Resource · Glossary

Comex glossary

Reference dictionary of foreign trade terms applicable to Chile: Incoterms, customs regimes, international certifications and frequent acronyms.

Table of contents
  1. Incoterms 2020
  2. Chilean customs regimes
  3. International certifications
  4. Chilean acronyms and bodies
  5. Financial and documentary terms
  6. Key facts
  7. FAQs

Incoterms 2020

International commercial terms defining responsibilities between buyer and seller: EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP, among others.

Content in technical review This section is pending validation by a Chilean trade consultant. The definitive version will be published once the validated draft is received.

Chilean customs regimes

Import for consumption, temporary admission, customs warehousing, free zone, drawback.

Content in technical review This section is pending validation by a Chilean trade consultant. The definitive version will be published once the validated draft is received.

International certifications

ISO 9001, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCS, HACCP, Halal, Kosher, Organic.

Content in technical review This section is pending validation by a Chilean trade consultant. The definitive version will be published once the validated draft is received.

Chilean acronyms and bodies

SAG, SEREMI, SNA (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas), DIRECON/SUBREI, ProChile, ASEXMA.

Content in technical review This section is pending validation by a Chilean trade consultant. The definitive version will be published once the validated draft is received.

Financial and documentary terms

Letter of credit, documentary collection, B/L (Bill of Lading), AWB (Air Waybill), packing list, commercial invoice.

Content in technical review This section is pending validation by a Chilean trade consultant. The definitive version will be published once the validated draft is received.

Key facts

Resource type
Glossary · quick reference
Categories covered
Incoterms · regimes · certifications · acronyms · financial terms
Update
Reviewed at every relevant regulatory change
Recommended use
Point queries · reference for commercial and Comex teams

Frequently asked questions

What is an Incoterm and what is it for?

An international agreement on who assumes costs and risks at each leg of the foreign trade operation: transport, insurance, paperwork, unloading.

Difference between FOB and CIF?

FOB (Free On Board) means the seller delivers cargo on the ship at origin port. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) additionally includes freight and insurance to destination port.

What is a free zone?

Special regime where cargo can be stored, processed and re-exported without paying Chilean duties. Iquique and Punta Arenas are the two operating free zones in Chile.

What is drawback?

Customs benefit allowing recovery of duties paid on imported inputs when the final product is exported. Applies to incentivize exports with local added value.

Who issues international certifications?

Independent accredited certification bodies (Bureau Veritas, SGS, TÜV, among others). Scope and audit depend on the specific standard.

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