Chile, renowned for its diverse landscapes and robust economy, joined China’s “Belt and Road” initiative in 2018. As China has long been Chile’s largest exporter and importer, understanding the nuances of shipping from China to Chile is crucial for efficient trade.

Shipping to Chile from China

Navigating the complexities of shipping to Chile from China can significantly impact your business. This guide covers essential aspects of importing into Chile.

Chile Customs Duty (0%) and Tax (19%)

Chile’s standard customs duty is 6%, but thanks to an extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs), products from China can benefit from zero-rate customs duties.

To qualify for duty-free status under the Chile-China FTA, importers must provide a Certificate of Origin. If a certificate is not provided but the goods meet the origin rules, importers can request a refund within one year. Contact TCF to obtain your Certificate of Origin and leverage the FTA benefits.

All imports are subject to a 19% Value Added Tax (IVA), the same as for domestic goods.

Every shipment requires specific documents. By partnering with TCF, you ensure that all necessary paperwork is prepared efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Sea Freight from China to Chile

Shipping goods to Chile, whether for the first time or regularly, involves several considerations. Sea freight is ideal for a variety of cargo, including commercial goods, personal effects, household items, vehicles, machinery, and oversized loads.

Advantages of FCL/LCL Shipping Service to Chile:

• Competitive ocean freight rates
• Ability to transport all kinds of cargo
• Good storage capacity in containers
• Streamlined export and import procedures in Chile
• Frequent trips and flexible schedules with transshipments

Top Container Ports in Chile

Chile’s seaports play a vital role in its trade operations. With over 70 deep seaports along its Pacific coastline, these ports handle 95% of the country’s foreign trade.

• San Antonio: The premier port and busiest on the western South American coastline, located about 100 kilometers from Santiago.
• Valparaiso
• Coronel
• Talcahuano/San Vicente
• Lirquen
• Iquique
• Arica
• Antofagasta
• Austral

Sea Freight Cost to Chile

The cost of shipping a 20ft container to Chile ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 USD, while a 40ft container costs between $5,000 and $8,000 USD.

These rates are indicative and can vary based on factors such as the container type, fuel prices (BAF), cargo dimensions and weight, the shipping company, the destination port, and the route (direct or with transshipment). For a precise quote, please request a rate.

For smaller loads, less-than-container-load (LCL) shipping is a cost-effective option, allowing you to share container space and expenses with other shipments to the same destination.

Sea Freight Transit Time to Chile

The average transit time for shipping a container to Chile is 40-45 days. We handle all aspects of your sea transport, including customs clearance, so you can focus on your business.

Air Freight from China to Chile

At TCF, we offer tailored air freight services to Chile, adhering to high-quality standards. Our team of air cargo experts is ready to handle urgent situations and deliver reliable service.

Air Freight Services Include:

• Express and courier services
• Consolidated services
• Customs clearance
• Transport insurance
• Door-to-airport delivery
• Airport-to-door delivery
• Airport-to-airport delivery
• Door-to-door delivery

Top Air Freight Airport – Santiago Airport

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is Chile’s largest and busiest international airport, serving as the primary gateway to the capital.

Air Freight Cost to Chile

Air freight to Santiago is highly reliable and often preferred for time-sensitive shipments. Costs are approximately $5-8 USD per kilogram. Due to the speed and the potential for combining with ground transport, air freight can be more efficient and cost-effective.

Different airlines offer various routes from Hong Kong to Santiago:

Working with TCF

Importing and exporting are integral to modern business. International shipping from China to Chile presents significant opportunities but can also be complex. By partnering with TCF, you can navigate the complexities of international trade with ease. We offer comprehensive forwarding solutions, including port-to-port, airport-to-airport, and door-to-door services, along with document preparation, customs clearance, warehousing, and express mailings.