The Argentine Government introduced this Thursday (26.06.2025/XNUMX/XNUMX) substantial modifications to the Law No. 26.184, in force since 2007, which regulates the manufacturing, assembly, and importation of primary cells and batteries. The changes seek to reduce bureaucratic burdens, facilitate international trade, and modernize technical certification processes, while maintaining the safety and quality standards required for these products.
The reform was made official through the Decree 431 / 2025, published today in the Official Gazette. Among its main changes, the authorities responsible for applying the standard are redefined and the validation of tests and certifications issued by foreign organizations, provided they are duly accredited and their standards are equivalent to those required in the country.
Thus, The exclusivity that the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI) had until now is eliminated. as the only body authorized to issue such certifications, opening the process to recognized international entities.
According to the new scheme, the Secretariat of Tourism, Environment and Sports, dependent on the Vice Chief of Staff of the Interior, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, from the Ministry of Economy, will act as joint enforcement authorities.
Furthermore, the decree establishes that “until the Enforcement Authorities define, jointly and in a coordinated manner, the procedures provided for in Article 7 of Law No. 26.184, according to the replacement provided for in the previous article, The procedure in force at the time of the issuance of this measure must continue to be applied.”. This ensures operational continuity and prevents any interruptions in the import and marketing processes.
The Executive Branch justified the amendment by stating the need to avoid unnecessary duplication, reduce costs and transaction times, and improve the competitiveness of the national industry. "Local certification, when internationally recognized technical standards have already been met, represents a technical barrier to trade that increases the cost of access to new technologies," the decree states in its preamble.
This provision is framed within the principles of Decree 70/2023, aimed at promoting the free movement of goods and services with less state intervention, and within the powers conferred on the Executive Branch by Law 27.742 on the Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines, the law stated.The measure is already in effect.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
