Two product regulators
SUBTEL covers wireless gear, and SEC covers electrical safety for listed products.
Chile is one of the most open economies in Latin America. Its mines, banks, retailers and growing data center sector need a steady flow of IT equipment. Importing to Chile still needs a tax number, a licensed customs agent for larger shipments and, for wireless gear, SUBTEL certification. One missed step can stop your cargo. We act as your importer of record Chile partner and manage the filings for you.
SantiagoUSAEuropeGulfTrade lanes from Chile to the USA, Europe and Gulf
Every commercial shipment to Chile above USD 1,000 FOB needs a DIN filed by a licensed customs agent.
The National Customs Service, known as Aduanas, clears all imports.
Importers must hold a RUT, the Chilean tax number. Only a licensed agente de aduanas can file the DIN, the import declaration, for goods worth more than USD 1,000 FOB. Smaller shipments can use a simpler declaration. To import into Chile, the importer pays duty and VAT through the national treasury before release.
Exporter Managed Filings, With TradeWise as IOR
First, you share your commercial invoice and product details. Then, you name TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the country. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Chile.
Ask about import setupChile spotlight
Every Chile shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.
The importer holds a RUT with Chile's tax service.
The customs agent files the DIN with Aduanas.
Duty and VAT are paid through the treasury.
Customs checks are completed, then the goods are released.
What Aduanas Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
Aduanas clears all imports.
The general duty rate is 6% of the CIF value, but trade agreements cut it to zero for goods from China, the United States, the EU and many others. VAT of 19% is charged on top. Are you wondering how to import laptops and servers to Chile? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
South America region
South American customs authorities review data before the cargo arrives. Port delays happen when one document is missing or does not match. That is where TradeWise steps in. Our specialists check SUBTEL certificates, origin records and HS classification before your shipment leaves, keeping your Chile import customs clearance on schedule.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
SUBTEL covers wireless gear, and SEC covers electrical safety for listed products.
The 0% duty rate only applies with a valid certificate of origin.
Only a licensed customs agent can file a DIN above USD 1,000 FOB.
Cargo moves north or south by road from the central ports. Plan extra days for remote sites.
Chile tightened VAT on small imports in 2025.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Chile.
TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services Chile team helps you import IT equipment to Chile without penalties or delay.
IORWe work with the customs agent and SUBTEL, so every approval is ready on time. Nothing waits for paperwork.
AduanasOur team values your goods from the beginning. We work to avoid costly revaluations of your goods.
ValuationThese are the Chile import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Chile? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.
Most Important for Tech Imports
SUBTEL, the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications, certifies equipment that uses the radio spectrum. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID and IoT devices cannot be sold without it. Mobile phones follow their own approval route. SUBTEL reviews CE or FCC test reports.
TradeWise compiles and submits the full SUBTEL file for you to support Chile import customs clearance. Plan extra time for review.
The National Customs Service handles imports and exports. It assesses duty and VAT.
The Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels certifies listed electrical products for safety. Approved goods carry the SEC QR code.
Licensed agents file DINs for importers. The importer stays responsible for what is declared.
Chile is an open economy built on copper, lithium, fruit and services. San Antonio and Valparaíso are the main seaports. Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is the main air cargo gateway.
Its main trading partners include China, the United States, Brazil and Japan.
Two regulators, origin rules and long inland routes are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.
Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines. Book early in December.
18 and 19 September
The main national holidays. Offices close, often for several days.
21 May
A national holiday. Offices close.
Late December
Offices and ports slow down.
Every Week
The weekend in Chile. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
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