Latin America is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Chinese vehicles, and one of the strictest for used imports. New cars face no age limit almost anywhere, while used-vehicle rules differ sharply between markets. This page puts the regional framework into one matrix. For country navigation use the Latin America market page, and for the end-to-end process start with the complete import guide.
Latin America is one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese vehicles — from Chile's open new-car market to the Andean countries' tightening used-car rules. This guide maps the real import framework country by country: age limits, duties, ports, certification and documents. Figures are indicative; confirm with the destination customs before shipping, or ask us for a tailored quote.
Every figure below comes from the same published country facts used on our market pages. They are indicative: the destination authority's current rule is final, and several markets in the region have tightened used-vehicle and emissions rules in recent years.
Latin America is the strictest region globally for used vehicles. Chile generally prohibits used vehicles for permanent circulation under Law 18.483, Article 21; only free-trade zones such as ZOFRI Iquique and Arica may receive them for storage and re-export. Colombia effectively bans used imports, with exceptions for antiques over 30 years old, diplomats and returning residents, while new cars must be 0–2 years old and meet Euro 4 or better. Peru caps used vehicles at 2 years from manufacture and 32,000 km, and bans used diesel. Ecuador limits personal imports to 5 years from model year. Bolivia typically requires 1–3 year-old vehicles. New cars face no age limit anywhere in the region.
Chile applies 6% ad valorem duty plus 19% VAT on new cars. Peru levies 9% duty plus 19% VAT on new vehicles, with an additional 30% selective consumption tax on used cars. Colombia charges 35% duty, 19% VAT and 8–16% displacement-based excise on new cars, with preferential 5–10% duty for new energy vehicles. Ecuador applies 35% duty plus 12% VAT on used cars, with excise and a 0.5% FODINFA levy on top. Bolivia has exempted EVs from import duty since July 2021. The gap between new and used tax treatment is large enough to change landed cost decisively.
Chile clears through the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas, with technical inspection and approval by 3CV and Euro VIc required for new cars. Peru splits responsibility between SUNAT (customs) and MTC (transport), with Euro 6b emissions from October 2024. Bolivia's national tax authority handles clearance. Ecuador divides responsibility between SENAE (customs) and ANT (transport), with Euro 3++ as the minimum for used cars. Colombia clears through DIAN, with vehicle technical standards set by Resolution 5198.
EZ Auto's team has 15–20 years of experience in China's car export business. We have taken our first concrete step in Chile — building local presence and partnerships — and are now extending the same order-based, document-complete model across Latin America country by country. We do not rely on transshipment shortcuts; every car is sourced directly in China, inspected before payment, and shipped with full export documents.
A typical order runs in seven steps: you confirm the model, specification and quantity; we source and verify availability in China; you approve the unit and we sign the contract; inspection takes place before payment; export clearance and booking are arranged in China; the vehicle sails from a Chinese port and we send you the shipping documents; you clear customs on arrival with your local broker. Payment terms, delivery windows and inspection scope are agreed in the contract for each order — we do not publish standing figures, because sourcing and freight conditions change. Our role ends at the destination port; import clearance and inland delivery are handled locally, with our document support throughout.
To be explicit about scope: EZ Auto sources, inspects and exports vehicles from China and provides the export paperwork for each unit. We are not a stand-alone freight forwarder, we do not ship vehicles bought from a third-party supplier, and documents such as UN38.3 test summaries or MSDS are supplied with vehicles purchased through us — they are not sold separately and cannot be transferred to another vehicle or battery. Destination clearance and inland delivery are handled by the buyer or a licensed local broker. We publish no standing price or delivery window: terms are agreed per order in the contract.
Check the matrix first, then confirm the two decisions that shape the whole order — whether the unit is new or used, and which technical approval applies at your destination. Once the model, specification and destination port are fixed, browse current stock or send us the specification for a document-complete quotation.
Rules, rates and port practice shown here are indicative and drawn from our published country guides. Always confirm the current requirement with the destination customs authority or a licensed broker before shipment.
Buyers from our destination markets.
I took a Zeekr 9X, a Geely Monjaro and a Deepal S05. Quality is up to standard, prices are fair, and the loading was done even faster than planned. All three cars arrived without a single hitch. Thanks to the EZ Auto team — we will be back. (Translated from Russian)
We received a Geely Galaxy M9 and a Changan CS55. Both cars are new, fully equipped, and everything matches what was agreed. The managers are always reachable and helped organise the delivery. We plan to expand our range together with EZ Auto. (Translated from Russian)
I ordered two vehicles from EZ Auto: a Jetour Dashing and a Jetour X70 Plus. The cars arrived as described and in very good condition. The team replies quickly and follows the file through to delivery. I will do business with them again. (Translated from French)
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