Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormBottled distilled spirit
Industry PositionConsumer Packaged Beverage (Spirits)
Market
Distilled dry gin sold in Argentina is regulated as a spirit under the Código Alimentario Argentino (CAA), which defines “Gin” and “Gin Seco (Dry Gin)” by permitted production methods and sugar limits. Argentina functions as an import-dependent consumer market for gin: in 2023, imports under HS 220850 (Gin and geneva) were about USD 9.59 million and 1.80 million liters, with the United Kingdom as the dominant origin. Alongside imports, Argentina has a visible domestic craft-gin segment, including Mendoza-based distillers and brands marketed as London Dry or botanical-forward styles. Market access is heavily shaped by INAL/ANMAT import procedures and by Spanish labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages, including mandatory warning legends and alcohol content declaration.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic craft production
Domestic RolePremium spirits category used in cocktail culture (on-trade) and specialty/off-trade retail, with a growing presence of locally produced craft gins positioned on botanical identity (e.g., yerba mate, regional botanicals, Mendoza wine-region cues).
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Primary VarietyGin Seco (Dry Gin)
Physical Attributes- Typically a clear, colorless distilled spirit (e.g., marketed as “cristalino, incoloro” by local producers).
- Juniper-forward aromatic profile; some Argentine craft gins highlight local botanicals (e.g., yerba mate; regional citrus/herbs) as differentiators.
Compositional Metrics- Alcoholic strength: 35%–54% vol (at 20°C) for gin under the CAA definition.
- Sugar limit for “Gin Seco (Dry Gin)”: up to 6 g/L (CAA).
- Congeners limit for gin: coefficient of congeners not exceeding 50 mg/100 ml of anhydrous alcohol (CAA).
Packaging- Glass bottle formats commonly marketed domestically include 700–750 cc SKUs (example: Hilbing Gin product specifications).
- Labels must clearly display alcoholic strength (% vol.) and mandatory Spanish legends for alcoholic beverages, including “BEBER CON MODERACIÓN” and “PROHIBIDA SU VENTA A MENORES DE 18 AÑOS” (CAA/Ley 24.788 reference in CAA text).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Neutral agricultural ethyl alcohol procurement → botanical selection (juniper required; optional additional botanicals) → maceration/infusion as applicable → redistillation (for distilled/London Dry styles) → dilution to bottling strength → filtration/quality checks → bottling in glass → distribution to on-trade and retail.
Temperature- Shelf-stable product; quality is protected by avoiding prolonged exposure to high heat and direct sunlight during storage and distribution (model inference; verify channel SOPs).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighBottled gin shipments can be delayed or effectively blocked if INAL/ANMAT import requirements are not satisfied (e.g., incorrect pathway under Decree 35/2025 procedures, missing/insufficient free-sale documentation, or missing required registrations/filings via TAD for products that require RNE/RNPA and/or authorization).Use an Argentine importer experienced with COMEX INAL; confirm the correct Decree 35/2025 import pathway for the product/origin; prepare the required free-sale/marketing-authorization evidence and complete TAD filings before shipment arrival.
Labeling MediumNon-compliant Spanish labeling (missing % vol. statement, missing mandatory warning legends, or style/denomination claims not aligned with CAA definitions such as Dry Gin sugar limits) can trigger relabeling, delays, or non-release for retail.Run a pre-shipment label review against CAA requirements and ensure the product’s “Dry Gin/London Dry” claim aligns with the CAA definition (including sugar limits).
Documentation Gap MediumIncomplete or inconsistent product documentation (origin/free-sale evidence, importer registration details, or customs-linked INAL intervention documents such as free-circulation certificates when required) can extend clearance time and increase storage/demurrage costs.Maintain a document checklist aligned to INAL guidance and confirm document naming/translation/legalization requirements with the customs broker before dispatch.
Logistics MediumGlass-bottled spirits are susceptible to damage and claims during international transport; disruptions can cause landed-cost spikes or stockouts, especially for import-reliant supply.Specify protective packaging, validated palletization, and marine cargo insurance; plan buffer stock for on-trade accounts reliant on imported SKUs.
Labor & Social- Responsible marketing and legal-age compliance: alcoholic beverage labels must include warnings and prohibition of sale to under-18s in Spanish, reflecting Argentina’s alcohol-control framework referenced in CAA labeling provisions.
FAQ
How is “Dry Gin” defined for sale in Argentina?Argentina’s Código Alimentario Argentino (CAA) defines “Gin” as a spirit (35%–54% vol at 20°C) where juniper flavor is predominant, produced by redistillation with juniper or by adding juniper extract to agricultural ethyl alcohol. It also defines “Gin Seco (Dry Gin)” as gin containing up to 6 grams of sugar per liter, and “London Dry Gin” as distilled dry gin.
What warning statements must appear on gin labels in Argentina?CAA labeling provisions for alcoholic beverages require the alcohol content (% vol.) and mandatory Spanish warnings, including “BEBER CON MODERACIÓN” and “PROHIBIDA SU VENTA A MENORES DE 18 AÑOS”, including for imported alcoholic beverages.
What is a common compliance pathway to import bottled gin into Argentina?ANMAT/INAL guidance under the Decree 35/2025 framework indicates that, depending on product/origin treatment, importers may use a declaration-based pathway or may need prior registrations such as RNE (importer establishment) and RNPA (product), with filings submitted through TAD and supported by evidence such as a certificate of free sale or an equivalent authorization document from the country of origin.