Thanks a billion "the bead".
We just very succesfully imported our Bikes into Argentina with the help of your posting.
We shipped 2 Yamaha TTRs in one crate from the Netherlands via SDV, based on Schiphol-rijk.
Everything went very smoothly but we noted some additional points and thought it would be nice to share.
1. At the entrance you have to show your copy of the airwaybill and your passport to receive an entrance ticket. You will need a ticket for each person and your name needs to be on the AWB to get one. This only matters if you want to go in with two to get one crate.
From there we were directed to "particulares" but first you have to get your original AWB/landing papers at the officebuilding just after the canteen. We paid AR$581,25 about €90 but the euro to AR$ rate differs per day! This was at KLM/Air France and had to be paid cash in AR$
2. At the next gate show your tickets and go to "particulares". At first the guard didn't want us to take out backpackes but let us through anyway. There are signs pointing you there and if you look lost people will also point you there.
This is where you show your original AWB at the counter directly behind the door.
There you are told to knock on the door of officina 2 to get a number and wait until called upon.
Now the waiting starts. We arrived at the airport at 10:30 and were very lucky to be helped just before lunch at one o'clock while others had already been sent away.
So, you better be earlier.
From there on everything went by itself. We didn't have to ask for temporary import or anything. The two bikes in one crate which posed a problem for the customs at the exit gate was solved by the customs agent in the office by a handwritten note on the back of the exit ticket.
It is probably more correct to make sure that the initial form for tourist import reads 2 at "cantidad de bultos". This happens at office 1.
We don't remember the order and number of times we wet through officina 1,2 and 3 but the people there were all very friendly and helpfull. All required copies were made for us.
We did have to show our insurance forms which we got from ATM at San Martin 696 piso 9 (9th or is it 10th floor). ATM is no longer at Sarmiento 930. Over here the engine number is significant. Dutch papers don't have them so bring a note with your number.
We brought screwdrivers but our crate was kindly taken apart by two men with electrical ones for the physical examination by the customs officer.
While we assembled our bikes together, he went on his way with the paperwork. Again, the engine number is significant. Not that he wanted to see it on the engine itself. Again, a note will do.
We paid AR$ 904 (about €150) for handling 479 kg of dangerous goods without any charge for storage. The bikes arrived the previous evening. This can be payed by credit card.
We were not charged any import costs for our camp and motorbiking gear which was also in the crate.
At 16:30 we drove of, parking fee was no issue.
For your AWB.
We put our name, licence plate, engine number and chassis number "with camp and riding gear" for each bike.
Airfreight costs from The Netherlands using KLM as carrier and SDV as local agent for 1 crate 479 kg. (The size was less than the weight for cost calculation. 214*104*122) was about € 2600,-
We don't regret doing the import ourselves. It was not difficult, a great experience and we saved 2* US$ 250 along the way. However, dear "the bead", we wouldn't have even considered it without your detailed description for which we thank you once again very much.