How to import from China to Chile, step by step
By Martín Novoa, Founder of Dinasty Partners · Updated · 7 min read
Short answer
To import from China to Chile you need a Chilean tax ID (RUT) with a registered line of business, a verified factory, an approved sample, a purchase contract with a defined Incoterm, ocean freight, a certificate of origin to apply the Chile–China Free Trade Agreement, and customs clearance with a DIN filed at Chilean Customs. Shipments above US$ 3,000 FOB must be cleared by a licensed customs broker.
What do you need before you start?
Goods are imported in the buyer's name, so the first step is a RUT registered with the SII (Chile's tax authority) and a line of business that matches what you plan to sell. It can be a company or an individual with a registered business activity. Without it, the cargo cannot be cleared or formally invoiced.
If you buy through Dinasty Partners, you don't need to be an importer: Dinasty imports in its own name and sells you the product delivered in Chile, with a tax invoice (factura) if you have a company or a receipt (boleta) if you buy as an individual.
- A RUT with business activities registered at the SII.
- A product spec sheet: dimensions, materials, colors, packaging and quantity.
- A total budget that covers freight, insurance, taxes and local transport, not just the factory price.
- A realistic target date: between 60 and 105 days from sample approval, depending on the product.
The 8 steps of an import from China
- Factory search: request quotes from 3 to 5 manufacturers in the category, not from middlemen.
- Verification: Chinese business license, a visit or audit, and references.
- Sample: a sample is made to your specifications and with your brand, and revised until you approve it.
- Purchase order: price, quantity, Incoterm (FOB is the norm), payment terms and completion date.
- Production and quality control: inspection before shipment, not once the cargo has already arrived.
- Freight: full container (FCL) or consolidated cargo (LCL), depending on volume.
- Documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (BL) and certificate of origin.
- Clearance and delivery: the customs broker files the DIN, duties and VAT (IVA) are paid, and the cargo leaves the port for your warehouse.
How long does importing from China take?
| Product type | Lead time from sample approval |
|---|---|
| Standard product (already made by the factory) | 60 to 75 days |
| Custom product, with sample development | 90 to 105 days |
| Corporate gifts based on a known product | 6 to 8 weeks |
Which documents does Chilean Customs require?
| Document | Issued by | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | The factory | Sets the value of the goods |
| Packing list | The factory | Details packages, weights and dimensions |
| Bill of lading (BL) | The shipping line or freight forwarder | Proves transport and who collects the cargo |
| Certificate of origin | An authorized body in China | Allows 0% duty under the Chile–China FTA |
| DIN (Import Declaration) | The customs broker | Clears the goods and settles taxes |
Without a certificate of origin the FTA benefit doesn't apply and you pay the general 6% duty. Ask the factory for it when you place the purchase order, not at the end.