Chile Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Chile customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or the import of personal effects into Chile. Customs procedures are administered by the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (National Customs Service) and must be followed carefully to avoid delays or unexpected charges.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients relocating from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Chile, providing export packing, ocean/air freight, customs documentation and delivery to Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concepción and other regions.

1. Moving to Chile – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Chile may grant duty and tax relief on used household goods and personal effects for:

Foreign nationals with valid temporary or permanent residence
Chilean citizens returning after an extended stay abroad
Shipments that are clearly non-commercial in nature

Goods must generally be used, previously owned and intended for personal use, not resale.

Important: New items, high-value electronics and luxury goods are more likely to be taxed and inspected.

1.2 Timing of Shipment

Your household goods should arrive within a reasonable period of your own entry into Chile. Customs may request proof of entry date and residence status before granting any relief.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Chilean ID or residence visa (if applicable)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list with item descriptions
Customs declaration forms as required by Chilean Customs
Proof of residence or employment in Chile (for some categories)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List electronics with brand, model and serial numbers
Avoid vague categories such as “miscellaneous household goods”
Highlight any high-value items for customs reference
New goods should be identified separately and may require invoices

H-H Relocations Tip: Chilean Customs may carry out detailed inspections at ports such as Valparaíso and San Antonio. A clear inventory helps speed up clearance and reduces questions.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Chile

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing vehicles into Chile is tightly regulated and may involve significant duties and compliance checks. Rules differ for diplomats, returning Chilean residents and foreign nationals.

Most non-diplomatic household goods shipments cannot include vehicles duty-free
Vehicles must comply with Chilean safety and emissions standards
Taxes and duties are based on value, age and engine size

3.2 Recommended Approach

In many cases, purchasing a vehicle locally in Chile is more practical than importing one, once duties and compliance costs are considered.

Important: Always confirm the latest vehicle import rules before planning to ship a car, motorcycle or other vehicle.

4. Bringing Pets to Chile

Chile permits the import of pets, subject to veterinary and health requirements designed to protect animal and public health.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate where applicable
Compliance with Chilean agricultural and livestock regulations
Inspection on arrival by SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) officials

Pet Travel Tip: Regulations can vary by origin country. Start preparations well in advance and ensure all documents are in Spanish or accompanied by an approved translation if required.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol included in household goods shipments is subject to duty and tax. Undeclared alcohol may be seized or result in penalties. It is recommended to avoid shipping alcohol with personal effects.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared. Duties apply, and commercial-level quantities are prohibited without authorization.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Chile enforces extremely strict agricultural import rules under SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero). The following are generally not permitted in household goods shipments:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, fish and dairy products
Plants, soil, seeds and untreated wood
Any items that could transport pests or diseases

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription drugs must include a doctor’s letter and original packaging
Chemicals may require special permits
Weapons and ammunition are prohibited without government authorization
Cultural artifacts may require approval from Chilean heritage authorities

Important: SAG inspections are detailed and rigorous. Agricultural violations may result in immediate confiscation and fines.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Chile

Chile prohibits the import of the following items in personal effects shipments:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition and explosives (without permits)
Fresh food, plants, seeds and soil
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Pornographic or obscene material
Toxic chemicals and hazardous substances
Multiple identical items that imply commercial use
New or high-value goods not declared properly

Chilean Customs and SAG jointly enforce these restrictions. Non-compliance can lead to confiscation, penalties or customs delays.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Chile

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Canada to Chile, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare a detailed and well-organized inventory
Flag all high-value electronics and keep proof of ownership
Avoid shipping new or unopened items
Plan for SAG inspection delays at major entry ports

7.2 Why choose a Chile relocation specialist

Chile’s customs process is transparent but highly detailed. Partnering with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Correct documentation for Customs and SAG
Accurate classification of restricted items
Efficient port handling in Valparaíso or San Antonio
Door-to-door delivery coordination across Chile

Relocation Tip: Chilean Customs focuses strongly on new goods and non-essential electronics. Keep invoices and avoid packing items that look unused.

8. Useful Official Links – Chile

Use these official government resources for updated customs regulations:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Chile. Final import decisions rest with Chilean Customs (Aduanas) and SAG.