International trade compliance

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Party to the Kyoto Protocol
Party to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

International Economic Cooperation

Chile is a member of the following international economic organisations: Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), IMF, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), G-15, G-77, ICC, Latin American and the Caribbean Economic System, OECD, Mercosur (associate), among others. For the full list of economic and other international organisations in which participates Chile click here. International organisation membership of Chile is also outlined here.

Party of the ATA Convention on Temporary Admissions and Use of the Carnets

Yes

As a Reminder, the ATA is a System Allowing the Free Movement of Goods Across Frontiers and Their Temporary Admission Into a Customs Territory With Relief From Duties and Taxes. The Goods Are Covered By a Single Document Known as the ATA Carnet That is Secured By an International Guarantee System.

Party of the TIR Convention

Yes

As a Reminder, the TIR Convention and its Transit Regime Contribute to the Facilitation of International Transport, Especially International Road Transport, Not Only in Europe and the Middle East, But Also in Other Parts of the World, Such as Africa and Latin America.

Accompanying Documents For Imports

Goods shipped into Chile must be accompanied by the following documents:

> The Single Administrative Document (SAD)

> The commercial invoice:
It must be established in five copies, preferably in Spanish, and must contain the origin and provenance of the goods.

> A phytosanitary certificate
This certificate is required for fruit, vegetables, seeds and other plants; it is issued by the regional Department of Plant Protection .

> A health certificate
Required for meat and issued by the departmental direction of veterinary services.

> Form EUR1
In order to benefit from the preferential tariff on imports from the European Union.

> Certificate of freedom from dioxin contamination
Required for poultry, eggs and pork; it is issued by the departmental veterinary services.

> Certificate of free sale for cosmetics
Established by the Federation of perfume industries.

> Transport documents and a packing list

To go further, check out our service Shipping Documents.

Free-trade zones

Chile has two free-trade zones: the port of Iquique in the north of the country (Region I) and the southern city of Punta Arenas (Region XII). Merchants and manufacturers in these zones are exempt from income tax, VAT and customs duties. Companies can re-export goods tax-free, but they are subject to VAT and import duties when the goods leave the zone in order to be used or sold in the rest of Chile.

The same exemptions apply to manufacturers operating in the Chacallutaand Las Americasindustrial parks in Arica. Mining, fisheries and financial services operations are not eligible for concessions in the free-trade zone.

For Further Information

Chilean Customs
Ministry of Economy
National Chamber of Commerce
Santiago Chamber of Commerce

Non Tariff Barriers

The Chilean Customs Administration has reserved the right to apply minimum prices to increase the value of imports. This is used  specifically in the cases of certain agricultural products, such as wheat, edible oils and sugar. However, some products are more watched over than others, especially pharmaceuticals or farm products. These products are subject to an authorisation from the Ministry of Agriculture. Some very strict standards prevent the import of beef. The import of second-hand vehicles is forbidden, with the exception of ambulances, armoured vehicles and mobile homes. Imported goods that are considered inconsistent with Chilean 'morals, public health, national security or the environment' require special authorisation to enter Chile. These include certain chemicals/processes and some media products that face review and possible censorship. Firearms can be imported, but they require a special permit from a military authority in Chile. Controls for importing firearms are becoming more stringent.

Sectors or Products For Which Commercial Disagreements Have Been Registered With the WTO

Alcoholic beverages, agricultural products, sugar, edible oils, dairy products, flour. For more details see the WTO website.

Assessment of Commercial Policy

Pages of WTO dedicated to Chile
Barriers to exchanges, inventoried by the United States
Barriers to exchanges, inventoried by the EU
Sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, inventoried by the EU