🇨🇱 Import Customs & Duties: Chile
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$30
Packages under $30, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
CIF value + duty. No reduced rates. Additional taxes on alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 6% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 6% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 6% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 6% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 6% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 6% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 6% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $30 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Servicio Nacional de Aduanas uses SISCOMEX electronic system. Chile has a flat 6% duty rate for most goods, one of the simplest tariff structures in the world. Extensive FTA network (EU, US, China, etc.) reduces most duties to 0%.
What to Actually Expect
One of Latin America's most efficient customs systems. Flat 6% duty simplifies calculations. Extensive FTA network means most goods from major partners enter duty-free. Express couriers clear 1-3 days. Postal 3-7 days.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) for food and animal products. ISP for pharmaceuticals. SEC for electrical equipment. Generally open trade policy with minimal import restrictions.
Certificate of Origin
Extensive FTA network makes certificates crucial. Self-certification accepted under CPTPP and Pacific Alliance. EUR.1 for EU-Chile FTA. Certificates issued by Santiago Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Chile:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1 | $10 | $11 |
| $100 | $4 | $20 | $24 |
| $200 | $10 | $40 | $50 |
| $500 | $28 | $100 | $129 |
| $1000 | $58 | $201 | $259 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Chile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Chile?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Chile is $30. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Chile?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Chile is 19%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. No reduced rates. Additional taxes on alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Chile?
Typical customs clearance in Chile takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Chile?
To import into Chile, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Chile?
Chile prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.