In brief
On 26 August 2026, the Argentine Government published Presidential Decree No. 796/2026, amending Section 28 of the regulations implementing National Traffic Law No. 24,449.
The primary purpose of the new regulation is to simplify and modernize Argentina’s vehicle homologation framework by expressly recognizing international standards, particularly the US regulatory system administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while further shifting toward a regulatory model based on manufacturer and importer responsibility coupled with ex post government enforcement. The presidential decree also introduces a significant liberalization of the auto parts sector by establishing the free production, importation, and commercialization of auto parts without prior governmental authorizations.
In focus
Key amendments introduced by Presidential Decree No. 796/2026
Express recognition of US FMVSS certifications
The presidential decree expressly recognizes the possibility of homologating vehicles manufactured under the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) framework through the submission of a “Blue Ribbon Letter” issued by the NHTSA. Vehicles covered by such certification may be homologated in Argentina without having to comply with additional vehicle safety requirements beyond those imposed by the US system.
This change further promotes the recognition of internationally accepted technical standards and facilitates access to the Argentine market for vehicles already authorized for sale in the United States.
Enhanced post-homologation compliance obligations
Manufacturers and importers relying on the Blue Ribbon Letter mechanism must promptly inform Argentine authorities of any sanctions, investigations, non-compliance determinations, recalls, or other relevant actions initiated by the NHTSA or other competent foreign authorities. They must also implement in Argentina any corrective measures resulting from such actions.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the suspension or revocation of the homologation granted in Argentina.
Simplification of foreign certification recognition
The presidential decree reiterates and strengthens the possibility of validating certifications issued by internationally recognized bodies. Vehicles holding certifications issued by organizations recognized under the United Nations WP.29 framework may obtain the corresponding Argentine licenses by demonstrating such certification.
Continued requirement for vehicle and environmental licenses
The regulation maintains the requirement that locally manufactured and imported vehicles obtain:
- A Vehicle Model Configuration License (Licencia de Configuración de Modelo or LCM, for its acronym in Spanish), evidencing compliance with active and passive safety requirements.
- An Environmental Configuration License (Licencia de Configuración Ambiental or LCA, for its acronym in Spanish), evidencing compliance with emissions, noise, and environmental requirements.
The presidential decree also updates and clarifies the responsibilities of the competent governmental authorities involved in the issuance and enforcement of these licenses.
Liberalization of auto parts
One of the most significant changes introduced by the presidential decree is the express provision that vehicle components, parts, and auto parts may be freely manufactured, imported, and commercialized without prior governmental authorization.
Manufacturers and importers nevertheless remain responsible for ensuring that all products comply with the applicable technical and safety specifications established under Argentine law.
Increased liability for inaccurate or false submissions
The presidential decree expressly provides that the concealment, omission, or falsification of information contained in affidavits, certifications, homologation documents, or other information submitted in connection with homologation procedures will constitute a serious violation, without prejudice to any civil or criminal liability that may apply.
Practical implications
Overall, Presidential Decree No. 796/2026:
- Facilitates the entry of vehicles certified for the US market into Argentina.
- Expands recognition of international certifications and technical standards.
- Simplifies certain administrative procedures associated with vehicle homologation.
- Shifts regulatory oversight toward post-market enforcement and manufacturer/importer responsibility.
- Eliminates prior authorization requirements for the production, importation, and commercialization of auto parts.
The measure reflects the Argentine Government’s broader objective of reducing regulatory barriers, streamlining technical approval procedures, and promoting the adoption of internationally recognized vehicle safety standards.
Victoria Acevedo Freixas, Associate, has contributed to this alert.
Download the Spanish version of Argentina Amends Vehicle Homologation Rules and Liberalizes the Importation and Commercialization of Auto Parts.