Importing Personal Effects into Chile: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Chile Import Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods - Returning Citizens Shipments

• From the origin agents:
• Original Bill of Lading (BL) for ocean shipments with the values of the goods.
• Original Airway Bill (AWB) for air shipments.
• Inland Bill of Lading for land shipments.
• Inventory list correctly registered and typed. Accepted only in English or Spanish by the Chilean Customs Service.
• From the client:
• Travel Certificate (issued in Chile by Interpol). This document has a validity of 30 days.
• Photocopy of Passport. Only the identification page, with a clear photograph and legible info.
• Last entrance to Chile stamped in the Passport.
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean agent).

• Tax exemptions apply only to used HHG and are applied depending on the length of their stay abroad:
• Between 6 and 12 months: US$675.00 FOB. No interruptions are allowed.
• Between 1 and 5 years: US$4,050 FOB. 30 days of interruptions per year are allowed.
• More than 5 years: US$6,750 FOB. 60 days of interruptions per year are allowed.
• If the value of the goods was more than USD 6,750 FOB, all the goods may be imported, however the foreign citizen shall pay the duties and taxes for the declared overage.
• This benefit is eligible under this Customs Tariff Schedule every 3 years.
• Free re-importation of goods is possible. Copies of the supporting export documents will be needed.
• Deadline to Import goods: the shipment(s) should arrive in conjunction with, or within 120 days before or after the beneficiary´s arrival in the country. Otherwise, duties and taxes of the whole amount to be imported shall be paid.
• If no tax exemptions are possible:
• Used HHG pay duties of approximately 30% over CIF value.
• All new items pay around 28% over CIF value.

• Time of Dispatch:
• Air and Land 3 working days.
• FCL 7 to 10 working days.
• LCL 7 to 10 working days.
• Almost all HHG shipments are subject to Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).
• In case of having a proceeding reimportation free, the customs verification is obligatory to check the old and the new items in the declaration.
• To obtain the Travel Certificate, the customer has to be in Chile since the latest entry stamp must appear in his or her passport.

Removal goods - Non-Citizen Shipments

• From the origin agents:
• Original Bill of Lading (BL) for ocean shipments with the values of the goods.
• Original Airway Bill (AWB) for air shipments.
• Inland Bill of Lading for land shipments.
• Inventory list correctly registered and typed. Accepted only in English or Spanish by the Chilean Customs Service.
• From the client:
• Photocopy of Passport. Only the identification page, with a clear photograph and legible info.
• Last entrance to Chile stamped in the passport.
• Photocopy of the Work or Temporary Resident Visa, both with a minimum of 365 days stamped in the passport.
• Set of customs forms supplied by Chilean agent upon the arrival of the client to our country.

• The payment of duties and taxes for entering used HHG may be exempted for non-Citizens if they have a work or a temporary visa for a period of, at least, one year.
• They may import up to US$6,750.00 FOB tax free.
• Shipments over US$6,750.00 FOB are subject to Custom duties (over the excess of this amount).
• If the visa is still in process, it is possible to clear under bonded storage in the importer´s residence and presenting official proof of the visa application in process.
• Official visa stamped in the passport must be shown to the customs service before 90 days.
• If the required visa is not presented the whole shipment is subject to Custom duties.
• A maximum of two shipments subject to exemption benefits may be imported from the same origin: one with personal effects and a second one with the household goods.
• The sum of both shipments shall not exceed USD 6,750 FOB. If exceeds, shall pay the respective taxes.
• Deadline to import Goods:
• The shipment(s) should arrive in conjunction with, or within 120 days before or after the beneficiary´s arrival in the country. Otherwise, duties and taxes of the whole amount to be imported shall be paid.
• This benefit is eligible under this Customs Tariff Schedule every 3 years.

• Same as above (except the travel certificate).

Removal Goods - Chilean Diplomats, Chilean International Officials, Ministry of Defence Personnel, Chilean Police Department and the Investigation Police shipments

• Original bill of lading.
• Inventory list.
• Photocopy of Passport.
• The corresponding Embassy or International Organism must provide the Exoneration Form issued by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean agent).

• Exempt from paying duties and taxes.

• Time of dispatch: same as above.
• Diplomatic status does not avoid Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).

Removal Goods - Foreign Diplomats and International Officials shipments

• Original bill of lading.
• Inventory list.
• Photocopy of Passport.
• The corresponding Embassy or International Organism must provide the Exoneration Form issued by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean agent).

• Exempt from paying duties and taxes.

• Time of dispatch: same as above.
• Diplomatic status does not avoid Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).

Removal Goods – Air Shipments

• Air shipments weighting 300 kilos or more:
• Thorough inspection for shipments over 300 kilos (660 lbs) gross: 1. All shipments will require an additional thorough inspection performed by the moving company at airport facilities. This is additional to the Customs inspection that is always performed. The fully inspection will delay clearance in 1 or 2 days and will increase destination and storage charges. 2. Detailed Packing list:
• Like some other countries, Chilean Customs Authorities are requesting a fully detailed packing list, especially with clothing, electronics and wooden items. This request is mandatory for all air
• shipments regardless the weight.
• Wooden items must be indicated in the Packing list (furniture, ornaments, picture or painting frames, among others).
• A detailed item by item list is required. For example, the clothes must indicate the number of pants, shirts, shoes, etc.
• Electronic devices must indicate type, brand name, model and serial number.
• If the goods are placed in 2 or more crates, the packing list must indicate which items are in which crate.

• The moving companies will not be liable for additional charges and/or the consequences for not meeting these mandatory requirements.
• Some of the consequences can be fines, additional charges, retention of the goods, destruction of the forbidden goods and smuggling prosecution.

Motorcycles

• The entrance of used motorcycles into the country is completely forbidden.

Bicycles

• As of December2014 are admitted free of taxes only those considered as a sport article or city bikes, which in number may not exceed the members of the family group. Tax free.
• This regulation is applicable for both Chileans, foreigners and diplomats in general.

Inheritance

• See Removal Goods.

New Furniture and Household Goods

• See Removal Goods.
• Original commercial invoice.

• I.V.A. (Value Added Tax) and Customs duty (approximately 28%) apply.

Works of Art and Antiques

• See Removal Goods.
• An invoice may be required, or a certificate issued by the corresponding museum or Gallery.

• Customs duty (approximately 30%).

Precious metal objects

• See Removal Goods.
• A commercial invoice may be required.

• May be entered as personal effects if in a reasonable quantity.

Household and electrical appliances

• See Removal Goods.

Carpets

• See Removal Goods.

Movies and Video Cassettes

• See Removal Goods.

Wine and alcoholic beverages

• Descriptive inventory.

• It is permitted 2.5 litres per adult duty free within a family group. Duties shall be paid for any amount that exceeds these limits.
• The taxes correspond to:
• Wines: 20.5% (calculated from the CIF value + Duties).
• Liquors: 31.5% (calculated from the CIF value + Duties).
• Allowed by S.A.G.: 30 litres of wine, 10 litres of spirits and 30 litres of beer.
• To import more than 24 bottles of the same brand of liquor or wine, S.A.G. will take a sample of 4 bottles for a composition analysis without returning them and previous payment of costs per each analysis.
• To import an amount greater than 30 litres, shipper must prepare a detailed inventory of each type and apply for an import permit from the Alcohol Division of S.A.G. (Av. Presidente Bulnes 140, Santiago) before the shipment arrives to Chile (personal procedure). Once the shipper gets this permit no sampling or analysis payment will be required.
• The importation of alcohol is permitted for Diplomats but is limited to the annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.

• Importation will increase the time, cost and exams of the customs clearance process.

Tins and Food

• Same as above.

• Non-perishable items are allowed in small quantities and must enter the country sealed or canned in their original packaging.

• The introduction of such goods is stringently controlled by S.A.G., through physical inspections, therefore it is recommended not to send such items.

Medicines

• To be submitted for approval the interested party must supply:
• Medical prescription given by the doctor treating the case.
• Health Certificate extended by competent organization in the country of origin.

• In the case that the importation of such elements is a vital necessity, it is suggested that this background information be sent beforehand to the National Health Service for approval before they are sent from their place of origin.

• It is suggested that medicines not be shipped, as they are submitted to the approval of the National Health Service which may take several weeks.
• Medicines will be removed from the shipment until cleared to enter.

Firearms

• Clearance Request (form supplied by the DGMN).
• Photocopy of the Customs Retention document.
• Criminal Record for special purposes, for Chileans.
• Character Certificate extended by the respective Embassy (only Foreigners).
• Photocopy of receipt of invoice of the firearm, if such exists.
• Payment of the current duty tariffs.

• Only sporting firearms allowed, strictly hunting or shooting types, with previous authorization by the General Directors of National Mobilization (DGMN). All corresponding customs duties and taxes are to be paid plus an additional 15%.

• These must be released to Customs upon arrival until a permit is granted.

Safe Boxes

• Safe boxes are subject to payment of taxes unless they are small, can be easily transported and handled manually.
• Safe key´s and/or passcode to must be available during physical Customs inspection so its interior content may be verified by authorities. Otherwise, safe box will be confiscated until cargo owner presents key´s and/or passcode to open it.

Wheelchairs

• Wheelchairs are not considered part of the "travel baggage" concept, unless the consignee or one of the members of the family group is disabled.
• They are subject to payment of taxes (duties plus VAT).

Prohibited Articles

• Arms, Ammunitions, dangerous objects.
• Used motorcycles, used tires. Plants and soil, medicines, narcotics, drugs, Pornographic movies or videocassettes, books.

• Only sporting weapons allowed for importation.
• These must be released to Customs upon arrival until a permit is granted.

Fumigation of wood packaging

• The Chilean Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• Shipments into or out of the country in wooden packaging, need to have a Seal, certifying that the shipment has received the required treatment (HT = Heated Treatment [a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes] or fumigation with Methyl Bromide (MT).
• The minimum temperature should not be less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time should not fall below 16 hours.
• The treatments established in the present regulation have the intent to reduce the introduction and/or the dissemination of quarantine plagues associated to the wood packing.
• The wood packing material must be marked in a visible location on each article, on at least two opposite sides of the article with a legible and permanent mark in black ink. Labels and adhesives are not allowed.
• The approved format of the mark should be

• This regulation DOES NOT apply to wood packing materials manufactured of:
• Raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less
• Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof.
• Plywood sheets & agglomerated sawdust sheets.
• Oriented wooden fibre sheets.
• Sawdust & Wooden fibre

Chile Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Chile Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Original bill of lading (OBL) for sea shipments / air waybill (AWB) for air / inland BL for land
• Inventory list, correctly registered and typed, in English or Spanish only
• Travel Certificate (Certificado de Viajes) issued in Chile by Interpol (valid for 30 days)
• Photocopy of passport (identification page with clear photo)
• Last entrance stamp to Chile visible in passport
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean destination agent)

• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) / inland BL
• Inventory list, correctly registered and typed, in English or Spanish only
• Photocopy of passport (identification page)
• Last entrance stamp to Chile visible in passport
• Photocopy of Work Visa or Temporary Resident Visa, with a minimum of 365 days, stamped in passport
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean destination agent)

• Original bill of lading
• Inventory list
• Photocopy of passport
• Exoneration Form issued by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (obtained through the corresponding embassy or international organization)
• Set of customs forms (supplied by Chilean destination agent)

Specific Information

Diplomatic shipments: Fully exempt from duties and taxes. The exemption form must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic status does not exempt shipments from Customs verification or SAG (agricultural) inspection.

120-day import window: The shipment must arrive in conjunction with, or within 120 days before or after, the beneficiary's arrival in Chile. If this deadline is missed, the entire shipment is subject to full duties and taxes.

Definitive importation deadline: Definitive importation of the goods must be completed within 90 days.

All shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). This can cause delays; plan accordingly.

ISPM 15 (wood packaging): Mandatory. All wood packing and wood items must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Shipments arriving without the required ISPM 15 seal will be returned to the country of origin at the shipper's/origin agent's expense. The Agriculture Office (SAG) may also order fumigation for wood furniture that has not been previously treated (though wood furniture itself is not required to have prior fumigation).

Air shipments over 300 kg: Since November 2018, air shipments weighing 300 kg or more require an additional thorough inspection at airport facilities (in addition to standard Customs inspection). This adds 1-2 days to clearance and increases destination and storage charges. All air shipments, regardless of weight, require a fully detailed packing list specifying: clothing (number of pants, shirts, shoes, etc.), electronics (type, brand, model, serial number), wooden items, and which items are in which crate.

Inventory language: The inventory list is accepted only in English or Spanish. Other languages will not be accepted by Chilean Customs.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free allowances for returning Chilean citizens depend on length of stay abroad:

• Between 6 and 12 months abroad: up to US$675 FOB, duty-free (no interruptions allowed)
• Between 1 and 5 years abroad: up to US$4,050 FOB, duty-free (30 days interruption per year allowed)
• More than 5 years abroad: up to US$6,750 FOB, duty-free (60 days interruption per year allowed)
• Only 1% duty is charged on CIF value for goods within the exemption threshold
• This benefit is available once every 3 years

Duty-free allowances for foreign citizens (non-citizens):

• Must have a work visa or temporary resident visa valid for at least 1 year (365 days)
• May import up to US$6,750 FOB tax-free
• Shipments over US$6,750 FOB are subject to customs duties on the excess amount
• If the visa is still being processed, clearance is possible under bonded storage at the importer's residence; the official visa stamped in the passport must be presented to Customs within 90 days, otherwise the entire shipment becomes subject to full duties
• A maximum of two shipments may be imported under this exemption from the same origin (one with personal effects, one with household goods); the combined value must not exceed US$6,750 FOB
• This benefit is available once every 3 years

When no exemptions apply:

• Used household goods: approximately 30% duty over CIF value (6% customs duty + surcharges + 19% VAT)
• New items: approximately 28% over CIF value
• Customs valuation considers depreciation for use (10% per year, up to 70% maximum discount)

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Arms, ammunition, and dangerous objects (sporting firearms allowed with DGMN permit) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Used motorcycles
• Used tires
• Plants, soil, and seeds (subject to SAG controls)
• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Pornographic materials, movies, or publications
• Medicines without National Health Service approval PERMIT REQUIRED

Alcohol:

• Adults over 18 may import 2.5 liters of alcohol duty-free (including wine)
• Amounts exceeding 2.5 liters are subject to duties and taxes of 27% or more (wines: 20.5% on CIF + duties; liquors: 31.5% on CIF + duties)
• SAG limits: 30 liters of wine, 10 liters of spirits, 30 liters of beer
• Importing more than 24 bottles of the same brand requires SAG to take 4 sample bottles for composition analysis (not returned), at the importer's expense
• Importing more than 30 liters requires a separate import permit from the SAG Alcohol Division (Av. Presidente Bulnes 140, Santiago) before the shipment arrives

Foodstuffs: Only non-perishable food, canned or sealed, in quantities limited to personal use. SAG inspection is stringent; it is recommended not to ship food items.

Firearms: Only sporting firearms (hunting or target shooting) may be imported, with prior authorization from the General Directorate of National Mobilization (DGMN). Full customs duties and taxes apply plus an additional 15%. Firearms must be released to Customs upon arrival until the permit is granted.

Medicines: Subject to approval by the National Health Service, which may take several weeks. Medicines will be removed from the shipment until cleared. It is recommended not to ship medicines; bring them in personal luggage with a doctor's prescription instead.

Safe boxes: Subject to duties unless small and manually transportable. Keys and/or passcode must be available during Customs inspection; if not, the safe will be confiscated until opened.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Dispatch times after customs clearance:

• Air and land shipments: 3 working days
• FCL (full container load): 5 working days
• LCL (less than container load): 7 working days

Travel Certificate (returning citizens): The customer must be physically in Chile to obtain this document, as the latest passport entry stamp must be presented. The certificate is valid for 30 days. This is issued by Interpol in Chile.

Visa timing (foreign citizens): If the work visa is still being processed at the time of the shipment's arrival, the goods may be cleared under bonded storage at the importer's residence. The official visa must be presented within 90 days, or the entire shipment reverts to full duties.

Two-shipment limit (foreign citizens): A maximum of two shipments may be imported under the duty-free benefit from the same origin. Combined value must not exceed US$6,750 FOB.

120-day window: All shipments must arrive within 120 days before or after the beneficiary's arrival. This deadline is strictly enforced.

Detailed packing list for air shipments: All air shipments must include item-by-item detail, including clothing counts by type, electronics with brand/model/serial numbers, and identification of wooden items. If goods are in multiple crates, the list must indicate which items are in which crate.

ISPM 15 enforcement: Chile will return non-compliant shipments to origin. This is not a fine-and-fumigate situation; the shipment goes back at the shipper's expense.

Port of entry: Principal sea freight port is Valparaiso (San Antonio also used). Air freight arrives at Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL).