Branch annually sets out a quota of tax credits that can be used to pay national taxes (income tax), for an amount no higher than 50% of the project’s total investment, and are to be used in equal parts over a three-year period. Furthermore, contributions from the National Treasury can be provided, which will be awarded to be paid back without accruing interest.

For further information

Please contact: www.mincyt.gov.ar

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5. Main Employment and Training IncentivesPrograms Administered by Ministry of Labor (ML)

5.1. Benefits for Hiring New Employees

A company hiring a beneficiary of the Employment and Training Insurance (ETI) could deduct from the worker’s net salary the amount received in the form of ETI. In addition, there will be a reduction in employer’s contributions given that those will be calculated based on the salary actually paid by the company, not including the amount covered by the ETI.

Amounts to the deducted for those benefiting from ETI:

1. Up to 45 years old:• Women: AR$400 from months 1 through 3 and AR$600 from months 4 to 6.• Men: AR$400 during the first 6 months

2. Older than 45 years old:• Women: AR$400 from month 1 to 3; AR$600 from month 4 to 6; and AR$800 from months 7 to 9.• Men: AR$400 during the first 9 months.

Program for More and Better Employment (YPMBE)

A company hiring a beneficiary of the Young’s Program for More and Better Employment (YPMBE) could deduct from the worker’s net salary an amount of AR$400 which will be paid by the ML in the form of direct payment for a period of 6 months.

5.2 Benefits for Training People

A company providing training to a beneficiary of the Employment and Training Insurance (ETI) could deduct from the worker’s net salary the amount of AR$400 to be paid directly by the ML. In addition, the ML will reimburse AR$150 for 4 hours/trainer in a monthly basis and AR$225 for 6 hours/trainer/month during the whole training period.

Fiscal CreditA company may obtain up to a AR$300,000 fiscal credit (Fiscal Credit Certificates) when incurring expenses related to strengthening the skills of employed and unemployed workers. In case of a small and medium size enterprise (SME), the fiscal credit would amount to 8% of the total amount paid in annual wages and salaries, including employers’ contributions. For large enterprises, the fiscal credit will amount to 8 per thousand of the total amount paid in annual wages and salaries, including employers’ contributions.

Training Qualifying for the Benefits:

• Professional Training• Basic Concepts in Information Systems• Certification of primary, secondary, tertiary, and superior education programs• Evaluation and Certification of specific skills• On the job training

SectoralA company may design a customized training program to satisfy its own needs and that will be in line with sectoral needs. In

that case, the ML could cover the cost of hiring trainers, teaching materials, equipment, and travel, among other items.

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6. Financial Programs

6.1. National Bank Credit Lines

Main CharacteristicsBanco de la Nación Argentina, the national bank, grants credit lines to SMEs, including credits to purchase capital goods, working and investment capital (to cover production and sales expenses); financing of imports and tourism (including the construction of new hotels, facilities and equipment). It also provides leasing and sale and factoring services for SMEs.

For further information

Agency: Banco de la Nación ArgentinaPlease contact: www.bna.com.ar

6.2. Credit Lines for Investments from the Investment and Foreign Trade Bank (BICE)

Main Characteristics BICE’s objective is to promote productive investments and Argentine companies’ foreign trade. BICE, among other things, grants credit lines to purchase imported and local capital goods, and provides financing for assets and service investment projects, as well as productive upgrading.

For further information

Agency: Banco de Inversiones y Comercio Exterior Please contact: www.bice.com.ar

6.3. Federal Investments Fund

Main CharacteristicsA financial instrument of the Federal Investment Council (CFI) designed to assist the private sector through credit lines for the deployment of specific projects or programs at pre-investment and investment stages.

For further information

Agency: Consejo Federal de Inversiones (Federal Investment Council)Please contact: www.cfired.org.ar

6.4. Government-Subsidized Credit

Main Characteristics

To facilitate SMEs’ access to credit, the government has created a system through which it takes over part of the financial cost of loans banks grant to Argentine SMEs.Funding may be allocated to: • Purchasing new capital goods by means of a loan or a lease and sale facility, to working capital, the prefinancing and funding of asset and service exports. • Creation and development of new ventures • Industrialization of assets and services developed through technological innovation. • Scientific and technological research, production upgrading and innovation.

For further information

Please contact: www.sePyME.gov.ar

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6.5. National Development Fund for Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (FONAPyME)

Main Characteristics

The objective of the National Development Fund for MiSMEs (FONAPyME) is to make capital investments and provide medium and long term funding. It is designed for the existing or future micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and other partnering efforts. Loans are multi-sector allocated and investments are intended for brand-new and used fixed assets, as well as for working capital for projects. They are oriented toward the domestic market, especially emphasizing import substitution with a high impact on regional development, job creation and added value.

For further information

Please contact: www.sePyME.gov.ar

7. Export Promotion

7.1. Export Refunds

Regulatory Framework

Executive Order 1011/1991, Executive Order 2275/1994, Executive Order 690/2002.

Main Characteristics

Th e export refunds consist in the total or partial refund of amounts withheld paid at the various production and trading stages for locally manufactured brand-new goods to be exported. This is compatible with other export promotion systems. The VAT credit refund for purchases linked to exports may be recovered through one of the following mechanisms: • Offset: against own debits produced by transactions in the domestic market. • Accreditation: against other tax liabilities generated by transactions and owed by the exporter as taxes to DGI (Internal Revenue Service). • Transfer: of the VAT credit to another taxpayer. • Refund: in cash or in securities.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Customs Administration Please contact: www.afip.gov.ar

7.2. Draw Back

Regulatory Framework

Executive Order 177/1985, Executive Order 1012/1991, Executive Order 2182/1991, Resolution 177/1991, Resolution 288/1995, Resolution 1041/1999, Executive Order 313/2000

Main Characteristics

This system allows for the total or partial recovery of customs duties and VAT paid for imported goods that have been industrially improved and exported for consumption in third countries.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Customs Administration Please contact: www.afip.gov.ar

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7.3. Temporary import admission for industrial improvement purposes

Regulatory Framework

Executive Order 1330/2004 as amended.

Main CharacteristicsThe temporary import without payment of customs duties of goods which are to be industrially improved, subject to the requirement the goods be re-exported in the new resulting form of the item for consumption overseas.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-sized EnterprisesPlease contact: www.comercio.gov.ar

7.4. Turnkey Export Contract

Regulatory Framework

Law 23101, Executive Order 870/2003, Resolution 12/2004.

Main CharacteristicsExports in the turnkey fashion (including related services) receive a predetermined reimbursement.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Office of the Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises For further information: www.comercio.gov.ar

7.5. Factory Customs (RAF)

Regulatory Framework

Executive Order 688/2002, Executive Order 2722/2002, Joint Resolution 14/2003 - 1424/2003, Joint Resolution 54/2003 – 1448/2003, Resolution 1553/2003.

Main CharacteristicsThe Factory Customs System (RAF) provides for a more straightforward and expanded temporary imports system. It allows companies under the system to import certain goods and add them to products for export, re-exporting them without any transformation or importing them for consumption, paying no taxes until the transactions are complete.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Federal Administration of Public Revenue, Office of the Secretary of Industry, Trade and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Please contact: www.afip.gov.ar

7.6. In-House Customs

Regulatory Framework

Resolution 596/1999, Resolution 800/2000, Resolution 14/2003.

Main Characteristics

Under this regime, goods can be imported or exported directly from the company’s warehouse The payment of duties and tariffs is made when goods leave the warehouse to be imported for consumption or when they are exported.The company is required to have a pre-specified sales volume and a clean fiscal track record to apply for the benefits.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Customs AdministrationPlease contact: www.afip.gov.ar

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7.7. Reimbursements of Exports from Ports in Patagonia

Regulatory Framework

Law 23018, Law 24490, Law 25454, Law 25731.

Main CharacteristicsThe system establishes that goods from the region south of the Río Colorado River and exported from one of the ports included in Law 23018 will receive an additional or supplementary reimbursement.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Federal Administration of Public RevenuePlease contact: www.afip.gov.ar

7.8. Exports Assistance by the Office of the Deputy Secretary of SMEs and Regional Development

Main Characteristics

The Office of the Deputy Secretary has various support programs for SMEs’ efforts to form partnerships and expand internationally: • Support program for exporter groups and coalitions • Support program for first-time exporters • Pro-Argentina Web Site (www.proargentina.gov.ar)

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Office of the Deputy Secretary of SMEs and Regional DevelopmentPlease contact: www.sePyME.gov.ar

7.9. Fundación ExportAr

Main Characteristics

Fundación Export.Ar is an institution integrated by the public and private sectors, focused on assisting the business community in their endeavors to successfully trade their competitive products overseas with the vision to gain access to exports markets, expanding and diversifying their exports. All of this is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship through 120 Embassies, Consulates and the economic / trading departments of the various Argentine representations worldwide.

For further information

Enforcement Authority: Fundación Exportar.Please contact: www.exportar.org.ar

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For more information:

[email protected]+54-11-4328-9510