Guide · Foreign trade
Everything a company needs to know to bring cargo into Chile: when you need a customs broker, which documents to prepare, what it costs and the 5 steps of the process.
To import into Chile you need a licensed customs broker for shipments above USD 3,000 FOB, a commercial invoice, a transport document and a packing list, plus any product permits (SAG, Sernapesca and others). Taxes: 6% general duty on CIF value — often reduced to zero under Chile's trade agreements — plus 19% VAT.
Yes, for most commercial operations. Chilean regulation requires imports above USD 3,000 FOB to be processed by a licensed customs broker — a professional authorized by the Chile National Customs Service who legally represents you before the authority. Below that amount you may file directly, although most companies delegate anyway to avoid errors.
Before buying, verify the tariff classification of your product, the applicable duties, the permits it requires and the total landed cost. A misclassification discovered at the port is expensive; discovered before purchase, it is free. Our advisory team does this analysis with you.
The essentials: commercial invoice, transport document (bill of lading for ocean, air waybill for air, waybill for land), packing list and, if you want tariff preferences, the certificate of origin under the relevant trade agreement.
Food, plants, animal products, seafood, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment require authorization from agencies such as SAG, Sernapesca, ISP or SEC. Your broker identifies and processes them — filing on time is what keeps your cargo out of storage.
The broker prepares and files the Import Declaration electronically before Customs. Your cargo may be selected for inspection — documentary or physical. Declaration quality (correct classification, complete paperwork) is the biggest factor in avoiding observations and delays.
With duties and VAT paid, Customs releases the shipment and your cargo can leave the port to its destination — with domestic transport coordinated by the same team, if you wish.
The general duty is 6% on CIF value (cost + insurance + freight), plus 19% VAT calculated over CIF + duty. With certificates of origin under Chile's 30+ trade agreements, many products pay reduced or zero duty. For companies, import VAT is recoverable as a tax credit. Full breakdown in our import costs guide.
| Item | Rate | Calculated over |
|---|---|---|
| Ad valorem duty | 6% general | CIF value (goods + freight + insurance) |
| VAT | 19% | CIF value + ad valorem duty |
FAQ
Only if the FOB value of the goods does not exceed USD 3,000. Above that amount, Chilean regulation requires operating through a licensed customs broker.
The general duty is 6% on CIF value plus 19% VAT. Under Chile's trade agreements, the duty may be reduced or eliminated depending on origin and product.
Products such as food, plants or seafood require prior authorization from agencies like SAG or Sernapesca. The customs broker identifies and processes the permits your product needs.
From tariff classification to delivery, with an AEO-certified team and real-time tracking.
