How many 8oz packages of cheese can i bring in my luggage (EZE)?

[sdsurfista]

Not a fan on Argentine gouda

 

[elhombresinnombre]

Short answer? None.

It's on the prohibited foodstuffs list.

That's not to say that I haven't done it - just to say you do it at your own risk

 

[sdsurfista]

thanks i did not realize that, i have too!

 

[DK72]

Short answer? None.

It's on the prohibited foodstuffs list.

That's not to say that I haven't done it - just to say you do it at your own risk

I dont think thats true, pasteurized cheese is allowed. I bring here a lot of raclette on every trip to Argentina.

Based on my experience, there is probably a 10% chance that you will have to open the baggage because the scanner highlights that at customs. (Based on my 20 or so trips to Argentina over the last years). And when that happens, i happily show them the cheese with the pasteurized sticker on it. I have also some “normal” raw milk cheese which is underneath and “forgotten”. Never had an issue. And anyway, the worst thing that can happen is that you will lose that cheese (not that yould have to pay a fine or worse). Given the quality of local cheese here it is certainly worth the risk.

 

[rob0001]

Any food stuffs, must be sealed in original packaging if allowed.

 

[elhombresinnombre]

Thanks to @antipodean for posting this to BAExpats in 2021

IATA - Argentina Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details

www.iatatravelcentre.com

 

[DK72]

Thanks to @antipodean for posting this to BAExpats in 2021

IATA - Argentina Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details

www.iatatravelcentre.com

I don't think this list is correct / accurate: It says that dairy products are prohibited. I am not sure whether this list is over simplified or outdated.

If you go to the official site (https://www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa/informacion-al-viajero/ingresar-o-regresar-al-pais), it clearly says that cheese (and other dairy products, based on pasteurized milk) are allowed:
Productos autorizados:
Productos lácteos: leches fluidas pasteurizadas, leche condensada, leche en polvo, yogurt, manteca, dulce de leche, quesos elaborados a base de leches pasteurizadas.

 

[carride]

I once handed over a block of cheese as they were sifting through my bags. At least it stopped them from asking about everything else. At 40 or more Argentina arrivals from USA over 20 years, my usual checked luggage has only been open three times. Most of the time with just food stuff and recreational gear.

 

[DK72]

I once handed over a block of cheese as they were sifting through my bags. At least it stopped them from asking about everything else. At 40 or more Argentina arrivals from USA over 20 years, my usual checked luggage has only been open three times. Most of the time with just food stuff and recreational gear.

I think nowadays the chances are far higher that your cheese will get stolen by baggage handlers than confiscated at the customs. Happened to a friend of mine last year who lost a couple of those, the cheese probably ended up in a sandwich de miga somewhere in the conurbano.

On a side note: I think issues like that at the airport have increased significantly, with a lot disgruntled employees there looking for some additional benefits. Also happened to me when I saw all my baggage opened at the airport in Rio coming from Ezeiza. First I thought it happened at the Rio airport. My (Brazilian) driver however assured me that this happens now far more frequently at Ezeiza. Now I put a lock on my baggage coming to Argentina (not sure it will help much)

 

[Quilombo]

I don't think I've ever had Aduana go through my stuff at EZE, AEP, or any other crossing/airport.

That being said, I've never brought anything that's prohibited, and I just bring back max 1 checked bag so I'm probably not the profile of people they make open their bags, though with the cost of everything here these days, my next trip to Brazil is going to see that changing drastically.