On April 14, 2025, the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) issued Communication A 8226, introducing key changes to access the official exchange market (MLC) for importers, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMBs).

Next, we will tell you what changed, what it means for importers, and how Loula can help you.

Main changes of Communication A 8226

1. Faster access to the MLC after customs clearance for capital goods

It is no longer necessary to wait 30 days after customs clearance to access the official dollar. Now, payments can be made immediately after customs entry registration (only for capital goods); for the import of consumer goods, the 30-day waiting period after customs clearance applies to make the payment for the goods.

2. Advance payment enabled for businesses.

MSMBs can pay once the goods have been shipped from the port of origin, without waiting for them to be nationalized in Argentina. This applies only to non-luxury goods.

3. Stage payments for capital goods

For capital goods, companies will be able to:

• Pay 30% in advance

• Pay 50% upon shipment

• Pay the remaining 20% after customs clearance

  Previously, only MiPyMEs could pay in advance and up to 20%.

4. Imported services: deadlines are shortened

Companies will be able to pay for services provided by unrelated entities as soon as the service has been rendered. In the case of services between related parties, payment can be made in 90 days, instead of the 180 days that previously applied.

5. Temporary suspension of the "90-day rule"

Temporarily, the BCRA suspends the restriction that prevented the purchase of official dollars for 90 days if prior transactions had been made with MEP or CCL dollars. This allows companies to return to trading in the official market without penalties.

Why is this change important?

These measures aim to facilitate access to the official dollar and reduce dependence on informal channels or offshore accounts.

But despite the progress, not everything is resolved.

Many suppliers, especially in Asia, require advance payments before shipping the goods. Waiting until clearance or shipment may be too late.

This is where Loula comes in.

How can Loula help you?

Loula is a payment and foreign trade platform for Latin American companies.

We help you move money quickly and legally, combining traditional banking infrastructure (ACH, SWIFT, SEPA) with digital payments (USDC), in partnership with regulated entities in Argentina, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

With Loula you can:

• Pay suppliers in China, Hong Kong, the U.S., or Europe in USD, EUR, or USDC, without needing an offshore account

• Receive and hold USD in an account in the U.S. in your company’s name

• Convert pesos to USD or USDC with competitive rates and clear fees

• Access financing tools for advance payments

Real example

An Argentine importer buys products from a supplier in Shenzhen, China, who requests a 30% advance before starting production.

Although the new BCRA framework relaxes payments, that advance may still not be allowed via the official market, as the goods have not yet been shipped.

With Loula, the company can:

✅ Legally and transparently exchange ARS to USDC or USD

✅ Pay the supplier directly in China

✅ Avoid production delays, logistical rescheduling, or overstock

✅ Comply with local and international regulations

Conclusion

Argentina is on the path to normalizing access to the official dollar for importers, but many companies - especially those that need to pay in advance - still face challenges with timing, access to FX, and operational risks.

Loula helps companies in Latin America pay faster, with more transparency and flexibility.

If your company imports or exports products or services and needs an agile solution, we would love to talk.

→ Contact us or request access at: loula.net/join