Importing to Chile: Duty, the US-Chile FTA & the ZOFRI Free Zone Explained
Chile bans most used-car imports to the mainland, but offers 0% duty on qualifying US-origin goods and a powerful free-zone route through Iquique. Here is how to import machinery and vehicles to Chile the right way.
Seaway Project Cargo Team
Project Cargo & Heavy-Lift Specialists
Chile is a top destination for mining, energy, and industrial equipment — but its import rules surprise newcomers. Used passenger-vehicle imports to the mainland are largely prohibited, while new goods and machinery enjoy one of the lowest duty regimes in the region thanks to the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement.
Duty and VAT
| Charge | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 6% of CIF | 0% for qualifying US-origin goods under the US-Chile FTA |
| VAT (IVA) | 19% | On the CIF value plus duty |
| Other | Engine/luxury surcharge | Can apply to certain vehicles |
Source: Servicio Nacional de Aduanas / SII, last verified June 2026. Model your figure in the Import Duty & Tax Estimator.
The US-Chile FTA advantage
New or eligible machinery of US origin can often enter duty-free with a valid origin declaration — a major saving on capital equipment. This makes Chile unusually cost-effective for US-sourced project cargo compared with most of the region.
The used-vehicle ban and ZOFRI
Import of used passenger and cargo vehicles into mainland Chile is generally prohibited (narrow exceptions like returning residents). The practical workaround is the Iquique free zone (ZOFRI): goods are exempt from duty and VAT while they remain in the zone, and ZOFRI is the standard gateway for cargo bound onward to Bolivia and Paraguay.
Ports and transit
Main lanes from the US:
- Houston to San Antonio / Valparaíso — 18-30 days (container / breakbulk)
- Savannah to Iquique (ZOFRI) — 20-32 days (container / RoRo)
Why it can get tricky
- The mainland used-vehicle ban catches many shippers off guard — most used units route through ZOFRI.
- Andean and landlocked onward moves (Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina) add overland legs and border formalities.
- Winter weather (June-August) can affect Andean mountain-pass routes.
For the full destination overview see the Chile shipping guide. To move machinery or project cargo, explore project cargo or request a quote.
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