Importing from China to Chile is increasingly accessible for entrepreneurs and businesses, particularly given the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement covering approximately 98% of products. However, success requires understanding multiple sequential steps, regulatory requirements, costs, and documentation. This guide provides a practical walkthrough of the complete import process.
Phase 1: Pre-Import Foundation and Compliance
Step 1: Register Your RUT and Obtain Legal Authorization
Before placing any order with a Chinese supplier, you must register with Chile’s Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (National Customs Service). Your Rol Único Tributario (RUT) is your Chilean tax identification number and is mandatory for all imports. You can register as an individual or establish a company structure (EIRL, SpA, or SPA) if you plan to import regularly for resale.
The registration process requires your RUT, commercial registration documentation, and a bank account with the Chilean tax authority (SII). As of 2025, your RUT must appear on all import documentation—both the Air Waybill (AWB) for air shipments and the commercial invoice. The Servicio Nacional de Aduanas operates a digital portal at www.aduana.cl where you can complete registration and access HS code lookups for tariff classification.
Timeline: 3-5 business days for registration and initial approval.
Step 2: Determine Product Suitability and Regulatory Compliance
Not all products can be freely imported. Before sourcing anything, verify that your intended product does not fall into prohibited or heavily restricted categories. Prohibited items include used vehicles, asbestos, certain industrial waste, and specified cultural goods. Restricted categories require specific certifications:
- Electronics: Require SEC (Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles) certification
- Food and beverages: Require ISP (Instituto de Salud Pública) registration and may need sanitary certificates
- Agricultural products: Require SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) certification; fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited
- Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics: Require Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) registration
- Chemicals and hazardous substances: Require special labeling and certifications
Validate labeling requirements: all product labels must be in Spanish with clear instructions and safety warnings. For your first import, choose products without complex certification requirements to streamline the process.
Action: Visit www.aduana.cl and consult with a licensed customs broker to classify your HS code and confirm regulatory requirements.
Phase 2: Supplier Selection and Negotiation
Step 3: Identify and Vet Chinese Suppliers
Use established B2B platforms—primarily Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com, or Global Sources—to source suppliers. When evaluating suppliers, prioritize these indicators of reliability:
- Gold Supplier Badge: Alibaba physically audits these vendors; this is a minimum baseline
- Trade Assurance Status: This program protects your payment until you confirm receipt of conforming goods
- Company History: Minimum 3+ years of operation; newer vendors carry higher fraud risk
- Response Quality: Professional, detailed answers within 12 hours; vague or slow responses signal unreliability
- Production Capability: Request factory photos, certifications (ISO, BSCI), and production timelines
- Experience with Latin America: Suppliers familiar with exporting to South America understand regional logistics
Contact 5-7 suppliers of your target product and request detailed quotations including minimum order quantities (MOQ), lead times, and their stance on Trade Assurance terms.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks for vendor evaluation.
Step 4: Request and Evaluate Samples
Never commit to a large order without inspecting physical samples. Request samples from your top 2-3 supplier candidates. Suppliers typically charge 2-3x the unit production price for samples, plus $25-40 USD for express shipping (DHL, FedEx, or UPS), totaling approximately $50,000-120,000 CLP per supplier.
Sample evaluation prevents costly mistakes: detect material substitutions, manufacturing defects, color variations, and packaging quality issues before risking 500+ unit orders. Document sample quality with professional photographs.
Timeline: 3-4 weeks (including express shipping delivery time).
Step 5: Negotiate Commercial Terms
Once you’ve selected your preferred supplier based on sample quality, negotiate three critical commercial terms:
Incoterms Selection:
- EXW (Ex Works): Lowest price but you assume all transportation risks and logistics complexity from the factory onward
- FOB (Free On Board): Standard term; supplier delivers goods to the port in China; you pay international freight, insurance, and Chilean import costs. Recommended for most importers
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier delivers to the Chilean port and includes freight/insurance; simplest for beginners but typically 10-15% more expensive
Order Quantity and Payment Structure:
Negotiate your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). Standard structure: 30% advance deposit upon confirmation, 70% balance due before shipment. Confirm this in writing with Trade Assurance protection.
Lead Time:
Typical production time is 15-25 days from order confirmation to readiness for shipment. Confirm the exact date and build in 5-day buffer in your planning.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks of email negotiation.
Phase 3: Cost Calculation and Financial Planning
Step 6: Calculate Your Complete Landed Cost
Understanding all costs is critical for profitability analysis. The landed cost includes:
1. Product Cost (FOB basis)
Example: 500 units × $4.50 USD per unit = $2,250 USD
2. International Freight
Calculate cargo dimensions in cubic meters (CBM):
- CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
- Example: 25 cartons of 0.45m × 0.35m × 0.40m = 0.063 CBM per carton
- Total: 25 × 0.063 = 1.575 CBM
- LCL cost (Less than Container): 1.575 CBM × $120 USD = $189 USD
- FCL (Full Container) 20′: $2,000-3,500 USD (if volume justifies)
- Air freight: $9-10 USD per kilogram
3. Insurance
2% of FOB value: $2,250 × 2% = $45 USD
4. CIF Value (used to calculate Chilean duties)
CIF = Product cost + Freight + Insurance = $2,250 + $189 + $45 = $2,484 USD
5. Customs Tariff
With China FTA Certificate of Origin: 0% (many products); general rate: 6%
Tariff = $2,484 × 6% (if applicable) = $149 USD
6. Value-Added Tax (IVA)
19% applied to (CIF + Tariff):
IVA = ($2,484 + $149) × 19% = $500 USD
7. Local Customs Broker Fees
- Air shipments: $80,000-120,000 CLP
- LCL marítimo: $120,000-180,000 CLP
- FCL: $180,000-280,000 CLP
8. Port/Airport Handling, Desconsolidation (if LCL), Transport to Your Warehouse
Handling: $30,000-80,000 CLP
Desconsolidation (LCL): $50,000-100,000 CLP
Local transport: $70,000-100,000 CLP
Total Example (at current 1 USD ≈ 920 CLP):
- International costs: $3,518 USD = $3,236,560 CLP
- Landed cost per unit: $3,236,560 ÷ 500 = $6,473 CLP
- Retail price (competitive market): $15,990 CLP
- Gross profit: $15,990 – $6,473 = $9,517 per unit
- Total profit on first shipment: $9,517 × 500 = $4,758,500 CLP (147% margin)
This analysis is critical for determining whether a product is worth importing.
Action: Use HS code lookup at www.aduana.cl to confirm exact tariff rates for your specific product.
Step 7: Secure Capital and Plan Cash Flow
Importing requires capital inmovilizado (tied-up capital) for 45-90 days minimum. Plan your cash flow carefully:
| Timeline | Event | Capital Required |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pay 30% advance to supplier | 30-40% of total investment |
| Days 8-30 | Supplier production | (No additional payment until day 31) |
| Day 31 | Pay 70% balance to supplier | 60-70% of remaining investment |
| Days 32-70 | Goods in transit (marítimo) | (Already paid) |
| Day 71 | Customs notification of arrival; pay arancel + IVA | 25-35% of CIF value |
| Day 76+ | Goods released; begin retail sales | No additional import costs |
Example: For a $3,000,000 CLP investment:
- Day 1: $1,000,000 to supplier
- Day 31: $2,000,000 to supplier
- Day 71: $800,000 for Chilean taxes
- Total cash outflow: $3,800,000 over 71 days
- First revenue: Day 76 onward
Only invest capital you can afford to have immobilized for 4-6 months.
Phase 4: Order Confirmation and Production
Step 8: Place and Confirm the Order with Trade Assurance
Once negotiations conclude, place your order through Alibaba with Trade Assurance activated. This protection ensures your payment is held in escrow until you confirm receipt of goods matching the agreement.
Confirm the following in writing:
- Exact product specifications: Colors, materials, dimensions, weights
- Packaging details: How items are boxed, whether branded packaging is included
- Lead time: Production start date and expected shipment date
- Shipping terms: FOB vs. CIF, specific ports if applicable
- Quality standards: Request before/during/after production photos
Request that the supplier send you production progress photos at 50%, 75%, and 100% completion. This transparency prevents manufacturing surprises.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
Step 9: Monitor Production and Arrange Freight
During the 15-25 day production period, maintain regular contact with your supplier. After production is 95% complete and payment of the 70% balance is received, your supplier will arrange shipment (if CIF terms) or notify you that goods are ready for pickup (if FOB terms).
If using FOB terms, you must hire a freight forwarder or customs agent who specializes in China-Chile routes. They coordinate:
- Pickup from the factory
- Export documentation in China
- Consolidated shipment booking (LCL) or full container (FCL)
- Insurance if required
- Updates on vessel/flight status
Major freight forwarders operating on this route typically charge $120-180 USD per CBM for LCL or flat rates for FCL based on container size.
Timeline: 25-35 days (production + freight booking).
Phase 5: Documentation and Shipping
Step 10: Collect Required Shipping Documents
Your supplier must provide these original documents by express courier:
- Commercial Invoice: Details items, quantities, unit prices, total value, FOB/CIF terms, seller and buyer information. Must be in Spanish or English
- Bill of Lading (B/L) – for sea freight or Air Waybill (AWB) – for air freight: Proof of shipment and ownership transfer
- Packing List: Itemizes the contents of each box with weights, dimensions, and carton counts
- Certificate of Origin: Certifies goods are manufactured in China; required to claim China-Chile FTA benefits (0% tariff on most products)
- Specific Certifications: Depending on product category:
- Food/beverages: Certificate of Free Sale from Chinese authority
- Agricultural products: Phytosanitary certificate (for plant products)
- Electronics: Compliance documentation
Critical: Without these documents, you cannot clear customs. Ensure originals reach you within 48 hours of shipment.
Timeline: 2-3 days after shipment confirmation.
Phase 6: Goods in Transit
Step 11: Monitor Shipment and Prepare for Arrival
Your freight forwarder or customs agent tracks the shipment and notifies you of:
- Vessel/flight departure date and tracking number
- Expected arrival date at Chilean port (Valparaíso or San Antonio) or airport
- Container or shipment reference number for customs clearance
For maritime shipments, allow 35-40 days from Shanghai port to Valparaíso/San Antonio. Prepare in parallel:
- Ensure your bank account is ready to pay customs duties (arancel + IVA)
- Identify where you’ll store goods upon release (warehouse, retail location)
- Arrange final transport from port to your location
Timeline: 35-45 days (depending on sea/air freight choice).
Phase 7: Customs Clearance in Chile
Step 12: Notify Customs and Submit Import Declaration
Upon cargo arrival at the Chilean port or airport, your customs agent files the DIN (Declaración de Importación) electronically through SICEX (Sistema Integrado de Comercio Exterior), Chile’s integrated customs system. SICEX is now the single electronic channel for all trade; it integrates Aduanas, SAG, ISP, and other agencies.
Required information for the DIN:
- Your RUT
- Bill of Lading/AWB number
- Commercial invoice details (product description, HS code, value, origin)
- Shipping and insurance costs
- Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA benefits)
- Any special permits/certifications
Timeline: Same day or next business day after arrival notification.
Step 13: Customs Review (Aforo/Revisión)
Customs authorities conduct one of three types of reviews:
- Sin Revisión (No Review): Automated approval based on document verification. Fastest process; typical for low-risk goods with complete documentation
- Revisión Documental (Documentary Review): Customs verifies that invoice values, B/L, packing list, and HS codes match. Usually resolved within 24 hours if documentation is consistent
- Revisión Física (Physical Inspection): Customs agents open and inspect sample boxes to verify contents, quality, and compliance. More time-consuming but protects against fraud or misclassified goods
The review type is determined by SICEX risk assessment algorithms and random sampling. Proper documentation minimizes the likelihood of physical inspection.
Timeline: 24-48 hours for documentary review; 2-5 days if physical inspection is required.
Step 14: Pay Customs Duties and Taxes
Once customs approves the DIN, your customs agent provides a payment calculation:
Arancel (Tariff):
- With China FTA Certificate of Origin: 0% on most products (some HS codes have 10%)
- Without FTA documentation: 6% standard rate
IVA (Value-Added Tax):
- 19% applied to the CIF value plus tariff amount
Your agent will provide an exact figure. Example for $2,484 USD CIF:
- Tariff (6%): $149 USD
- IVA (19% × $2,633): $500 USD
- Total tax obligation: $649 USD (~$597,000 CLP at 920/USD)
Payment is made through your bank to the Tesorería General de la República (Chilean Treasury) via your customs agent. Have these funds ready before cargo arrives.
Timeline: 1-2 days for payment processing.
Step 15: Release and Retrieval of Goods
After payment is confirmed, customs releases your goods. Your customs agent coordinates:
- Port handling and documentation: Goods move from customs custody to the port’s general storage area
- Desconsolidation (if LCL): Your shipment is separated from the consolidated container and transferred to a holding area
- Final transport: Arrange for ground transportation from the port to your warehouse or retail location
With complete documentation, the entire process from arrival to release typically takes 36-48 hours for air shipments and 2-7 business days for sea freight.
Timeline: 3-7 days after payment.
Phase 8: Post-Import Operations
Step 16: Receive Goods and Begin Retail Operations
Once goods arrive at your location, verify that:
- Package count matches the packing list
- Product quality matches sample standards (check for manufacturing defects, color consistency, material quality)
- Labeling and packaging are correct and comply with Chilean requirements
Document any discrepancies with photographs immediately. If defects exist and you have Trade Assurance protection, contact your supplier within the protection window (usually 30 days) to dispute the quality and potentially recover funds.
Step 17: Establish Sales Channels and Distribute
With goods in hand, execute your sales strategy:
Primary channels for importers in Chile:
- Mercado Libre: Largest online marketplace; charges 11-16% commission but provides maximum reach
- Instagram + WhatsApp: Direct-to-consumer with no commission; requires audience-building effort
- Personal e-commerce store: Using Shopify, WooCommerce, or local platforms; requires traffic generation but builds your brand
- B2B sales to retailers: Direct sales to shops; requires pre-existing relationships or sales effort
Pricing strategy: Don’t compete solely on price. Differentiate through superior product photography, detailed descriptions, faster shipping, better customer service, and clear warranty information. You can often command 15-20% price premiums over price-only competitors.
Timeline: Sales begin immediately upon inventory arrival.
Summary Timeline: Complete Import Cycle
| Phase | Activity | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supplier vetting & sampling | 4-6 weeks | Weeks 1-6 |
| 2 | Negotiation & order placement | 1-2 weeks | Weeks 7-8 |
| 3 | Payment (30%) + production | 15-25 days | Weeks 8-12 |
| 4 | Payment (70%) + freight booking | 5-7 days | Weeks 12-13 |
| 5 | Transit (sea) | 35-45 days | Weeks 13-20 |
| 6 | Customs clearance + payment | 3-7 days | Weeks 20-21 |
| 7 | Retrieval and delivery to warehouse | 3-5 days | Weeks 21-22 |
| Total | From initial supplier contact to inventory ready for sale | ~5.5 months | — |
Critical Success Factors
1. Documentation Precision: Inconsistencies between invoice, B/L, and packing list cause delays. Triple-check all values, descriptions, and quantities
2. Trade Assurance Protection: Never import without this; it protects your capital if the supplier sends non-conforming goods
3. Early Customs Broker Engagement: Contact your broker at the negotiation stage (Step 5) to confirm HS codes and regulatory requirements; don’t wait until cargo arrives
4. Capital Reserve: Keep 20-30% additional capital available for unexpected storage fees, handling charges, or tariff recalculations
5. Product Validation Before Full-Scale Import: Always request samples and test market demand (via Mercado Libre or social media) before committing to 500+ unit orders
6. Regulatory Compliance Confirmation: If your product requires ISP, SAG, or SEC certification, obtain pre-approval from the relevant Chilean authority before importing; rejection at customs is costly
Common Errors to Avoid
- Underestimating lead times: Build in 10-15% time buffer; assume delays
- Ignoring weight/volume calculations: CBM miscalculation inflates freight costs unexpectedly
- Poor supplier vetting: Rushing to place large orders without Trade Assurance protection or adequate sample inspection
- Forgetting local costs: Only calculating FOB price, then being surprised by arancel, IVA, broker fees, and storage
- No sales plan: Importing goods without pre-existing sales channels or audience
- Insufficient capital: Running out of money for import taxes when goods arrive
- Neglecting labeling requirements: Spanish-language labels are mandatory; English-only packaging causes customs rejections
This comprehensive process ensures that imports are compliant, cost-efficient, and positioned for profitability. Success depends on systematic execution across all eight phases, beginning with product validation and concluding with effective distribution in the Chilean market.