Chile: Packaging and standards

Packaging and labelling regulation in Chile

Packaging: The packaging must be strong enough to withstand the weather conditions (heat, humidity, etc..), pilferage and handling.
Except glassware and china, products should not be packed in straw, hay or other plant material. If this type of packaging is used, certificates are required attesting that packaging materials have been sterilized and are free from parasites. Wood packaging must be treated in accordance with ISPM 15 standard.
Languages Permitted on Packaging and Labeling: Packaging must be labelled in Spanish, but other the use of additional languages is permitted.
Unit of Measurement: Measurements must be converted to the metric system.
Mark of Origin "Made In": The country of origin must be clearly indicated on the label.
Labeling Requirements: Packaged products must specify the quality, purity, ingredients and mixtures, as well as the net weight or measure of the contents. Imported canned or packaged food must be labelled in Spanish, specifying all the ingredients including additives, the manufacture and expiry date and the name of the producer or importer. All weights and sizes of net contents must be converted to the metric system.
Specific Regulations: There are specific rules concerning canned food, shoes, food products, electrical machinery, liquified and compressed natural gas, plastics, wine, alcoholic beverages, textiles, white flour, detergents and agricultural insecticides.

National Standards Organisations: National Standards Committee Chile
Integration in the International Standards Network: The National Standards Committee (INN) is a member of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT).
Obligation to Use Standards: In most sectors of the Chilean economy, standards are not mandatory. However, certain imported goods such as those connected to industrial security, to construction and construction materials and electricity and gas industry must comply with specific requirements set by the supervisory body.
Classification of Standards: Chilean Sandards (NCh).
Assessment of the System of Standardization: Chilean standards have developed in parallel to the expansion of export industries and are easily understood because they are modelled on international standards.
They are important to consumers especially in sectors such as electricity, earthquake-resistant construction, etc..
Online Consultation of Standards: A list of standards in use in Chile is available on the site of the National Standards Institute.
Certification Organisations: National Standards Committee Chile
Associations of Standards Users: List of consumer associations on the Ministry of Economy website. (in spanish)

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