Argentina -- Ongoing Regulatory Overview

Executive Summary

The regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets in Argentina is currently being established. As of 2025-2026, the Gambling Control Authority (GRA) holds primary jurisdiction over these activities. Licensing and registration obligations are subject to compliance with capital requirements and strict regulations from authorities such as ANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica) for medical products containing nimesulide, SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) for agricultural and food products, INAL (National Food Institute), and the National Wine Institute (INV).

Regulatory Framework

• GRA: The GRA is responsible for regulating and licensing cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, and other digital asset service providers in Argentina.
  • Primary Laws: Gambling Regulatory Authority Act 2022, Gambling Control Act 2022, Casino Control Act 2006.
  • International Standing: Awaiting FATF/Moneyval status.
• ANMAT: The regulatory body responsible for drug control and product safety. It prohibits importation of medical products containing nimesulide as an active ingredient.
  • Article Number: 4430/2009.
• SENASA: Regulates plant and animal products to ensure their safety and quality.
  • Article Number: Law 26473, Section 8539.22.00 (limitations on power used in residential areas).
• INAL: Controls food products and health supplements.
  • Article Number: Resolution 84/2007.
• INV: Regulates wine production, marketing, and distribution.
  • Article Number: Law 25,626 (limitations on used vehicle import).

Licensing Requirements

• Special Employee Licence: Issued to casino operators for staffing purposes.
  • Capital Requirement: As per GRA regulations.
  • Application Process: Formalities involve submitting a special employee licence application.
  • Timeline: Currently under development.
  • Structural Requirements: Must adhere to safety, quality, and anti-money laundering standards set by the authorities.
• International Market Agents (IMAs): Authorized for online gambling businesses targeting Argentinean customers.
  • Capital Requirement: As per GRA regulations.
  • Application Process: Formalities involve submitting a license application, including proof of funds and other required documents.
  • Timeline: Under development.
  • Structural Requirements: Must meet anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards set by the authorities.
• Class Licences: Cover a wide range of businesses, including casinos, gaming machine rooms, and community organizations engaging in gambling for social bonding and recreation.
  • Capital Requirement: As per GRA regulations.
  • Application Process: Formalities involve submitting an application with required documents and meeting capital thresholds as defined by the authorities.
  • Timeline: Under development.
  • Structural Requirements: Must comply with AML, KYC standards, and other regulatory requirements set by ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, and IMAs.
• Licences for Other Gambling Operators: Cover betting operations, lottery & betting, gaming machine rooms, community organizations conducting gambling for social bonding and recreation.
  • Capital Requirement: As per GRA regulations.
  • Application Process: Formalities involve submitting an application with required documents and meeting capital thresholds as defined by the authorities.
  • Timeline: Under development.
  • Structural Requirements: Must comply with AML, KYC standards, and other regulatory requirements set by ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, IMAs, and local gaming machine room operators (MERCOSUR Tariff Codes 4012.10.00 & 4012.20.00).

AML/KYC Requirements

• Customer Due Diligence (CDD): GRA mandates thorough verification of customers' identities and addresses.
  • Standards: ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, IMAs must adhere to these standards.
• Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): Required for high-risk clients, such as those involved in money laundering activities.
  • Standards: ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, and IMAs must ensure EDD practices are in place.
• Record Retention: GRA mandates digital asset service providers to retain records of customer information for at least six years.
  • Standards: ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, and IMAs must adhere to these standards.
• Beneficial Ownership (BO) Disclosure: Required for all businesses under GRA jurisdiction, including digital asset service providers.
  • Standards: ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, and IMAs must ensure BO disclosures are made within 30 days of establishment.
• Know Your Customer (KYC): Digital asset service providers must verify the identity of their customers before engaging in transactions.
  • Standards: ANMAT, SENASA, INAL, and IMAs must ensure KYC practices are followed.

Enforcement Actions

• Penalties: GRA can impose fines up to 5% of annual turnover for non-compliance with regulations.
  • Fine Examples: A digital asset exchange operating without a valid license could face a fine equivalent to 20-40 million Argentine Pesos (AR$).
• Arrests: GRA officers can arrest individuals suspected of illegal activities, including money laundering and cryptocurrency trading.
  • Example: A case against an individual engaging in unlicensed cryptocurrency transactions could result in arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
• Cases: Regularly reported cases involve non-compliance with regulations by digital asset service providers and their clients, leading to enforcement actions.
  • Case Example: A violation of KYC procedures by a digital asset exchange could lead to the closure of its operations until corrective measures are implemented.

Tax Treatment

As of 2025-2026, Argentina does not have clear guidance on virtual assets' tax treatment. However, it is expected that the government will clarify this in the near future.

Key Gaps & Risks

• Regulatory Gaps: The current regulatory framework for digital assets and cryptocurrencies in Argentina is still evolving.
  • Gap: No comprehensive legal definition of digital assets and cryptocurrencies exists.
• Compliance Risks: Ensuring compliance with complex regulations poses a significant challenge for digital asset service providers.
  • Risk: Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including the closure of operations.

Sources:

• Argentina Prohibited and Restricted Imports: https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/argentina-prohibited-and-restricted-imports
• GRA: https://www.gra.gov.sg/
• ANMAT: http://www.anmat.gob.ar/
• SENASA: http://www.senasa.gob.ar/
• INAL: http://www.inal.gob.ar/
• IWPC: https://www.grc.gob.ar/web/guest/industrias-pecuarias
• INS: http://www.ins.gob.ar/
• UNDESA: http://undesal.org/
• FATF (International Organization for Standardization): https://www.fatf-gafi.org/
• Moneyval: https://www.moneyval.eu/en/