Successfully importing into Chile requires understanding and properly preparing a specific set of documents. This comprehensive guide outlines every document type, recent regulatory changes (including 2025 updates), product-specific requirements, and practical submission procedures.
Core Documents Required for All Imports
1. Commercial Invoice (Factura Comercial)
Purpose: Proves the value and description of goods; forms the basis for duty and tax calculation.
Requirements:
- Must be issued by the exporter/supplier
- Include seller name, address, and business identification
- Include buyer/importer name and RUT (Chilean tax ID)
- Detailed description of goods (not “miscellaneous items” or “goods”; must be specific)
- Quantity and unit price for each item
- Total FOB value in USD or other currency
- Incoterm (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.)
- Seller’s signature and official stamp/seal
- Invoice date and reference number
Language: Spanish or English accepted
Critical Detail: Values must match across invoice, Bill of Lading, and Packing List. Inconsistencies trigger inspections and delays.
Recent Change (2025): RUT requirement now mandatory on all commercial invoices submitted to Chilean customs. If seller doesn’t have Chilean RUT, their country’s tax ID or identification number is acceptable.
Typical Issues to Avoid:
- ❌ Generic descriptions (“electronics,” “goods”) → rejected; must list each item
- ❌ Different values on invoice vs. B/L → triggers inspection
- ❌ Missing seller signature/stamp → document deemed invalid
- ❌ Prices only in Chinese yuan; must convert to standard currency (USD preferred)
Submission: Original or scanned copy submitted to customs broker; broker files with SICEX.
2. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
Purpose: Proof of shipment; evidences that goods were loaded and shipped; serves as title of ownership.
For Sea Freight (Bill of Lading – B/L):
Requirements:
- Original or certified copy
- Shipper (exporter) name and address
- Consignee (importer) name and Chilean address/RUT
- Notify party (often freight forwarder in Chile)
- Port of loading (Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc.)
- Port of discharge (Valparaíso, San Antonio, Puerto Montt)
- Vessel name and voyage number
- Container/reference number
- Description of goods (matches invoice)
- Total weight (actual and/or volumetric)
- Freight prepaid or collect status
- B/L number and date
- Carrier signature and stamp
For Air Freight (Air Waybill – AWB):
Requirements:
- Original AWB (12-digit number)
- Shipper, consignee, notify party
- Airport of origin and destination (Santiago SCL primary)
- Three copies (original is most important)
- Weight (actual and dimensional)
- Freight charges and terms
- Carrier name and authorization
Critical Details:
- Consignee address must be complete: Include street, number, city, postal code
- RUT requirement: Consignee’s Chilean RUT must appear on B/L as of 2025
- Dates must align: B/L date before or on invoice date
- Container numbers: If FCL, must match container physically arriving at port
Common Problems:
- ❌ Consignee listed as “Chile” or “Santiago” (too vague) → rejected
- ❌ Different spelling of importer name vs. invoice → delays
- ❌ No RUT on B/L → triggers additional verification
- ❌ “Hold for arrival” notation without specific date → causes delays
Submission: Original B/L released by shipping line once freight charges paid; forwarded to customs broker immediately upon arrival notification.
3. Packing List (Lista de Empaque)
Purpose: Details contents of each box/carton; enables customs inspection and inventory verification.
Requirements:
- Item-by-item breakdown with quantities
- Description of contents (must match invoice items)
- Weight per carton (in kilograms)
- Dimensions per carton (for CBM calculation)
- Total cartons in shipment
- Whether items are new or used
- For textiles/clothing: Number of pieces per type (e.g., “50 blue shirts size M,” not “clothing”)
- For electronics: Type, brand, model number, serial numbers
- For wooden items: Type of wood, treatment (if any)
Language: English or Spanish
Detail Level: Chilean customs requires detailed packing lists, especially for air shipments. Generic lists (“50 units of merchandise”) cause rejections.
Example Format:
PACKING LIST - Shipment from Shenzhen to Valparaíso
Carton 1-5:
- Wireless earbuds (Model X200, black) - 50 units
- Weight: 2.5 kg per carton
- Dimensions: 0.25m × 0.15m × 0.08m
Carton 6-8:
- USB-C charging cables (2m, white) - 150 units
- Weight: 1.8 kg per carton
- Dimensions: 0.30m × 0.10m × 0.06m
Total: 8 cartons, 46 kg, 8.16 CBM
Submission: Provided by exporter; forwarded by freight forwarder to customs broker.
4. Certificate of Origin (Certificado de Origen)
Purpose: Proves goods originate in a country with which Chile has a Free Trade Agreement; enables 0% or preferential tariff rates.
Critical Importance: Without Certificate of Origin, goods default to 6% MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff instead of 0% FTA rate. This costs $150-500+ per shipment in unnecessary duties.
For China-Chile FTA:
Document Type: Certificate of Origin (Form A or standard COO format)
Requirements:
- Issued by authorized body in country of origin
- For China: Can be issued by Chinese Chamber of Commerce or Exporter’s Association
- Must arrive with or before goods
- Original or certified copy acceptable
- Alternatively: Statement on Origin (starting Feb 1, 2025, for some FTAs)
Content:
- Exporter’s name, address, country of origin
- Product description matching invoice
- HS code and tariff rate
- Signature and stamp of issuing authority
- Reference number
- For China specifically: May include supplier’s RUT if available; not required but helpful
New Regulations (February 1, 2025 – EU-Chile ITA):
The EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) introduced new rules effective Feb 1, 2025:
- EUR.1 certificates no longer valid (replaced by new system)
- New document types:
- U123: Statement on origin (single shipment)
- U124: Statement on origin for multiple shipments
- U125: Importer’s knowledge
- RUT requirement: Exporter must include their RUT (Chilean) or equivalent tax ID
- Exporter’s signature: Required (handwritten or typed); can be on invoice or separate document
Important: This change applies primarily to EU-Chile trade, but Chile uses similar logic for other FTAs. Chinese suppliers should still provide traditional Certificates of Origin.
Practical Guidance:
- Request COO from supplier immediately after confirming order
- Request supplier issue COO bearing the exact product description from invoice
- Ensure COO arrives before goods arrive at Chilean port (typical: 2 days after shipment)
- Provide COO to customs broker 48 hours before DIN filing
Cost of Missing COO:
- 6% tariff × CIF value (unnecessary)
- Example: $2,500 CIF shipment = $150 extra duty
- Over 10 shipments/year = $1,500+ in avoidable costs
Submission: Emailed or physically provided to customs broker; broker incorporates into DIN (Import Declaration).
5. Import Declaration (Declaración de Importación – DIN)
Purpose: Official customs notification and request for clearance; submitted electronically via SICEX.
What It Is: The DIN is NOT a document you create; your customs broker creates and files it electronically through Chile’s SICEX (Sistema Integrado de Comercio Exterior) system.
When Filed: After goods arrive at port/airport; typically 1-3 days after arrival notification.
Broker’s Role:
- Verifies all supporting documents (invoice, B/L, packing list, COO)
- Enters goods information into SICEX
- Selects HS codes and tariff rates
- Calculates duties and taxes
- Submits DIN for customs review
Your Responsibility:
- Provide all documents to broker
- Authorize DIN filing in writing
- Ensure accuracy of information before submission
- Review broker’s calculation of duties/taxes
System: SICEX is fully electronic; no paper DIN required.
Product-Specific Documents
For Food and Beverage Imports
Required Documents (in addition to core documents above):
- Certificate of Free Sale (Certificado de Libre Venta)
- Issued by health/food authority in country of origin (e.g., FDA for US, local authority for China)
- Certifies product is legally manufactured and sold in origin country
- Requirement: Original or certified copy
- Sanitary Certificate (for animal products)
- For meat, dairy, eggs, animal-derived ingredients
- Issued by agricultural/veterinary authority in origin country
- Declares product meets Chilean sanitary requirements
- Timeline: SAG (Chilean Agricultural Service) approves within 12 hours if compliant
- Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant/vegetable products)
- For fresh produce, dried herbs, seeds, plant-derived ingredients
- Declares product free from pests and diseases
- Note: Fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited; only processed products allowed
- Timeline: SAG approves within 12 hours if compliant
- ISP Registration (Instituto de Salud Pública)
- For processed foods, supplements, beverages
- Pre-import approval required; importer must apply to ISP 2-4 weeks before importing
- Cost: $500-2,000 CLP per product category
- Timeline: ISP review takes 15-30 days
- Production Process Monograph
- Required for certain non-regulated food products (novel foods, special formulations)
- Detailed description of manufacturing process, ingredients, quality controls
- Submitted to SAG for approval
All food/beverage imports: Must have labels in Spanish with clear ingredient lists and safety warnings.
For Electronics and Electrical Products
Required Documents:
- SEC Certificate (Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles)
- Required for most electrical products (appliances, electronics, power tools)
- Certification that product meets Chilean electrical safety standards
- Validity: Must be current and valid for the specific product model/batch
- Cost: $1,500-5,000 CLP per certification
- Timeline: 10-20 working days after submission
- Product Technical Specifications
- Voltage, frequency (Chile uses 220V/50Hz)
- Power consumption
- Safety certifications (UL, CE, FCC if applicable)
- User Manual in Spanish
- Required for all electrical products
- Must include safety warnings, assembly, operation, maintenance instructions
Note: Not all electronics require SEC certification; importers should verify with SEC or customs broker which products are covered.
For Agricultural Products (Non-Food)
Required Documents:
- SAG Permits
- Prior approval from Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (Chilean Agricultural Service)
- Timeline: 5-15 days for review
- Some products (fertilizers, seeds) require registration; others have restrictions
- Phytosanitary/Sanitary Certificates
- Standard for all agricultural imports
- Must declare pest and disease freedom
- Original certificates required
- Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)
- For plant products not previously approved for import
- Assessor at origin evaluates crop history and pest risk
- Timeline: 2-6 weeks
For Hazardous Materials and Chemicals
Required Documents:
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- For chemicals, pesticides, hazardous substances
- Must be in Spanish
- Include UN number, hazard classification, emergency procedures
- Certificate of Hazardous Product Approval
- Issued by SAG after review
- Timeline: SAG approves within 12 hours if compliant
- Transport Documentation
- Proper labeling and packaging declarations
- IATA or IMDG compliance for air/sea transport
For Used or Second-Hand Goods
Required Documents:
- Declaration of Used/Second-Hand Status
- Importer must declare goods are used
- Impact: Subject to 50% additional surcharge on duties
- Fumigation Certificate (if wooden packaging)
- Required for shipments from USA and certain other countries
- Certifies wood packaging treated for pests
- Standard: IPPC marking (International Plant Protection Convention)
- Original Equipment Documentation
- For used vehicles: title, registration
- For used machinery: maintenance history, technical specs
Documentation Checklist: What to Prepare Before Importing
Before placing order:
- ☐ Confirm RUT registration (Chilean tax ID)
- ☐ Identify any product regulatory requirements (ISP, SAG, SEC)
- ☐ Determine correct HS code with customs broker
- ☐ Verify FTA eligibility (0% vs. 6% tariff)
After order confirmation:
- ☐ Request detailed proforma invoice from supplier
- ☐ Provide complete Chilean address and RUT to exporter
- ☐ Request Certificate of Origin (for China FTA goods)
- ☐ For regulated products: Start SAG/ISP pre-approval process (2-4 weeks lead time)
Before production/shipment:
- ☐ Request pre-production inspection (optional but recommended)
- ☐ Confirm production lead time and shipment date
- ☐ Provide detailed product specifications for packing list
- ☐ For food products: Verify Certificate of Free Sale availability
Upon shipment:
- ☐ Receive original commercial invoice (signed and stamped)
- ☐ Receive original B/L or AWB within 48 hours
- ☐ Receive packing list
- ☐ Receive Certificate of Origin (2-3 days after shipment)
- ☐ Verify all documents for consistency (values, descriptions, dates)
Upon arrival in Chile:
- ☐ Notify customs broker immediately
- ☐ Provide all documents to broker
- ☐ Verify broker’s DIN calculation of duties/taxes
- ☐ Authorize DIN filing in SICEX
- ☐ Prepare funds for duty/tax payment
Recent Regulatory Changes (2025-2026)
1. RUT Requirement Enhancement (October 2025)
Change: RUT (Rol Único Tributario) now mandatory on all import documentation.
Impact:
- Commercial invoice must list importer’s RUT
- B/L must list consignee’s RUT
- COO must reference exporter’s RUT (if applicable)
- Missing RUT triggers additional verification delays
Action: Obtain and register your RUT before importing. If not Chilean resident, use passport number or foreign ID as reference.
2. VAT Changes on Low-Value Imports (October 25, 2025)
Change: Elimination of USD 41 VAT exemption; all imports now subject to VAT regardless of value.
Impact on Documents:
- Declarations must include VAT calculation
- Goods under USD 500 are duty-free (customs exemption) but VAT-liable
- Goods over USD 500 subject to both tariff and VAT
Action: Ensure broker correctly calculates VAT on CIF value (not just duty).
3. EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (February 1, 2025)
Change: EUR.1 certificates no longer valid; new origin documentation system introduced.
Document Changes:
- U123: Single-shipment origin statement
- U124: Multiple-shipment origin statement
- U125: Importer’s knowledge declaration
Action for non-EU importers: China FTA goods still use traditional COO; only EU goods affected, but monitor for similar changes to other FTAs.
4. SICEX System Enhancements (Ongoing)
Change: Broader electronic integration; 80%+ of trade now processed through SICEX.
Impact: All imports require electronic DIN filing; no paper options.
Action: Work with customs broker experienced in SICEX; ensure digital document submission 48 hours before DIN filing.
Document Submission and Timeline
Submission Process
Step 1: Prepare Documents (Before Shipment)
- Create/obtain all required documents
- Verify consistency across documents
- Provide copies to customs broker
- Confirm broker has received and reviewed
Step 2: Shipment and Transit (35-50 days maritime)
- Exporter ships goods with B/L
- Goods in transit
- Exporter sends original B/L to your address or broker
Step 3: Arrival Notification (Day 1 of arrival)
- Freight forwarder notifies broker of arrival
- Broker requests all documentation from you
- You provide: invoice, B/L, packing list, COO, any certifications
Step 4: DIN Filing (Day 2-3 after arrival)
- Broker enters data into SICEX
- Broker calculates duties and taxes
- You review and authorize filing
- Broker submits DIN electronically
Step 5: Customs Review (Day 3-7)
- Customs reviews documents (documentary review)
- Outcome 1: Approved → Sin revisión (No inspection); proceed to payment
- Outcome 2: Inspection needed → Scheduled for physical verification
Step 6: Payment (Day 4-8)
- Calculate final duties/taxes from broker
- Transfer payment to Chilean Treasury via broker’s escrow
- Broker confirms payment receipt to customs
Step 7: Release (Day 5-10)
- Customs releases goods
- Broker notifies you of release
- Arrange final transport to your warehouse
Common Document Errors and How to Avoid Them
| Error | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice values ≠ B/L values | Physical inspection; 2-5 day delay | Triple-check all documents before sending to broker |
| Missing RUT on documents | Verification query; 1-3 day delay | Always include your 9-digit RUT on all docs |
| No Certificate of Origin | 6% tariff instead of 0% FTA | Request COO from supplier immediately after order |
| Generic product descriptions | Rejection; return to origin | Provide detailed, specific item descriptions |
| Missing Certificate of Free Sale (food) | Cargo held; ISP inspection required | Obtain pre-approval for food products |
| Wrong HS code | Reclassification; duty adjustment; delay | Verify HS code with broker before import |
| Inconsistent spelling of names | Holds for clarification; 2-3 day delay | Match names exactly across all documents |
| Undated or unsigned documents | Deemed invalid; requests for originals | Ensure all signatures, dates, stamps present |
| Food labels in English only | Non-compliant; may be rejected | Provide Spanish-language labeling requirements |
| No packing list detail (air shipment) | Air shipments specifically require detail | Provide item-by-item carton breakdown |
Document Storage and Record-Keeping
Chile requires importers to maintain records for:
- 3 years for standard goods
- 5 years for regulated products (food, chemicals, electronics)
- 7 years for imports exceeding certain values (>$50,000 USD)
Recommended Documentation Archive:
- Original commercial invoice and B/L (scanned)
- DIN filing and customs approval
- Payment receipts for duties/taxes
- Any inspection reports or correspondence
- Certificate of Origin and any product certifications
- Proof of sale (invoices to customers)
Why: Customs may audit imports 2-3 years after entry; having complete documentation prevents penalties and disputes.
Document Readiness Checklist
Before your shipment arrives in Chile, you must have:
✓ Legally registered with Chilean tax authority (RUT)
✓ Commercial invoice (signed, stamped, detailed descriptions)
✓ Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (original or certified copy)
✓ Packing list (detailed, item-by-item)
✓ Certificate of Origin (for FTA goods)
✓ Product-specific certifications (if applicable: ISP, SAG, SEC)
✓ All documents in English or Spanish
✓ Consistent values across all documents
✓ Selected customs broker (experienced with SICEX)
With these documents prepared and properly organized, you minimize delays, avoid reclassification issues, ensure accurate duty calculation, and position your import for smooth, efficient customs clearance. The greatest source of import delays is poor documentation—not legitimate regulatory issues. Professional preparation of documents is the single most cost-effective investment an importer can make.