On our recent trip to Argentina, we all dutifully filled out the customs form they handed out on the plane. We all dutifully presented them to the immigration officer at passport control, who gave them back to us. The customs folks never asked for the forms, even though all bags were x-rayed.

I left the form in my passport and when departing, the passport control officer gave them back. So it's basically a sort of souvenir.

What is the purpose of these forms? Are they only supposed to be filled out by Argentine citizens and residents? Am I in trouble the next time I visit?

No - as long as they have your immigration form, you are fine. I don't know if I've had them taken more than 2x - the last time I had something I had to declare - and it was a minor effort to get an official to bring me to the office to do same.

At least one purpose is to remind passengers what items are forbidden to bring into the country, particularly agricultural products. Bull semen and honey products among others ...

It's also technically the official form that needs to be filled out for declaring purchases over the US$300 limit that you should pay duty on.

Yes, but that limit only applies to residents. Every time I pass through customs in EZE, they ask me where I live, as soon as I say UK they don't pay any more attention to me. Although all baggage goes through the x-ray machine.

Sorry, that's not true. The law applies to everyone. Numerous times I've had to show receipts for new items and been questioned about (used) electronic items and camera equipment, and had all my luggage inspected. I've had to argue, and even once had a shakedown from a customs officer soliciting a bribe. I've been through EZE maybe 40 times in the past 6 years. I know of numerous instances where expats (non-residents) in Argentina have had to pay duty on new items. The same law applies to items that are are sent via mail and recipients are required to pick them up at the main post office.

Here's a link to AFIP detailing the requirements:
http://www.afip.gov.ar/english/touristInformation.asp#b

Sometimes when the airport is busy, they will ask passengers where they are from, or ask them to show a passport. Those from the UK or US are often let through, but this is not always the case!

John

I have to say that my observations at EZE showed me it would seem that they do tend to 'pick' on Argentine passport holders/residents more than they do foreign nationals.

Rather OT but when we witnessed customs carrying out a clearance check on our containerised belongings at the port it consisted of them taking three boxes from the front of the container,opening them taking a quick look,couple of questions and signatures and it was free to go. All done very professionally quickly and smoothly without any fuss. ^

If I'd known it was going to be that easy I would have packed a lot more duty vulnerable items.

Isn't that the truth

I've observed too, that you're more likely to get a closer inspection at EZE if you have a lot of bags, and especially if you have a lot of electronic gizmos visible on the X-ray scan.

Once I was bringing in a TV remote control, and the agent was convinced that I must have a TV somewhere hidden in my luggage

John

From that link I quote:
It's obvious if you're a non resident and travelling for a few days to Argentina, you'll be probably carrying a laptop, mobile, iPod, maybe some gifts, whatever.
It make no sense to make you pay duty over those things, because that is not going to remain in the country. I know the law is somehow gray in this area, but my opinion is that any custom officer giving a hard time with these things to a non-resident is simply trying to get a "coima".