How to Export to Chile in 2026: 6% Duty, 19% IVA, Customs Agents and FTAs

Duty and IVA: how the import cost is calculated

Chile's National Customs Service (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) lists two main import taxes: an ad valorem duty of 6% on the CIF value (cost, insurance and freight) and IVA of 19% on the CIF value plus the ad valorem duty. Example for a product with the general rate: CIF value USD 10,000, duty USD 600, IVA 19% of USD 10,600 = USD 2,014, so USD 2,614 in duty and IVA. Goods originating in a country with a trade agreement with Chile can be duty-free or pay a reduced rate, but IVA still applies.

Some goods pay additional taxes. Customs lists an extra 15% on luxury goods such as gold, platinum, jewellery, fine furs and caviar, and 50% on pyrotechnic articles, and the US International Trade Administration (ITA, November 2025) adds taxes of 10% to 18% on mineral waters and soft drinks depending on sugar content, 20.5% to 31.5% on alcoholic beverages and 30% to 59.7% on tobacco products. Used goods pay a surcharge equal to 50% of the ad valorem duty.

Customs agent and documents

The British Chamber of Commerce in Chile notes that, except for transactions under USD 1,000, Chilean customs law (the Ordenanza de Aduanas) requires a licensed customs agent (agente de aduanas) to clear the goods. The agent files the import declaration for the Chilean importer, so send the documents to the importer and its agent before the goods arrive. The guide lists:

• Commercial invoice.
• Certificate of origin, to claim a trade agreement rate.
• Transport document: bill of lading or air waybill.
• Packing list.
• Insurance certificate.
• Special or inspection certificates where the product needs them, and a transit document for goods imported under a trade agreement.

Trade agreements and proof of origin

Chile has 33 free trade and commercial agreements with about 65 countries and trade blocs, covering markets with 65% of the world's population, according to the British Chamber of Commerce in Chile. Under the US-Chile FTA, in force since 1 January 2004, all trade between the two countries is now duty-free. To claim a preferential rate, the goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin and the importer needs the certificate or proof of origin the agreement requires; otherwise the 6% general rate applies.

Product rules and online sales

The ITA notes that sanitary and phytosanitary certificates are required for most agricultural products, issued under the rules of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero, SAG), and that food products need a certificate of free sale. Check SAG's requirements for your product and origin before you ship food, plants or animal products.

Since 25 October 2025, under Law No. 21.713, foreign sellers and platforms registered with Chile's tax service (SII) charge 19% IVA at the time of sale on goods of up to USD 500 bought remotely by consumers, instead of IVA being collected at import. Purchases from sellers that are not registered pay IVA at customs and take longer to clear, and goods over USD 500 follow the normal import procedure with duty and IVA.