What are the specific requirements for homologating a car purchased abroad?
As part of a series of reforms aimed at deregulating the transit system and facilitating certain mobility-related operations, the national government introduced substantial changes to the requirements for importing cars into the country a few months ago.
Among the main changes is the simplification of the homologation process for new vehicles purchased abroad , which directly impacts those seeking to import units from markets such as the United States or the European Union, allowing them to bring in vehicles not sold in the country.
Until now, importing a car required two key licenses : the Model Configuration License (LCM) , processed through the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), and the Environmental Configuration License (LCA) , processed through the Undersecretariat of the Environment. Both were essential to certify that the vehicle met the technical and environmental standards required in Argentina. However, the new scheme replaces this procedure with a direct homologation system , provided the car has an international vehicle safety certificate issued by recognized organizations. The changes, for the moment, have not been regulated.
The measure primarily aims to streamline mass import processes , reducing bureaucracy and waiting times for models already approved by foreign regulatory bodies. In practice, this means that if a vehicle has valid certifications in recognized jurisdictions, such as the European Union or the United States, it can be automatically approved in Argentina without having to go through prior local procedures.
However, this new regulatory framework does not contemplate the entry of used cars . Current legislation remains restrictive on this point, and the limitations are not solely the result of unilateral government decisions: Argentina is subject to Economic Complementation Agreement No. 14 (ACE14) signed with Brazil, which expressly prohibits the importation of used cars between the two countries.
There are, however, some very limited exceptions . Argentines returning to the country after residing abroad for at least one year , foreigners who have obtained permanent residency in Argentina , and accredited diplomats performing official duties in the country are allowed to import used cars. Outside of these cases, the importation of used vehicles remains prohibited, even if they have international technical certifications.
However, Minister Federico Sturzenegger previously announced his intention to allow private imports of brand-new and used cars. If this occurs, the entry requirements for vehicles would change, both for those seeking a new model and for those seeking to bring a vehicle into the country that has not been used under the repatriation program.
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