Chile has one of Latin America’s most sophisticated regulatory frameworks for imports. While the country has relatively few outright prohibitions compared to other nations, it enforces strict requirements on specific product categories. Understanding these regulations before sourcing from China is critical—importing prohibited items can result in cargo seizure, fines of 50-200% of goods value, and potential criminal charges.
This comprehensive guide categorizes Chilean import restrictions, identifies regulated products requiring pre-approval, and explains compliance pathways for each category.
The Three-Tier Regulatory Framework
Tier 1: Absolutely Prohibited (No Import Allowed Under Any Circumstances)
| Product Category | Why Prohibited | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Second-hand vehicles and motorcycles | Environmental & safety concerns | Seizure; fines up to 200% of value |
| Used/recapped tires | Safety and waste concerns | Seizure; destruction at importer cost |
| Asbestos in any form | Health hazard (carcinogenic) | Seizure; criminal charges possible |
| Toxic industrial waste | Environmental damage | Seizure; criminal charges |
| Pornography | Legal/moral prohibition | Seizure; legal consequences |
| Certain pesticides (banned types) | Environmental/health | Seizure; fines |
| Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables) | Phytosanitary risk | Seizure; re-export or destruction |
| Certain toys with banned chemicals (toluene-based solvents) | Child safety | Seizure; fines |
Action if You Import Prohibited Items:
- Goods seized at port
- Shipment destroyed at importer’s cost ($500-5,000+)
- Potential fines: 50-200% of goods value
- Customs broker loses accreditation
- Possible criminal charges (serious violations)
Prevention: Research product category thoroughly before sourcing. Check with customs broker or regulatory agency if uncertain.
Tier 2: Regulated but Importable (Require Pre-Approval or Certifications)
These products can be imported but require government approval, certifications, or compliance with specific standards before clearing customs.
Major Regulated Product Categories
1. Food and Beverages (Administered by SAG + ISP + Ministry of Health)
Scope: ALL food products, including processed foods, supplements, and beverages
What’s Required:
A. Pre-Import Registration (ISP – Instituto de Salud Pública)
For processed foods:
- ISP registration 2-4 weeks before import
- Cost: $500-2,000 CLP per product category
- Valid for 1 year (must renew annually)
- Product Process Monograph (detailed manufacturing documentation)
Timeline: Start ISP registration process BEFORE placing order with supplier (takes 2-4 weeks minimum)
B. Certificates Required
| Certificate | Issued By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Free Sale | Health authority in origin country (FDA for US) | Certifies product is legally sold in origin country |
| Sanitary Certificate (animal products only) | Agricultural ministry of origin country | Declares freedom from animal diseases |
| Phytosanitary Certificate (plant products only) | Agricultural ministry of origin country | Declares freedom from plant pests |
| Certificate of Origin | Chamber of Commerce in origin country | Enables FTA duty reduction (0% vs 6%) |
Critical Detail: SAG approves within 12 hours if certifications are compliant. Without these, goods are detained.
C. Special Requirements by Product Type
Fresh Produce: ❌ PROHIBITED. Chile does NOT allow importation of fresh fruits, vegetables, or any unprocessed plant material.
Processed Foods: ✅ Allowed, but each import requires:
- ISP pre-approval per shipment
- Process Monograph submitted
- Sanitary/Phytosanitary certificates
- Certificate of Free Sale
- Spanish labeling meeting Chilean food regulations
Meat/Animal Products: ✅ Allowed for processed/cooked only; restricted species allowed
- Must originate from USDA-inspected or equivalent facilities
- Sanitary certificate mandatory
- Cold chain requirements
Supplements and Nutraceuticals: ✅ Allowed but most restrictive category
- Must be registered as “food supplement,” not “medicine”
- Monograph evaluation required
- Ingredient list must meet strict limits on bioactive compounds
- Many popular ingredients (banned in Chile) make it impossible to import
Example: Supplements containing certain herbal extracts or concentrated nutrients exceeding Chilean limits cannot be imported, even if legal in US/EU.
Alcoholic Beverages: ✅ Allowed
- SAG control required
- Special labeling requirements
- Tariffs higher than non-alcoholic (15-20% typical)
Timeline for Food Import:
- ISP pre-registration: 2-4 weeks
- Customs clearance upon arrival: 12-24 hours (if documents complete)
- Total first import: 3-5 weeks minimum
Cost Impact:
- ISP registration: $500-2,000 per product
- Certificates/documentation: $200-500
- Broker fees: $150-300
- Total regulatory cost: $850-2,800 per product category
Compliance Pathway:
- Select product type (processed food, supplement, meat, etc.)
- Research Chilean limits on key ingredients (some may be prohibited)
- Obtain all certificates from supplier (Free Sale, Sanitary, Phytosanitary, CoO)
- Submit ISP application 2-4 weeks before import with complete documentation
- Receive ISP approval (if qualified)
- Place order with supplier
- Upon arrival: SAG verifies certificates (12 hours); release follows
2. Electronics and Electrical Products (Administered by SEC)
Scope: Most electrical products including home appliances, computers, phones, chargers, lighting, power tools
What’s Required:
SEC Certification (Superintendencia de Electricidad y Combustibles)
Products Requiring Certification:
- Home appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, washing machines)
- Power tools and industrial equipment
- Lighting products and fixtures
- Energy measuring devices
- Computer peripherals requiring safety certification
- Audio/video equipment (televisions under 65″)
- Chargers and power supplies
- Medical electrical equipment
Products NOT Requiring SEC:
- ✅ Simple passive electronics (cables, adapters without active components)
- ✅ Some consumer gadgets with very low power (<5W)
- ✅ Previously certified products (if certificate current)
Certification Pathway (2025 Changes Important):
Pre-February 22, 2026 (Traditional Certification):
- Formal SEC approval required before commercialization
- Timeline: 10-20 working days
- Cost: $1,500-5,000 CLP
- Laboratory testing required in Chile
Post-February 22, 2026 (New Self-Declaration System – Resolution 737):
- For most non-medical electronics: Self-declaration model
- Importer/manufacturer certifies compliance via QR code
- QR code on packaging links to compliance documentation
- Medical devices still require formal certification
- Timeline: Immediate (no pre-approval needed)
- Cost: Minimal (just QR code requirement)
Important For 2026 Importers:
- Transition to self-declaration effective Feb 22, 2026
- QR code must be on packaging with compliance documentation
- Retailers can sell immediately upon import clearance
- SEC retains enforcement authority for inspections
Requirements for Any Certification:
- Product model name MUST match exactly across invoice, certificate, and packaging (even small differences = rejection)
- Test reports acceptable if performed by accredited labs following FCC or CE standards
- Power output must comply with Chile’s specific frequency limits
- Spanish labeling with technical specifications
Cost Impact:
- SEC certification (old system): $1,500-5,000
- SEC self-declaration setup (new system): Minimal cost
- Testing/documentation: $500-2,000
- Total: $2,000-7,000 per product model
Compliance Pathway:
- Check if product requires certification (contact SEC if unsure)
- Obtain CE or FCC test reports from manufacturer (usually provided)
- Verify model name matches exactly across all documentation
- Pre-Feb 22, 2026: Submit for formal SEC certification (10-20 days)
- Post-Feb 22, 2026: Prepare self-declaration + QR code packaging
- Upon import: SEC clears based on compliance documentation
Red Flag: Mismatch between product model in test report and actual product model is most common rejection reason.
3. Wireless/Telecom Products (Administered by SUBTEL)
Scope: Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, cellular phones, wearables, IoT devices, any wireless device using radio frequencies
What’s Required:
SUBTEL Certification/Compliance
Medical Devices: ✅ Formal certification required
Non-Medical Wireless Devices: ✅ Self-declaration as of Feb 22, 2026
Requirements:
- Compliance with Chilean frequency bands (different from US FCC)
- Power output within Chilean limits
- Test reports from accredited labs
- Post-Feb 22, 2026: QR code with compliance documentation on packaging
- Model name must match exactly across all documents
Timeline:
- Pre-Feb 22, 2026: 2-4 weeks for formal certification
- Post-Feb 22, 2026: Immediate (self-declaration)
Cost: $1,000-3,000 per product type
4. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products (Administered by ISP)
Scope: All cosmetics, skincare, hair care, makeup, personal care items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.)
What’s Required:
ISP Registration
Registration Process:
- One-time registration valid indefinitely (unlike food products)
- Comprehensive documentation including formula, safety data, testing reports
- ISP evaluates for safety and regulatory compliance
- Approval timeline: 30-60 days
Key Regulatory Distinction:
- Cosmetics: Registered once; can import repeatedly afterward
- Drugs/Medicines: Require different approval pathway; avoid categorization as “drug”
Common Problem: Products containing pharmaceutical-grade ingredients get misclassified as “drugs” instead of “cosmetics,” making them unimportable.
Critical Secret: Ingredient limits and formulation matter tremendously. Many cosmetic formulations legal in US/EU exceed Chilean limits, making them unimportable.
Example: Some brightening skincare products containing certain actives (hydroquinone above limit, certain plant extracts) are prohibited in Chile.
Requirements:
- Complete ingredient list
- Safety data sheets
- Stability testing reports (if required)
- Production process documentation
- Labeling in Spanish with required warnings
- Manufacturing facility certification (GMP)
Cost: $1,500-4,000 for ISP registration per product
Post-Registration: Can import repeatedly with:
- Certificate of Free Sale from origin country
- Spanish-language labeling
- Original ISP certificate copy on file
5. Textiles and Clothing (Administered by Consumer Protection Agencies)
Scope: ALL clothing, footwear, textiles, fabrics intended for sale
What’s Required:
Mandatory Spanish Labeling
Labels Must Include (In Spanish):
- Fiber composition with percentage (to 100% total)
- Care instructions (wash, dry, iron temperature)
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer/importer name and address
- Size dimensions
- Brand name
Labeling Format:
- Must be permanent (sewn, not sticker)
- Indelible and easily readable
- Information on single or multiple labels
- All text in simple Spanish
Compliance Timeline: Labels must be applied BEFORE import (at factory, not after clearing customs)
Cost: $0-500 (typically included in labeling cost at factory)
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Goods held at customs; must relabel before release ($500-2,000 cost typically)
Best Practice: Specify labeling requirements to Chinese supplier BEFORE production; ensure supplier understands Spanish labeling requirements and includes costs in quote.
6. Chemicals and Hazardous Substances (Administered by Ministry of Environment + SAG)
Scope: Cleaning products, pesticides, adhesives, solvents, paint thinners, industrial chemicals
What’s Required:
Notification and Authorization
For Chemicals Exceeding 1 Ton/Year Import:
- Register in Substance Notification System
- Submit to Ministry of Environment
- Classification per GHS (Globally Harmonized System)
- Authorization from Environmental Authority
Restricted/Prohibited Chemicals:
- Ozone-depleting substances (CFCs)
- Persistent organic pollutants
- Specific pesticides banned in Chile
- Products above certain toxicity thresholds
Hazardous Labeling Requirement:
- GHS-compliant labeling in Spanish
- Safety Data Sheets (in Spanish)
- Proper classification and warning symbols
Timeline: 30-60 days for authorization (before import)
Cost: $500-2,000 per chemical product
Agricultural Pesticides: Require separate SAG approval (very restrictive; most formulations prohibited unless used only in authorized crops)
7. Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals (Administered by Ministry of Health)
Scope: Medical devices, medications, diagnostic equipment, supplements with pharmaceutical claims
What’s Required:
Medical Device/Pharmaceutical Registration
Medical Devices:
- Must be registered with Ministry of Health
- Clinical evidence of efficacy/safety required
- Spanish-language instructions for use
- Substantial documentation package
- Timeline: 60-120 days minimum
Pharmaceuticals:
- Highly restricted; generally not importable by individual importers
- Requires pharmaceutical distributor license
- Extensive regulatory approval
- Typically not feasible for small importers
Supplements/Nutraceuticals: Often fall into grey area (cosmetic vs. pharmaceutical); classification is critical and determines import feasibility
Cost: $2,000-10,000+ for registration
Reality: Most small importers avoid this category due to complexity and cost.
Product-Specific Import Checklist
Use this checklist BEFORE sourcing any product category:
For ANY Product:
- ☐ Confirm product is not on Chile’s prohibited list (asbestos, certain pesticides, fresh produce, pornography, etc.)
- ☐ Identify regulatory authority (SAG = agriculture; ISP = health/pharma/cosmetics; SEC = electronics; etc.)
- ☐ Determine pre-approval requirements (Do you need government permission before importing?)
- ☐ Budget for regulatory costs ($500-5,000 typical range)
- ☐ Confirm Spanish labeling requirements
- ☐ Request supplier provide certifications (Certificate of Origin, Free Sale, etc.)
- ☐ Allow 2-4 weeks for pre-import approvals before placing order
For Food:
- ☐ Confirm ISP pre-registration required (yes for processed; check for supplements)
- ☐ Obtain Certificate of Free Sale from origin country
- ☐ Obtain Sanitary/Phytosanitary certificates (if applicable)
- ☐ Confirm Spanish labeling with ingredient list, nutritional info, warnings
- ☐ Start ISP registration 2-4 weeks before placing supplier order
For Electronics:
- ☐ Check if SEC certification required (most appliances/tools yes)
- ☐ Obtain test reports (FCC or CE acceptable)
- ☐ Confirm model name EXACTLY matches across all documents
- ☐ After Feb 22, 2026: Prepare QR code packaging with compliance documentation
- ☐ Ensure Spanish labeling with electrical specifications
For Textiles:
- ☐ Specify Spanish labeling requirements to supplier (during quote, BEFORE production)
- ☐ Include labeling cost in supplier agreement
- ☐ Verify labels are sewn-in (permanent) at factory
- ☐ Request samples with labeling before mass production
For Cosmetics:
- ☐ Research if ingredients are permitted in Chile (many US/EU formulations exceed limits)
- ☐ Confirm ISP registration path (cosmetic vs. pharmaceutical classification)
- ☐ Prepare complete documentation for ISP application
- ☐ Allow 30-60 days for ISP approval before importing
- ☐ Budget $1,500-4,000 for ISP registration
For Chemicals:
- ☐ If >1 ton/year: Verify notification requirement with Ministry of Environment
- ☐ Confirm not on restricted list
- ☐ Prepare GHS classification and Spanish SDS
- ☐ Obtain environmental authorization if required
Recent Regulatory Changes (2025-2026)
1. VAT Elimination on Low-Value Imports (October 2025)
Change: Previously goods under USD $41 exempt from VAT; now ALL imports subject to VAT (19%)
Impact: Small imports now 19% more expensive; no more VAT-free threshold
Action: Budget 19% VAT for all import values
2. Electronics Self-Declaration System (February 2026)
Change: Most electronics transition from pre-market certification to self-declaration + QR code
Impact: Faster market entry; lower compliance costs; self-assessment responsibility increases
Action: Prepare QR code packaging with compliance documentation for electronics post-Feb 22, 2026
3. Cosmetics Decision 944 Updates (Andean Community June 2025)
Change: Eliminates mandatory Spanish translation of technical documentation; allows original-language submissions
Impact: Reduces cost and processing time for cosmetics registration
Action: For cosmetics, can now submit English-language technical documentation (if national authority permits)
4. Pesticide Authorization Updates (SAG 2025)
Change: SAG modernizing pesticide approval system; introducing new authorization pathways for microbial pesticides
Impact: Slightly more flexibility for specific product types; still highly restrictive
Regulatory Costs Summary by Product Category
| Category | Regulatory Cost | Timeline | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | $1,500-5,000 | 10-20 days (or immediate post-Feb 2026) | Medium |
| Food/Supplements | $500-2,000 per product | 2-4 weeks pre-import | High |
| Cosmetics | $1,500-4,000 | 30-60 days | High |
| Textiles | $0-500 | Labeling at factory | Low |
| Chemicals | $500-2,000 | 30-60 days | High |
| Medical Devices | $2,000-10,000+ | 60-120 days | Very High |
| Wireless/Telecom | $1,000-3,000 | 2-4 weeks (or immediate post-Feb 2026) | Medium |
Conclusion: Regulatory Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
Chilean regulations exist to protect consumers, the environment, and local businesses. Unlike some countries where non-compliance results in minor fines, Chile enforces regulations strictly:
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- ✅ Goods seized and destroyed
- ✅ Fines of 50-200% of goods value
- ✅ Customs broker loses accreditation
- ✅ Importer blacklisted from future imports
- ✅ Potential criminal charges (serious violations)
The Key to Success:
- ✅ Identify regulatory category BEFORE sourcing
- ✅ Research and budget for regulatory costs ($500-5,000)
- ✅ Start pre-approvals 2-4 weeks before ordering
- ✅ Ensure supplier provides all required certifications
- ✅ Verify Spanish labeling requirements upfront
- ✅ Work with experienced customs broker familiar with your product category
Best Practice: For first import in any new product category, hire a regulatory consultant ($500-1,000) to verify all requirements before committing to supplier order. This prevents $5,000-50,000+ losses from importing non-compliant goods.
Chile’s regulatory framework is sophisticated, but it’s manageable if you plan ahead. Most failed imports occur not because regulations are unreasonable, but because importers didn’t plan ahead and secure approvals before goods arrived at port.
Plan ahead. Budget properly. Verify compliance. Success follows.