Modifications to the Integral Import Monitoring System

This new regime applicable to importers that intend to import goods definitively into Argentina came into force on January 23, 2018. The SIMI is also required to process automatic and non-automatic import licenses.

Once electronically registered, the information introduced into the SIMI system will be available for all the government agencies that intervene in the import process to give their approval (or lack thereof) in this respect within a maximum period of ten days. The AFIP must transmit the remarks made by the other agencies and indicate which agency the importer needs to provide further information to.

Once the SIMI has been filed, the AFIP will also analyze the importer’s economic situation based on the information available in their records. If any irregularities are detected, the importer will be requested to remedy them and to provide information electronically. In this case, all SIMIs in “READY” status would be take on a “REJECTED” status.

If the AFIP is satisfied with the importer’s answer, “REJECTED” SIMIs would once again take on a “READY” status. Otherwise, if the importer either: a) has not been notified electronically; b) having been notified, has not complied with within a period of ten working days, or; c) has provided false, incomplete or inaccurate information regarding their economic-financial capacity with respect to the pending import transactions, SIMIs would go from “REJECTED” to “ANNULLED” status. In the event of annulation under scenario a), the importer may request lifting this obstacle only once.

Once a SIMI becomes “READY”, it is possible to use it for an import transaction within the following one hundred and eighty calendar days. This term may be extended for the same period only once.

According to this Resolution, sanctions provided for in the Customs Code are applicable in the event of non-compliance with the established obligations.