How to Ship Laptops from USA to Argentina

Argentina has a large remote workforce and growing demand for IT equipment, but it also has one of the most tightly regulated import systems in Latin America. Duties, VAT, and extra surcharges often double the cost of a shipment, and missing paperwork, like a CUIT number or certificate of origin, can stall clearance for weeks.

If you want to avoid the hassle, Deel IT ships to 130+ countries with a 99%+ on-time delivery rate in 10 days or fewer, so your Argentinian hires can start fast.

What to know before shipping laptops from USA to Argentina

When sending laptops from the USA to Argentina, there are several country-specific regulations and requirements to plan for. Missing even one detail can delay a shipment at customs or create unexpected costs.

Customs duties and taxes

• Laptops are classified under HS code 8471 (portable automatic data processing machines). Import duty rates vary between 0% and 20%, depending on classification and trade agreement eligibility
• Import duty ranges from 0% to 16%, depending on classification and country of origin
• Imports are subject to 21% VAT (IVA), plus additional levies such as statistical tax (3%) and perception taxes applied on import value.
• Combined, these charges often increase the landed cost of laptops by 40–50%.

Required documentation

• Commercial invoice with detailed laptop description, HS code, and serial numbers
• Packing list
• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Importer’s CUIT tax ID (for businesses or individuals)
• Certificate of origin (to benefit from any preferential duty rates, e.g., MERCOSUR)
• Customs broker authorization for formal entries

Regulatory restrictions

• Argentina enforces strict import licensing under AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos). Laptops may require non-automatic import licenses for bulk shipments.
• Lithium-ion batteries must comply with IATA standards for packaging and labeling.
• Used or refurbished laptops are tightly restricted and often prohibited from import.

See also: Want to Reduce IT Costs? Try These 5 Device Reconditioning Strategies

Shipping environment

• Customs clearance in Argentina is among the slowest in Latin America, with frequent inspections and paperwork checks.
• Brokerage is mandatory for most shipments above USD 1,000.
• Major couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) operate in Argentina but often add local brokerage and storage fees.

Impact on employee onboarding

• Customs delays are common and can prevent laptops from arriving before an employee’s first day.
• Employees may be charged VAT and surcharges on delivery if shipments aren’t sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).

See also: How to Create a Structured IT Onboarding Process

How to prepare laptops in the USA before shipping

Before shipping laptops to Argentina, there are several preparation steps to follow. These ensure devices are secure, compliant with U.S. export rules, and ready to clear customs smoothly.

Secure company data

• Encrypt each device (BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for Mac).
• Remove cached logins, saved passwords, and personal data.
• Record the laptop’s serial number for paperwork and tracking. Argentinian customs often require it on the commercial invoice.
• Enable mobile device management (MDM) or remote wipe so you can protect data if a device is lost in transit.

Verify export rules

• Classify laptops under HS code 8471 and confirm if preferential duty treatment applies (e.g., MERCOSUR agreements).
• Check lithium-ion batteries against IATA standards (≤100 Wh per cell, ≤300 Wh per battery pack).
• Ensure compliance with U.S. export control rules, especially for pre-installed encryption software. For more information visit U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security
• Consult with your Argentine customs broker about import licensing requirements under AFIP, as laptops may need non-automatic import licenses for commercial quantities.

Package devices securely

• Use the manufacturer’s original packaging if available.
• Double-box with sturdy, corrugated cardboard and high-density foam to absorb shocks during long-haul transit.
• Separate chargers and accessories in padded pouches to prevent scratches or impact damage.
• Apply lithium battery hazard labels (UN3481) on each package, as required by IATA air shipping regulations.

Prepare documentation in advance

• Complete a commercial invoice with detailed descriptions, serial numbers, and country of origin.
• Generate the Air Waybill (AWB) with full consignee details, including CUIT tax ID.
• Include a packing list and certificate of origin to claim USMCA benefits.
• Share tracking and clearance documents with your customs broker before shipment to avoid delays.

Insert banner: RFP / equipment provisioning / A Guide to Device Lifecycle Management for Global Tech Companies

Step by step process for sending laptops from USA to Argentina

Use this eight-step checklist to ship laptops from the USA to Argentina with fewer delays and predictable costs.

1. Set your shipping plan

Decide whether to use an express courier like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, or a freight forwarder for larger volumes. Couriers provide integrated customs clearance, while freight forwarders may be more cost-efficient for bulk but require closer coordination with brokers.

2. Prepare the laptop

Encrypt the hard drive, preinstall endpoint security, and document each serial number for asset tracking. Confirm that the lithium battery specifications comply with IATA rules to avoid rejection during transit.

Tip: Mobile device management (MDM) software lets you track, lock, or wipe laptops remotely. It’s worth setting up before shipping. See our best MDM tools guide for options.

3. Create shipment and documents

Draft a commercial invoice with detailed laptop description, HS code 8471, declared value, and origin. Add a packing list, generate the Air Waybill (AWB), and include the consignee’s CUIT tax ID, which is mandatory for customs clearance.

4. Submit for pre-clearance

Share all documents with your Argentine customs broker prior to shipment. Pre-clearance helps navigate AFIP’s strict licensing and import authorization process, reducing the risk of delays.

5. Package and hand off

Use double-walled cartons with anti-static bags and foam inserts to protect laptops in transit. Affix lithium battery and fragile electronics labels, then hand the shipment to your carrier or forwarder.

6. Track and resolve exceptions

Monitor progress through the carrier’s portal. If AFIP or customs requests additional documents (like non-automatic import licenses or proof of payment), respond quickly to prevent storage fees.

7. Settle duties and coordinate last mile

Pay import duty (0–16%), 21% VAT, and additional levies such as the statistical tax and perception taxes. If shipping under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, your courier or broker manages payments on your behalf; otherwise, employees may be asked to cover charges at delivery.

8. Delivery to the employee

After clearance, laptops are delivered to the employee in Argentina, usually within 7–15 business days depending on the city and customs backlog. Confirm receipt, test device functionality, and update your company’s asset tracker.

See also: Mac vs PC for work: Pros, cons, and how to pick the right one

Sending laptops from USA to Argentina with Deel IT

Instead of managing encryption, packaging, paperwork, customs, and delivery yourself, Deel IT handles the entire workflow. Here’s what the same process looks like when you use Deel IT:

1. Place the order: select the laptop model in the Deel IT platform and assign it to the employee.
2. Configuration: devices are preconfigured to your specifications (OS, security settings, company standards).
3. Compliance and paperwork: all customs forms, duties, and country-specific certifications are prepared and managed by Deel IT.
4. Shipping: the device is shipped through Deel’s global logistics network and fully insured.
5. Delivery: the laptop arrives at the employee’s address in Argentina, compliant and ready to use on day one.
6. Lifecycle support: if the device is damaged, needs repair, or must be retrieved, Deel IT manages the reverse logistics.

Shipping laptops yourself vs with Deel IT

Global delivery coverage

Deel IT is not limited to shipping laptops from the USA to Argentina. We deliver to over 130 countries worldwide, including:

• Canada, Mexico, Brazil
• United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain
• India, China, Japan, Singapore
• Australia, New Zealand, and more

Wherever your team is located, Deel IT ensures devices arrive on time, compliant, and ready to use. Find out more details on how companies worldwide are leveraging Deel IT in our Guide to The World at Work in 2025

When to ship vs when to procure locally

Not every situation calls for shipping laptops from the USA. In many cases, buying in-country is faster, cheaper, and less risky. Use this framework to decide.

Shipping from the USA is better when:

• You need a specific model that is not available locally
• You already have inventory in the USA ready to go
• You are equipping a small number of employees and want consistent hardware globally
• Duties and shipping costs are lower than local purchase prices

Procuring locally is better when:

• You need laptops delivered in a timely manner
• Local regulations make imports difficult (extra permits, high duties, or restrictions on used equipment)
• You are hiring in volume and want faster scaling without customs delays
• You want local warranty coverage and service availability

Break-even point:

Compare the total landed cost of shipping (device cost + freight + insurance + duties + admin time) with the cost of buying locally (device price + local taxes + vendor fees). The lower option is usually the smarter choice.

Practical checklists for shipping laptops to Argentina from USA

Use these quick-reference templates to prepare shipments consistently.

Commercial invoice checklist

• Full description of the laptop (brand, model, HS code 8471)
• Quantity and unit value in USD
• Serial numbers listed individually
• Country of origin (United States if applicable)
• Importer’s CUIT tax ID (mandatory)
• Exporter’s name and address
• Terms of sale (e.g., DDP or DAP)

Packing list checklist

• List of all items in the shipment, including accessories (charger, cables, mouse)
• Number of cartons and total weight
• Dimensions of each carton
• Cross-reference to serial numbers on invoice
• Contact details of sender and consignee

Pre-shipment checklist

• Device encryption enabled and security software installed
• Lithium-ion battery compliance confirmed under IATA regulations
• Non-automatic import license verified (if required by AFIP for bulk shipments)
• Air Waybill (AWB) created with accurate consignee and CUIT details
• All documents reviewed and shared with customs broker before shipping

Employee delivery checklist

• Confirm laptop delivered to correct employee in Argentina
• Verify customs clearance completed and all duties/taxes settled
• Update asset tracker with serial number and employee assignment
• Ensure employee confirms full device functionality and access to required software
• Collect proof of delivery for compliance and audit purposes

Simplify laptop shipping with Deel IT

Getting laptops from the USA into Argentina doesn’t have to mean chasing couriers, filling out customs forms, and managing duty payments yourself. You can do it manually, but every step adds time, risk, and extra work.

Deel IT makes the process simple by managing everything in one platform:

• Procurement: order laptops directly from a pre-approved catalog
• Configuration: devices prepared to your company’s standards before shipping
• Compliance: customs paperwork, duties, and country-specific requirements handled for you
• Delivery: on-time, insured shipping to employees anywhere in Argentina
• Lifecycle support: repairs, returns, and replacements managed in-platform

Book a demo today and see how Deel IT helps you equip teams in Argentina and beyond.