BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina's tax agency has imposed still more rules on purchases outside the country.
New regulations effective Monday apply a 15 percent tax to purchases using online sites or debit cards. Credit cards were subject to similar measures issued Friday. Now all purchases of any kind using the financial system must be fully reported to the tax agency.
The goal is to compare purchases to customs declarations, and apply stiff fines or even criminal charges when they don't match.
Many products can't be found in Argentina due to import restrictions, currency controls and soaring inflation, so consumers use Amazon, eBay and other sites and arrange for travelers to bring the purchases in their suitcases.
Now consumers may think again before smuggling in anything from maple syrup to iPods and digital TVs.
