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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Documents may be shipped to Chile from Canada if they have no
commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale.
Typical examples of documents include:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Business cards
- Cheques (both blank and cancelled)
- Company newsletters and mail
- Credit cards
- Drawings
- Driver's licences
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Manuscripts
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Pamphlets
- Passports
- Photographs
- Proposals
The following may be sent as document shipments if they abide by the
conditions listed.
| Item |
Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes |
Only if blank |
| Forms |
Only if blank |
| Magazines |
If value is $30 USD or less (about $40 CAD) |
| Microfilms and microfiches |
If value is $30 USD or less (about $40 CAD) |
| Stationery |
If blank |
| Technical manuals |
If value is $30 USD or less (about $40 CAD) |
| Traveller's cheques |
Only if used |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_PT
Shipping Gifts
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.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$79.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$79.99
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment has multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$39.99 |
| 1 Each |
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
|
CA |
$49.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$89.98
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/tips-compradoronlineexperto/aduana/2018-12-13/171734.html
Shipping Personal Effects
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
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/preguntas-frecuentes-viajero-y-turista/aduana/2011-06-21/152845.html#vtxt_cuerpo_T0
https://www.aduana.cl/retorno-de-chilenos-y-residentes-extranjeros/aduana/2018-12-28/175256.html
https://www.aduana.cl/solicitud-de-declaracion-de-admision-o-salida-temporal-de-efectos/aduana/2018-12-16/132320.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs |
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
|
IN |
$40.00 |
| 1 Each |
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
|
CA |
$478.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Personal Effects
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$678.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Shipments of foodstuffs to Chile may be inspected by customs
authorities for compliance with health and safety regulations.
You May Ship
- Chocolate
- Dulce de leche
- Infant formula and milk substitutes
- Coffee and tea
- Nuts
- Pickled products
- Preserved fruits and vegetables
Do Not Ship
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and meat by-products
- Dairy and dairy products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/productos-que-requieren-certificado-o-visto-bueno/aduana/2018-12-13/161927.html
https://www.sag.gob.cl/ambitos-de-accion/productos-de-origen-vegetal
https://www.sag.gob.cl/ambitos-de-accion/productos-de-origen-animal
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/preguntas-frecuentes/aduana/2011-06-21/152845.html#vtxt_cuerpo_T16
https://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/artic/20070216/pags/20070216180251.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/preguntas-frecuentes-tratamientos-arancelarios-especiales/aduana/2012-04-05/153931.html#vtxt_cuerpo_T7
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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
Sources:
https://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=1116575
https://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/artic/20070216/pags/20070216180251.html#vtxt_cuerpo_T15
https://www.aduana.cl/solicitud-de-autorizacion-de-salida-temporal-para-perfeccionamiento/aduana/2019-08-20/151230.html
https://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/artic/20070216/pags/20070216180251.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
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
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/artic/20070216/pags/20070216135454.html#vtxt_cuerpo_T16
https://www.elanbiz.org/documents/20182/64327/Importing+into+Chile+from+the+EU/5d180ca5-abc8-42a4-8f6d-75fa98337d15?version=1.2
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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.
Sources:
https://www.aduana.cl/empresas-que-traen-tus-compras-al-pais/aduana/2018-12-13/011348.html
https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/international-shipments/chile/customs-procedures
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Lucila Godoy Alcayaga
759 Calle Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
Coquimbo
Chile
Phone:
+56 51 266 2263 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 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
|
Shipping Rates
Easy Tracking
Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Duty &
Taxes
Chile Shipping Insurance
Questions
about Shipping to Chile