South 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.
What are the rules for importing a car from China into South America?
Age limit: South 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.
Import duty & taxes: 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.
Authority & certification: 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.
Our experience in this region
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 South 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.
Sources: national customs authorities of the region, Chile (aduana.cl, 3cv.cl), Peru (sunat.gob.pe), Bolivia (aduana.gob.bo), Ecuador (aduana.gob.ec), Colombia (dian.gov.co). Last reviewed 2026-09. Duty rates, age limits and emission standards are revised periodically — treat every figure here as indicative and confirm the position in force at the time of shipment with the destination customs authority.
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, with full export documents and door-to-port logistics.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.
Why are used-car rules so different between countries?
Each country sets its own age limits, duties and emission standards. Chile restricts used imports; Peru and Ecuador allow recent used cars; Colombia mostly prohibits them. We tailor the sourcing (new vs used) to each market.
What documents do I receive?
Contract, commercial invoice, export declaration, certificate of origin, packing list and the vehicle's Chinese documents — enough for clearance in your destination country.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 30–55 days depending on the route (sea to Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia; overland via Chile for Bolivia). We keep you updated at every stage.
Should I start with new cars in Chile, or used cars in Peru and Ecuador?
It depends on the licence you hold and the working capital you want to commit. Chile is the most open market for new vehicles and already has a competitive dealer network; Peru and Ecuador admit recent used cars, so a used-car programme follows a different cost and inspection profile but faces tighter age, mileage and emission checks. Colombia is essentially a new-car market with preferential treatment for new energy models; Bolivia favours electric vehicles through duty exemptions. Several importers run two lines — new cars for Chile and Colombia, recent used cars for Peru and Ecuador.
How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?
It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.
How do we start?
Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.
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