Country Guide: Chile

Updated: November 18, 2015

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of Passport
  • Resident Visa valid for at least one year / Work Visa (non-Diplomats)
  • Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Packing list
  • Employment confirmation
  • Valued inventory
  • Exemption form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomats)
  • Liberation Form issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomats)
  • Travel certificate showing inbound and outbound travel dates obtained in Chile (returning citizens)

 

Specific Information

  • Household goods are generally assessed 6% duty over cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, plus a surcharge of 50% on used goods.
  • Shipments subject to a VAT of 19% over CIF plus duties.
  • The Customs valuation of household goods considers depreciation for use and should be comparable to the value of similar articles in the country of origin.
  • All shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs and the Agricultural Office (SAG), which may delay clearance.
  • All wood packing and wood items must comply with ISPM 15 standards.
  • If there is no previous treatment of wood items, the Agriculture Office may order a complete fumigation (wood furniture is not required to have previous fumigation).
  • Foreigners with a Temporary Residence Visa or Visa subject to employment for at least 1 year may import up to USD 5,000 FOB without paying duties or taxes (non-Diplomats).
  • If the Visa still in process, it is possible to clear under-bonded storage at the personal residence. Definitive importation of the goods must be done within 90 days.
  • Diplomats and international officials are exempt from importation duties and taxes on household goods.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Sales Contract / Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Title
  • OBL
  • Sworn declaration of the description of the vehicle
  • Insurance Certificate displaying the amount of the premium paid

 

Specific Information

  • The weight, freight amount of the household goods, including the vehicle must be listed on the OBL. The number of pieces and a description of the car must also be included.
  • Foreigners can only import new cars and must pay all duties and taxes (non-Diplomats).
  • Chilean Diplomats have the option of a monetary compensation if they do not import a vehicle, or may import a new car free of duty and tax instead.
  • Foreign Diplomats and international officials are exempt from duty and tax on their automobiles
  • Citizens returning after stays abroad for 1 or more years may import a new or used car and must pay all required duties and taxes.

Pets

Documents Required

  • International Vaccination Certificate (dogs and cats)
  • Veterinary Health Record  Pro-forma Invoice

 

Specific Information

  • There is no quarantine period.
  • Pets may be retrieved from Customs immediately upon arrival.
  • Agent must know in advance the date and flight of arrival to assist in clearing.

 

Note: Check with agent prior to shipping other types of pets as some may require additional permits from the Agricultural Office (SAG).

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Foodstuffs (only non-perishable food, canned or sealed, and in an amount limited for personal use may be imported)
  • Alcohol (adults over 18 years old may import 2.5 liters of alcohol duty free, including wine; if the amount exceeds 2.5 liters, the shipper must pay duties and taxes of 27% or more)
  • Only sports firearms for hunting may be imported (a special permit must be obtained prior to shipping)

Prohibited Items

  • Drugs
  • Meat
  • Motorcycles

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1088.html

Tourist Information About Chile For Visitors From The USA