Firms To Watch: International trade and customs

The October 2025 arrival of Pedro Menéndez San Martin from Estudio Bunge reinforces the international trade and commerce practice at Allende & Brea, currently co-led by competitioner partners Julián Peña and Federico Rossi, in conjuntion with tax specialist Nicolás Procopio.

International trade and customs in Argentina

Beccar Varela

Beccar Varela fields a dedicated international trade and customs team, regularly instructed by domestic and international companies, as well as sovereign governments, on the full spectrum of trade and trade policy matters. Active across the manufacturing, energy, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and materials sectors, the practice advises on imports, exports and transit of goods, distribution agreements, trade remedies, anti-dumping investigations, sanctions, compliance, foreign exchange regulations, and disputes. Augusto Vechio, an expert in WTO and Mercosur rules, with extensive experience in international trade and customs, heads up the team with customs specialist Guido Krolovetzky, noted for his expertise in GATT, WTO, WCO, Mercosur, and Latin American Integration Association rules. The practice is further supported by a strong bench of associates: Camila Corvalán, who oversees the firm’s public affairs department; Mariano Plaza, who focuses on international trade, WTO and Mercosur rules, free trade agreements and consumer protection; and Agustín Perrino, who is particularly strong in trade remedies and anti-dumping cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Augusto Vechio; Guido H. Krolovetzky


Autres avocats clés:

Camila Corvalán; Mariano Plaza; Agustín Perrino


Principaux clients

Khanij Bidesh India


Products for Cabinets


YKK Argentina


Whirlpool Corporation


EASTMAN CHEMICAL ARGENTINA


MERCEDES BENZ ARGENTINA


COSAN LUBRICANTES


IGT ARGENTINA


SAMSONITE ARGENTINA


Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio


CONUAR


WMC ENERGY


COIM BRASIL


Principaux dossiers


Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises domestic and international clients on the full spectrum of trade and customs matters, with particular strength in Argentina’s key sectors, including agribusiness, mining, oil and gas, and energy. The group is well placed to handle import and export issues, representing clients before Customs Offices nationwide and in administrative and judicial proceedings, and also assists with anti-dumping matters, tariff classifications, and free trade agreements. María Laura Bacigalupo leads the practice and is a key reference for domestic and international clients seeking advice on specialised trade regimes, customs litigation and the structuring and implementation of foreign trade transactions. ‘Expert counsel’ Andrea Callegari provides critical advisory and litigation support on the full array of foreign trade and customs matters. Other noteworthy individuals include senior associates Maria Agustina Muse and Daniela Adana Perez D’Agosta. Eduardo Mallea left the firm in May 2024 after being appointed the Director General of Customs for Argentina, while former senior associate Sebastián Lerner subsequently left the firm in March 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Laura Bacigalupo


Autres avocats clés:

Andrea Callegari; Maria Agustina Muse; Daniela Adana Perez D’Agosta


Les références

‘Bruchou provides an excellent service in customs and foreign trade law with a strategic business perspective. Their vast experience in the agro-export sector is a significant added value.’

‘The Foreign Trade team, led by Laura Bacigalupo and Andrea Callegari, has a technical solidity that has allowed us to clarify complex concepts. They are available when needed and have a great ability to detect potential contingencies for our business.’

‘The quality that differentiates them is their active listening when we present a problem, and their intellectual honesty when they are unfamiliar with a more operational customs issue.’

Principaux clients

Molinos Río de la Plata


Petronas E&P Argentina


Vista Oil & Gas


SPI Energy (former Araucaria)


Glucovil Argentina


Cargill SACI


Expro Argentina


Bunge Argentina


Compañía Agroindustrial La Oriental


NewSan


Halliburton Argentina


Genneia


MSU Energy


YPF


Molinos Agro


Minas Argentinas


Minera Andina del Sol


Barrick Exploraciones Argentina


Yamana Gold


Stracon International Argentina


Cosméticos Avon


Boston Scientific


Prosegur


TAC (Zara)


Dioxitek


Laboratorios Brower


Pan American Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MSU GREEN ENERGY S.A.U. on the import of equipment and components for multiple solar power projects in Argentina.
  • Advised Barrick Exploraciones Argentina S.A. on successfully challenging a $19m customs tax claim related to an alleged breach of the Staggered Shipments Regime.
  • Advised Cargill, Bunge, Amaggi, and Molinos Agro on successfully challenging export duty claims filed by the San Lorenzo and Rosario Customs Offices regarding soybean product exports between 2018 and 2023.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Working closely with the firm’s tax, litigation, administrative, and criminal law practices, Marval O’Farrell Mairal is relied upon by international companies and government authorities for its broad expertise across international trade and customs matters, including WTO-related tax issues, customs valuation disputes, and cases involving corruption and smuggling. Its broad service offering also covers anti-dumping investigations, market access guidance, sanctions affecting importers and exporters, foreign exchange controls and litigation. The ‘very clever and pragmatic’ Pablo Gayol, noted for his strong track record in large anti-dumping investigations, leads the practice alongside customs expert Juan Pablo Rothschild. Patricia López Aufranc, an international trade veteran with significant experience in anti-dumping cases, and Horacio García Prieto, a reference for customs claims and customs law in general, are other noteworthy practitioners. Customs law specialist Juan Martín Sanz and María Julia Schmit, who excels in litigation and customs regulations, stand out at the associate level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pablo J. Gayol; Juan Pablo Rothschild


Autres avocats clés:

Patricia López Aufranc; Horacio García Prieto; Juan Martín Sanz; María Julia Schmit


Les références

‘Pablo Gayol is a very clever and pragmatic lawyer.’

‘Marval is always a safe harbour. They can move a team fast for complex cases.’

‘Marval is a leading firm in Argentina and always delivers consistent, reliable and efficient advice.’

Principaux clients

Topper Argentina


Formicolor


Novelis


Sales de Jujuy


Roca Sanitarios Brasil


Prometeon Tyre Group


TSP Agro


Air Drilling Associates


COFCO Argentina


Whirlpool


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Whirlpool in its participation as import in the anti-dumping investigation on microwaves from China.
  • Advising Prometeon Tyre Group on a customs investigation of the values declared on import of certain finished goods (tyres) from Brazil.Enjoyin
  • Advised Air Drilling Associates (ADA) on the structuring and implementation of the agreements for the sale of its operations in Argentina to DLS Archer.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie‘s international trade and customs team is recognised for its expertise in preferential trade arrangements, including Mercosur and Latin American Integration Association rules, as well as duty relief programmes, customs compliance, trade remedies, export controls and sanctions. The practice also regularly represents clients before customs authorities, tax regulators and courts. Leveraging the firm’s global network, the team handles import, export, and customs regulatory matters throughout Latin America. Practice head Esteban Rópolo, who has over two decades of experience in this field, routinely advises clients on customs regulations and litigation.  Associate Victoria Acevedo Freixas is another name to note for import and export matters, restrictions, licences and certifications, customs valuation, and dumping.

Responsables de la pratique:

Esteban Rópolo


Autres avocats clés:

Victoria Acevedo Freixas


Principaux clients

Honeywell Argentina


Colgate Palmolive Argentina


Procter & Gamble Argentina


Patterson UTI


Industrias Lear de Argentina


Superior Energy


Yamaha Motor Argentina


Rincon Mining


HP Argentina


Groupe Seb Argentina


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Honeywell Argentina S.A. on a customs value investigation regarding the inclusion of imported software value in the customs value of imported goods, following a change in customs interpretation.
  • Advised Honeywell Argentina S.A. on several cases involving claims for alleged breaches of obligations under the temporary import regime of tools and capital goods.
  • Advised Vale Logística de Argentina S.A. on defending against a multi-million dollar customs claim regarding the staggered importation regime for an industrial plant.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen's international trade and customs team is highly regarded for its strength in contentious matters, frequently representing clients before customs authorities, the Tax Court of Appeals, and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of Justice. The practice advises on GATT dumping and safeguard investigations, exchange controls, public policy regulations, and a wide range of domestic and international trade transactions. Its expertise spans multiple sectors, including oil and gas, energy, agribusiness, industrial, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, automotive, transportation, and media and technology. The group is led by Manuel Benites, who focuses on international trade, customs law and customs litigation, and Andrés Galíndez, a customs law specialist. Counsel Germán Martín Quirán is skilled in anti-dumping investigations, import and export issues and customs criminal matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Manuel Benites; Andrés Galíndez


Autres avocats clés:

Germán Martín Quirán


Les références

‘Professional and knowledgeable.’

‘Responds quickly and completes everything we need assistance with.’

‘Readiness, analysis, and prompt response.’

Principaux clients

LDC Argentina


The Dow Chemical Company


Raizen Argentina


Pirelli


Inditex/ Zara Argentina


Honda Motor de Argentina


Molinos Rio de la Plata


Puma Sports Argentina


Motorola Mobility of Argentina


Lenovo Argentina


SpaceX


Newsan


Johnson Electric


Bodegas Esmeralda


Johnson and Johnson Medical


Glenmark Generics


Miquel y Costas & Miquel


Softys Argentina


Fabi Bolsas Industriales


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing LDC Argentina S.A. in challenging customs tax assessments of $80.8m plus interests (over $330m as of December 2024).
  • Representing Zara Argentina S.A. in challenging customs tax assessments of $35.4m plus interest.
  • Representing Honda Motor de Argentina S.A. in challenging customs tax assessments of $7m and AR$2.7m, plus interest.

Abeledo Gottheil Abogados

A variety of clients, including manufacturers, importers and exporters, customs agents, carriers, logistics companies, state agencies, and private entities, regularly seek Abeledo Gottheil Abogados' assistance with customs and international trade issues. The team has substantial experience in litigation, regularly representing clients before customs authorities, administrative bodies and the higher courts, and also advises on tariff classifications, special regimes, and import and export transactions, among other matters. Julio Alfredo Vieito, whose areas of expertise include foreign trade, investment projects, and banking and exchange law, is the main partner-level contact. The team also includes senior lawyers María Alejandra Fiandesis and Ana Verónica Pampin, who are skilled in administrative proceedings before customs authorities and the national tax courts; and junior lawyers Sofía Garei and Camila Brugnoni, who joined the firm in October and November 2024, respectively.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Alejandra Fiandesio; Ana Verónica Pampin; Sofía Gareis; Camila Brugnoni


Autres avocats clés:

Julio Alfredo Vieito


Les références

‘The practice is distinguished by its deep knowledge and experience in the automotive sector, including import management and steel-specific regulations.’

‘It offers comprehensive legal solutions spanning the supply chain through production and distribution, ensuring regulatory compliance at every stage.’

‘They are strongly focused on our needs, offering personalised advice and solutions tailored to each situation.’

Principaux clients

Toyota Argentina


Yamaha Motor Argentina


Abb


Hitachi Energy Argentina


ZF Argentina


Goodyear Neumaticos


Klabin Argentina


Gonvarri Argentina


Sika Argentina


Baker & Hughes


Procesadora De Boratos Argentinos


Grupo Faurecia


Grupo Libertad


Gilera Motors Argentina


Finning Argentina


Standard Fruit Argentina


L’Oréal Argentina


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided Finning Argentina S.A. with compliance advice, focused on identifying, mitigating, and preventing regulatory and legal risks associated with the Mining Investment Regime Law 24.196.
  • Advised Hitachi Energy Argentina S.A.U. on obtaining benefits derived from Moratorium and Payment Facilities Law 27.743, resulting in savings for the company of AR$27m.
  • Advised Faurecia Argentina S.A. y Faurecia Sistemas de Escapes Argentina S.A. before the customs authorities and the National Tax Court related to challenging proceedings, brought by the company against the import duty and taxes claims made by the Customhouse due to the alleged failure to apply for the Mercosur Certificates of Origin.

Brons & Salas

Brons & Salas maintains a robust international trade and customs practice, which acts for a diverse client base spanning the beverage, automotive, insurance, media, advertising, and pharmaceutical sectors in the full range of matters. The team combines expertise in special customs regulations, import and export controls, customs valuation, dumping and safeguard investigations, foreign exchange regulations, and free trade zones, with extensive experience representing clients in administrative and judicial proceedings. Practice head Alejandro Vidal brings together experience in tax, foreign exchange and corporate matters. Senior attorney Daniela Todeschi provides ‘fabulous' service to domestic and multinational companies in customs and tax matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alejandro Vidal


Autres avocats clés:

Daniela Todeschi


Les références

‘Brons & Salas offers a solid understanding of the topics and is very informed of the commercial trends.’

‘Daniela Todeschi’s service is fabulous. She is available 24/7, very proactive, and always with all the answers and willing to explain everything in a clear way.’

Principaux clients

Flowserve


Tupperware Brans Argentina


Praxair Argentina


Astrazeneca


Championx Argentina


MWM International


Halliburton


Kantar Ibope


Sun Chemical Ink


Kimberly-Clark


Grupo Peñaflor


Principaux dossiers


BRSV Abogados – Barreira, Rodriguez Larreta

BRSV Abogados – Barreira, Rodriguez Larreta is a boutique firm specialising in customs and foreign trade, with a focus on trade remedies, import and export controls, customs matters, and investment treaties. The firm is also frequently engaged to advise clients in proceedings involving customs offences, drawing on its white-collar crime expertise. The practice is led by Enrique Carlos Barreira, a specialist in complex trade and customs disputes, and Jorge Rodríguez Larreta, who combines experience in white-collar crime with trade matters.

Principaux dossiers


Estudio Carena & Asociados Abogados

Boutique firm Estudio Carena & Asociados Abogados is best known for its customs law expertise, but additionally handles matters concerning international trade, foreign exchange rules, and import and export control regimes. The practice also covers contentious issues, including criminal law proceedings. The practice is jointly led by customs law specialists Julio Carlos Lascano and Carlos Carena.

Principaux dossiers


Krause Abogados

Krause Abogados is a boutique firm specialising in international trade and customs, with particular expertise in trade treaties under WTO and Mercosur rules. The practice also advises on company registrations, licensing, regulatory matters before local and national authorities, anti-dumping investigations, and the import of used capital assets. The team is led by Maximiliano Krause, a seasoned customs and trade lawyer.

Principaux dossiers


Mallea Abogados

Established in January 2025, Mallea Abogados is a newly launched boutique focused on international trade and commerce, advising on the full spectrum of EXIM matters, customs procedures and disputes, FOREX regulations, and compliance. Founded by Eduardo Mallea, a twenty-year veteran of the speciality and former General Director of the Argentine Customs Service (DGA), the firm also includes Sebastián Lerner (like Mallea, formerly of Bruchou & Funes de Rioja) among its ranks. Lerner has particular expertise advises international clients, particularly in the oil and gas sector, on customs matters, logistics issues, special regimes, and the resolution of customs disputes. The pair are supported by customs brokers Guillermo Escudero and Bianca Russotto.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eduardo Mallea


Autres avocats clés:

Sebastián Lerner; Guillermo Escudero; Bianca Russotto.


Principaux clients

BungeArgentina


Molinos Agro.


Central Puerto


MSU Energy


Pluspetrol


Halliburton Argentina


Molinos Río de la Plata


CEPAS Argentinas


NewSan


CMA CGM


OCASA


Amauta Agro


Tropfen


PGA (formerly Procter & Gamble Argentina)


El Espartano


CEPAS Argentinas


FYO Foods


Starfly


Candy


Chronex


Estisol


Terminales Rio de la Plata


O'Farrell

O'Farrell has a well-regarded international trade and customs practice, advising leading national and international clients on all aspects of trade, including import and export regimes, tariff classification, customs valuation, and free trade zones. The team is also experienced in handling disputes before administrative and judicial authorities, including cases involving customs and exchange violations, as well as tax refunds and appeals. Its clients operate in a variety of industries, from automotive and energy to electrical, manufacturing, materials, and pharmaceuticals. Gustavo Enrique Müller, a specialist in trade regulations, customs and anti-dumping matters, spearheads the practice. He is supported by senior associate Nadia Antonini, who advises on customs and administrative procedures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gustavo Enrique Müller


Autres avocats clés:

Nadia Antonini


Principaux clients

Ford Argentina


Cia. de Transporte de Energía Eléctrica en Alta Tensión


Merz Argentina


Louisiana-Pacific Chile


Empresa Nacional de Explosivos


Amazon Web Services


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Ford Argentina S.C.A. on customs matters, including the in-factory customs regime, and on import and export summaries and investigations involving Mercosur transactions.
  • Advised Transener S.A. in relation to the application and scope of the Regime for the Promotion of Renewable Energies.
  • Advised Louisiana-Pacific Chile on access to the official foreign exchange market for the foreign payment of imports.

Tanoira Cassagne Abogados

Tanoira Cassagne Abogados regularly advises clients on bilateral and multilateral trade treaties, covering both Mercosur and WTO rules, as well as dumping investigations, extra-zonal duties, import licences, and company registration for import and export permits. The team also handles contentious matters, including litigation challenging government measures affecting imports. Bernardo Cassagne, an expert in domestic trade regulation, co-leads the practice with Francisco Rondoletti, who specialises in competition, consumer protection, and the regulation of domestic and international trade.

Principaux dossiers