Overview
- Decree 781/2025 published in the Boletín Oficial lowers duties from 35% to 20% on 14 toy categories, including tricycles, skateboards, wheeled toys, dolls, doll carriages, building blocks, puzzles, trains, and toy instruments.
- The Secretariat of Industry and Commerce says Argentina has the region’s highest toy prices, citing examples where comparable items cost 20% to 75% less in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.
- The measure aligns Argentina’s rates with the Mercosur external common tariff, with the government arguing the prior 35% level was raised arbitrarily 13 years ago for revenue and protectionism.
- The decree also adds certain interconnected battery modules to the national exceptions list at a 0% tariff to support energy projects, covering up to 18 modules with a maximum 2,500 V per module.
- Industry groups accept the convergence but warn about informal trade estimated at roughly 30% of the market and product safety risks, while analysts note price pass‑through will depend on retailers’ decisions and existing inventory.