Chile can boast being the longest and narrowest country in the world - 4,300 km by 350 km. But more notable than that, it can claim the magical 1,000 km Atacama Desert to the majestic Patagonian peaks towering over Cape Horn.
Like Canada, Chile's population is small compared to its size, but its people keenly shop online - at a rate that outstrips the Latin American heavy weights.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Chile through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Chile. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Chile
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Los Lagos, LO, CL
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Coquimbo, CO, CL
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Atacama, AT, CL
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Antofagasta, AN, CL
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Chile before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift may be shipped to Chile from Canada without payment of customs duties and VAT if its value is $30 USD (about $40 CAD) or less.
To be eligible for the duty and tax exemptions:
The shipment must be of an occasional nature
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift may be shipped to an individual in Chile from an individual in Canada without payment of customs duties and VAT if its value is $30 USD (about $40 CAD) or less.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information available at this time regarding shipping a gift from a business in Canada to a business in Chile.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information available at this time regarding shipping a gift from a business in Canada to an individual in Chile.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Personal effects may be shipped to Chile from Canada as a temporary import - they must be returned to Canada. They will be allowed entry duty and tax free.
Personal effects may enter Chile 120 days before, or up to 120 days after the recipient's, arrival.
A shipment may include:
A maximum of 2.5 L of alcoholic beverages
A maximum of 400 cigarettes, 500 g of pipe tobacco, and 50 cigars
Used and portable equipment for the execution of a trade or profession
NOTE:
If you are a tourist shipping personal effects, please click here to request permission from Chilean authorities for your import
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving to Chile temporarily.
Non-Students
If you are entering Chile with a temporary residence visa for a period of 1 year or more, you may ship your personal effects and work tools under the following
conditions:
Household items up to a FOB value of $5,000 (about $7,000 CAD) exempt from duties and taxes
Work items up to a FOB value of $1,500 USD (about $2,100 CAD) exempt of VAT only (duties will be incurred)
Moving Permanently
If you are a Chilean national returning to Chile from Canada, your personal effects will be exempt from taxes up to an amount determined by the time spent abroad.
If you have been in Canada from:
6 months to a year, your limit is $500 USD (about $700 CAD) of household goods
1 year to 5 years, your limit is $3,000 USD (about $4,200 CAD) of household goods and work supplies
More than 5 years, your limit is $5,000 USD (about $7,000 CAD) of household goods and work supplies
To benefit from tax exemptions, the goods must:
Be used items (not new)
Come from Canada
Have been acquired before leaving Canada
Not be of a commercial quantity
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided including its value in USD
For those moving temporarily and permanently, a travel certificate issued by the Chilean Investigative Police
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples are sent to solicit orders from customers or to demonstrate products. Samples are expected to have no commercial value, i.e. cannot be exchanged for money.
Samples shipped to Chile from Canada will be exempt from customs duties but will incur VAT.
Where can I classify some samples that I will bring to the country, without commercial character, for a demonstration?
Non-commercial samples are classified in subheadings 0019.0100 and 0019.8900 of the national Customs Tariff, according to whether or not they are intended for official International Fairs.
Subheading 0019.0100 only includes the material necessary for demonstrations of the operation of the machines and equipment that are exhibited during the course of the International Fairs that take place in the country, such as advertising of the exhibited merchandise, up to a value equivalent to US $ 200 FOB per exhibitor.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material may be shipped from Canada to Chile exempt from customs duties but will incur VAT. Duty-free exemption is eligible up to an FOB
value of $200 USD (about $280 CAD).
Advertising material is expected to be distributed freely to the public at international fairs and trade shows. Typical examples of advertising include:
Brochures
Catalogues
Leaflets
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Machinery and equipment for repair may be shipped to Chile from Canada as a temporary import. Goods may stay in Chile for 2 years, with an allowable 1 year extension.
Items Under Warranty
As Chile and Canada are participants in a free-trade agreement (CCFTA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Chile are duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment no longer under warranty was sent to Chile for repair, GST will be charged on the value of the repair and any new parts needed to do the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Chile
Machinery and equipment can be shipped to Chile from Canada exempt from duty and taxes.
Returning Repaired Product to Chile
Machinery and equipment repaired in Canada will incur import duties and taxes on the parts and materials used for the repair.
Chilean authorities require that the repaired equipment be returned within 1 year of leaving Chile, though this may be extended by 1 year with authorization from Customs.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Chile or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Temporary imports may be shipped to Chile from Canada exempt from duties and taxes.
The following goods may stay in Chile up to 180 days:
Items intended for use or display at trade shows and exhibitions
Films and video recordings
Equipment and materials for theatrical and musical presentations
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Chile, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments to Chile from Canada that contain sold goods will incur duties and VAT. This includes items Chileans purchase online.
Occasional Shipper
If you ship sold goods occasionally to Chile from Canada, for example via eBay, be aware that customs will be checking that they are not counterfeit, prohibited, or dangerous items.
If the shipment is valued greater than $1,000 USD (about $1,400 CAD), the recipient will have to collect it in person from the courier.
Regular Shipper
Shipments valued greater than $3,500 USD (about $4,900 CAD) will require a licence from the Central Bank of Chile.
If you are a regular shipper of goods to Chile, we recommend the use of a Chilean customs agent.
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Chile. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Chile, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Chilean Customs calculates import duties and taxes using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Knowing the CIF value of a shipment will allow you to calculate the duty and tax owing by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold for duties and taxes on a shipment is $30 USD (about $40 CAD) or less . This is known as the de minimis value, so shipments below $30 USD are exempt from the payment of duties and taxes.
Currency
Chilean Peso - CLP
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$30 USD (about $40 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (IVA, i.e. VAT)
19%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$30 USD (about $40 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
A free trade agreement exists between Chile and Canada -
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement - CCFTA.
Therefore, reduced or zero duty rates may apply on goods shipped to Chile.
Candy0%
Chocolate0%
Spirits and Wines0%
Tobacco0%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles0%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras0%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
Jewellery0%
Shirts & Pants0%
Home Appliances0%
Toys0%
Sports Equipment0%
*Certain goods will incur excise taxes. They include:
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Chile from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3 months to complete the delivery.
