Argentinean Customs has intensified inspections on vessels, focusing closely on Store Lists and item declarations. Even small mistakes, omissions, or inconsistencies can lead to heavy penalties, delays, and financial losses for shipowners. Sigvart G.J. Simonsen & Cia. S.R.L., together with guidance from Gard P&I Club, has highlighted essential steps Masters should follow to ensure full compliance and avoid unnecessary fines during customs clearance.
Goods That Require Strict and Accurate Declaration
Argentinean Customs performs highly detailed checks, especially on certain categories of vessel stores. Ensuring precise and complete declaration of these items is crucial.
Paints & Chemicals
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All paints and thinners must be declared in liters.
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Every chemical on board must be listed, including SOPEP chemicals, hold cleaning materials, engine maintenance chemicals, grease, spill kits, etc.
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Inspections are conducted can-by-can, meaning no omissions are tolerated.
Bunkers and Oils in Use
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Declare all fuel oil, diesel oil, and lube oil.
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Include all oils in use, such as main engine sump oil, hydraulic oil, and steering oil.
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Customs measures every tank and drum, even half-empty ones.
Electronics and Appliances
All vessel-owned and personal electronics must be declared: TVs, laptops, tablets, faxes, printers, microwaves, cameras, binoculars, etc.
Tobacco & Alcohol
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Cigarettes in units.
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Spirits in liters.
Spare Parts
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Declare spare parts from both deck and engine inventories.
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Examples: pistons, hoses, tools, welding equipment, anchors, wire ropes.
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Clearly mark each item as new or used.
Other Controlled Items
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Drugs (pharmaceuticals), firearms, ammunition, anti-piracy equipment, and all forecastle consumables.
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Bonded stores, food items, beverages, and medical supplies must also be fully declared.
Preventing Mistakes, Double Declarations & Handling Customs Inspections
Many fines arise from procedural errors rather than intentional violations. Following the correct protocol can significantly reduce risks.
Avoiding Double and Inaccurate Declarations
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Never declare both a total and its detailed breakdown Customs considers it a double declaration.
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Always declare actual measured quantities, never “about” or estimated figures.
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Clarify whether oil measurements were taken with engines running or stopped.
Documentation & Verification Protocol
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Never sign the declaration before confirming accuracy with deck officers and engineers.
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Do not hand over incomplete or draft copies to anyone.
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Retain a copy of the final Store List onboard.
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Avoid attaching annotated pages use numbered pages instead.
During a Customs Search
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Customs officers must be allowed access; denying entry is not permitted.
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If undeclared items are found, ensure officers complete a Record of Search.
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Masters should sign “without prejudice” and attach letters of protest if needed.
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Do not provide lists, inventories, or any extra information Customs must inspect and record everything themselves.
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Report any bribe solicitation through MACN’s anonymous reporting system.
Advance Coordination
Gard P&I Club advises:
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Contact the local agent in writing, well before arrival, to confirm the latest regulations.
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Request support when language or unfamiliar documents create confusion.
Avoiding customs fines in Argentina requires precision, careful documentation, and full compliance with declaration rules. By thoroughly listing all items onboard, preventing double declarations, verifying measurements, and following proper inspection protocols, Masters can significantly minimize risks. Supported by guidance from Sigvart G.J. Simonsen & Cia. and Gard P&I Club, vessels can navigate Argentinean Customs with confidence and avoid costly penalties and operational delays.
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Source: gard
