Chile

Specific Information

Diplomatic shipments: Fully exempt from duties and taxes. The exemption form must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic status does not exempt shipments from Customs verification or SAG (agricultural) inspection.

120-day import window: The shipment must arrive in conjunction with, or within 120 days before or after, the beneficiary's arrival in Chile. If this deadline is missed, the entire shipment is subject to full duties and taxes.

Definitive importation deadline: Definitive importation of the goods must be completed within 90 days.

All shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). This can cause delays; plan accordingly.

ISPM 15 (wood packaging): Mandatory. All wood packing and wood items must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Shipments arriving without the required ISPM 15 seal will be returned to the country of origin at the shipper's/origin agent's expense. The Agriculture Office (SAG) may also order fumigation for wood furniture that has not been previously treated (though wood furniture itself is not required to have prior fumigation).

Air shipments over 300 kg: Since November 2018, air shipments weighing 300 kg or more require an additional thorough inspection at airport facilities (in addition to standard Customs inspection). This adds 1-2 days to clearance and increases destination and storage charges. All air shipments, regardless of weight, require a fully detailed packing list specifying: clothing (number of pants, shirts, shoes, etc.), electronics (type, brand, model, serial number), wooden items, and which items are in which crate.

Inventory language: The inventory list is accepted only in English or Spanish. Other languages will not be accepted by Chilean Customs.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free allowances for returning Chilean citizens depend on length of stay abroad:

• Between 6 and 12 months abroad: up to US$675 FOB, duty-free (no interruptions allowed)
• Between 1 and 5 years abroad: up to US$4,050 FOB, duty-free (30 days interruption per year allowed)
• More than 5 years abroad: up to US$6,750 FOB, duty-free (60 days interruption per year allowed)
• Only 1% duty is charged on CIF value for goods within the exemption threshold
• This benefit is available once every 3 years

Duty-free allowances for foreign citizens (non-citizens):

• Must have a work visa or temporary resident visa valid for at least 1 year (365 days)
• May import up to US$6,750 FOB tax-free
• Shipments over US$6,750 FOB are subject to customs duties on the excess amount
• If the visa is still being processed, clearance is possible under bonded storage at the importer's residence; the official visa stamped in the passport must be presented to Customs within 90 days, otherwise the entire shipment becomes subject to full duties
• A maximum of two shipments may be imported under this exemption from the same origin (one with personal effects, one with household goods); the combined value must not exceed US$6,750 FOB
• This benefit is available once every 3 years

When no exemptions apply:

• Used household goods: approximately 30% duty over CIF value (6% customs duty + surcharges + 19% VAT)
• New items: approximately 28% over CIF value
• Customs valuation considers depreciation for use (10% per year, up to 70% maximum discount)

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Franchise request form (signed in person at Customs Service Office in Chile) **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Original bill of lading **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Travel Certificate (valid 30 days) **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Notarized sworn statement declaring permanent residency in Chile **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Terminal container receipt **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Commercial invoice of the vehicle, or notarized sworn statement declaring the vehicle's value **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Technical specifications form of the vehicle **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Vehicle property title **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Annex No. 83 (declaring the address where the vehicle will reside) **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Bank guarantee bond or insurance policy in US dollars for the amount of taxes payable **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Customs Service resolution granting the franchise **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Fumigation certificate (required for vehicles shipped from the United States) **For Used Vehicles (Returning Chilean Citizens only):**
• Commercial invoice **For New Vehicles:**
• Vehicle property title **For New Vehicles:**
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean agent) **For New Vehicles:**

Specific Information

Used vehicles: returning Chilean citizens ONLY. Foreign citizens may not import used vehicles. Only returning Chilean citizens who have stayed abroad for at least 18 months (verified by Travel Certificate, with up to 60 days interruption per year) may import one used vehicle.

Used vehicle conditions:

• Must be shipped from the same country of residence as the returning citizen
• Must have been acquired at least 6 months before the return date to Chile
• Must enter Chile with the beneficiary or within 120 days before or after arrival
• Subject to duties of approximately 28%
• The vehicle may not be resold or transferred
• The returning citizen must appear in person at the Customs authority at the port of entry at least 5 working days before the shipment arrives to request the import

New vehicles: Both returning citizens and foreign citizens may import new vehicles. Full customs duties and taxes apply (approximately 28%).

Used motorcycles are strictly prohibited. The importation of used motorcycles into Chile is completely banned, with no exceptions.

Used tires: Prohibited.

Bicycles: Admitted tax-free as sports articles or city bikes, provided the number does not exceed the members of the family group. This applies to Chileans, foreigners, and diplomats.

Vehicles from the U.S.: A fumigation certificate is required for any vehicle shipped from the United States, whether shipped alone or in a container with household goods.

Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Pets

• International Phytosanitary Certificate (issued at the place of origin)
• Original vaccination certificate (issued at the place of origin)
• Air waybill
• Photocopy of passport (identification page)
• Last entrance to Chile stamp in passport
• Special notarized statement giving the Chilean destination agent authority for customs clearance

No quarantine. There is no quarantine period for dogs and cats. Pets may be retrieved from Customs immediately upon arrival.

Agent notification required: The destination agent must know in advance the date and flight of arrival to arrange prompt clearance.

SAG inspection: Pets are subject to inspection by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) upon arrival.

Other pet species: For pets other than dogs and cats, consult the destination agent and SAG directly, as additional permits from the Agricultural Office may be required.

Rabies vaccination: Chile is classified as a low-risk country for dog rabies. However, proof of current rabies vaccination is required for entry.

USDA APHIS requirements (for pets originating from the U.S.): The USDA maintains specific health certificate requirements for pets traveling from the U.S. to Chile. Consult the APHIS page for Chile at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-chile for current forms and endorsement requirements.