On April 11, 2025, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 8226 (the “Communication 8226”), by virtue of which it partially lifted the foreign exchange restrictions that exist for the purchase of foreign currency for individuals and made access more flexible for the payment of imports of goods and payment of services.
Communication 8226 introduces the following modifications as of April 14:
(a) Purchase of foreign currency by natural persons
Communication 8226 allows individuals to purchase foreign currency banknotes for holding or deposit, through cash payments of up to USD 100 per month, or unlimited amounts by debiting the customer’s account, repealing the previous USD 200 restriction that was applicable to hoarding (atesoramiento) by individuals.
(b) Purchase of securities and other assets by natural persons
Communication 8226 exempted individuals from the requirements imposed on foreign exchange market expenditures made by resident individuals related to transactions with securities and other assets. Among other requirements, it required the transfer of funds to and from a checking account in the client’s name, or against a wire transfer on bank accounts in the client’s name at a foreign institution.
(c) Payment of profits and dividends
Communication 8226 established that entities may provide their clients with access to the foreign exchange market to transfer foreign currency abroad in the form of profits and dividends to non-resident shareholders when these correspond to distributable profits obtained from profits realized in regular and audited annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after 01/01/25.
(d) Payment for imported goods
It was established that the payment deadline for imports of all types of goods registered as of April 14, 2025, will be 0 (zero) calendar days from the customs entry registration date. Previously, this deadline was 30 days. For individuals or legal entities classified as MSMEs (MiPyMe) that import certain goods, payment may be made before the customs entry registration date.
(e) Payment for services
It was established that all services rendered or accrued as of April 14, 2025, that are not included in sections 13.2.1 through 13.2.3 of the consolidated text on Foreign Exchange and Foreign Exchange, and that are provided by a counterparty not related to the resident, may be paid from the date the service was rendered or accrued, provided that the remaining applicable regulatory requirements are met. The services in section 13.2.1 include transportation services; travel; audiovisual and related services; government services; travel assistance health services; other health services; and operations associated with withdrawals and/or purchases with non-resident cards. Section 13.2.3. of the restated text on Foreign Affairs and Exchange refers to the payment corresponding to an operation that falls under the concept code “S31. Freight services for export operations of goods”, in which the freight is part of the condition of sale agreed with the buyer of the goods and is finalized once the export has been fulfilled by the shipping clearance granted by customs.
If the services are provided by a counterparty linked to the resident, payments may be made 90 days after the service is rendered or accrued, provided that the remaining applicable regulatory requirements are met.
(f) Formation of external assets to pay for fuel or energy imports
The new regulation eliminated the possibility for business organizations in which the National State has a majority stake ( e.g. YPF, ENARSA, CAMMESA) to establish external assets for the payment of fuel or energy imports.
Access the complete text of the Communication “A” 8226 here.
This publication was prepared on the basis of information dated 11/04/25 and does not constitute a legal opinion on specific issues. If necessary, expert legal advice should be sought.
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