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