ARSourcing Guide

Source from Argentina.

World-class leather — EUDR-applicable category

Argentina ranks among the world's top 5 leather exporters. With 50M+ cattle and a sophisticated tanning industry concentrated in the Buenos Aires industrial belt, Argentine leather is globally regarded for quality and tannability. All leather exports for the EU market must include EUDR-compliant geo-polygons covering the full cattle lifecycle. SENASA maintains the VISEC traceability registry.

50M+ head

Cattle herd

50M m2/yr

Tannery capacity

HIGH — cattle

EUDR scope

60-90 days

Avg lead time

EUDR Status

HIGH

All cattle-derived leather requires geo-polygons for birth farm, rearing, and fattening stages. A Due Diligence Statement (DDS) is mandatory under EUDR Art. 4 before placing goods on the EU market.

Responsibility boundary. Merco supports the geo-polygon collection and DDS preparation workflow. The Article 4 due diligence obligation and the decision to place goods on the EU market remain with the EU operator of record.

Tariff Comparison — Before & After FTA

Current rate (2026): 10.8%. The FTA target column shows the 2035 end-state after the 10-year phase-out. See the schedule below for the rate applicable today.

HS CodeProductMFN RateFTA Target (2035)
420310Leather jackets4%0%
420221Leather handbags3%0%
640399Leather footwear4%0%
420100Leather saddlery2.7%0%

* Preferential rates apply to goods meeting Rules of Origin requirements. Importers are responsible for declaring correct origin and filing EUR.1 certificates at customs.

Tariff Phase-Out Schedule — EU-Mercosur FTA

12% MFN baseline (apparel HS 61/62) phased to 0% over 10 years starting 2026.

2026NOW

10.8%

−1.2% vs MFN

2027

9.6%

−2.4% vs MFN

2028

8.4%

−3.6% vs MFN

2029

7.2%

−4.8% vs MFN

2030

6.0%

−6.0% vs MFN

2031

4.8%

−7.2% vs MFN

2032

3.6%

−8.4% vs MFN

2033

2.4%

−9.6% vs MFN

2034

1.2%

−10.8% vs MFN

2035

0%

−12.0% vs MFN

* EU-Mercosur FTA · apparel HS 61/62 · double transformation Rules of Origin apply. Importers remain responsible for customs declarations and duty payments.

Logistics to Rotterdam

Origin Port

Port of Buenos Aires

Transit Time

25-35 days to Rotterdam (via Santos)

Tax ID Format

CUIT (Argentina)

Product Categories

  • Leather Goods
  • Footwear
  • Accessories
  • Outerwear
  • Belts & Small Leather

Available Certifications

  • VISEC Argentina (SENASA)
  • ISO 9001
  • IULTCS (leather quality)
  • REACH compliance

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