Stage 1 · Origin preparation
Coordination with your factory: documentary requirements, packing conditions and shipment planning aligned with Chilean entry rules.
Stage 2 · International transport
Sea vs. air decision, FCL/LCL consolidation, cargo insurance coverage and transit traceability.
Stage 3 · Customs and regulators
Import declaration, duty payment, SAG and/or SEREMI inspection depending on product category.
Stage 4 · Clearance and distribution
Cargo release, certified warehouse intake and dispatch to end customers.
Common reasons cargo gets rejected
Incomplete documentation, mistranslated labels, expired certificate validity windows and insufficient samples.
Key facts
- Typical total time
- 25–45 days sea · 5–10 days air (excluding documentary preparation)
- Mandatory broker
- Licensed Customs broker for operations > USD 1,000 FOB
- Regulators
- SAG (plant/animal) · SEREMI (processed) · Aduana (always)
- Typical clearance costs
- Variable by CIF value, tariff partition and category
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full import process typically take?
Depends on origin and category. For food without observations: 25–45 days from shipment to clearance via sea, 5–10 days via air. Documentary preparation upstream takes an additional 2–4 weeks.
Is a customs broker mandatory in Chile?
Yes. For operations above USD 1,000 FOB in Chile, a licensed Customs broker (Agente de Aduanas) is mandatory, with case-by-case exceptions defined by Chile's National Customs Service.
Which products require SAG approval?
Plant- and animal-origin products and their byproducts require SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero — Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service) clearance. This includes grains, flours, oils, dairy, meats and derivatives.
And which require SEREMI de Salud?
Processed food for human consumption, dietary supplements, cosmetics and personal hygiene products require SEREMI de Salud (Regional Health Authority) authorization or sanitary registration depending on the case.
Are there trade agreements that reduce tariffs on food?
Yes. Chile has TLC (free trade agreements) with the EU, EFTA, Mercosur, CPTPP, US, China and many more. Tariff preferences depend on country of origin and the product's tariff partition.