The Iquique free-trade zone is currently the only route that can legally receive used cars bound for Chile. This page sets out what it allows, what it does not, and what happens once the cargo reaches port.
Chile's restrictions on used-car imports are among the strictest in Latin America. Most buyers do not learn this at the quotation stage — they find out when the cargo reaches port and cannot be cleared. This page sets out the rules, the routes and the common misunderstandings in one place.
The Iquique Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Iquique, ZOFRI) lies in Chile's northern Tarapacá Region and is one of the main transit-trade hubs on South America's Pacific coast.
Goods entering the free zone are treated as still outside the customs territory: they can be stored long-term, duties are deferred while they remain in the zone, and they can be re-exported to a third country.
For used vehicles this is the crucial point — Chilean law prohibits the import of used vehicles for permanent circulation, but the free zone may receive used vehicles for storage and re-export.
What it means for you: If your buyer re-exports vehicles on to Peru, Bolivia or Paraguay, Iquique is the natural transit warehouse.
Article 21 of Chilean Law No. 18.483: imports of used vehicles for permanent circulation are generally prohibited.
Three routes remain open: free-trade zones (ZOFRI Iquique, Arica) for storage and re-export; the returning-Chilean allowance (an adult Chilean resident abroad continuously for at least one year, one vehicle per person, duties still payable); and special-purpose vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, works vehicles, motorhomes and similar), assessed category by category.
A common misunderstanding: that "Chile admits used cars up to five years old". That does not match Chilean customs' published position — age caps are the rule in some neighbouring countries (Peru and Ecuador, for example), not in Chile. Chile's limit is not the vehicle's age but the "permanent circulation" use itself.
What it means for you: If a buyer says "Chile takes used cars up to five years old", ask them to get written confirmation from their customs broker before placing an order.
| Route | Where it applies | Vehicles | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iquique ZOFRI transit | Transit trade on to Peru, Bolivia or Paraguay | Used or new | Storage and re-export inside the free zone only; the vehicles do not enter circulation in mainland Chile |
| Sale in mainland Chile | Dealers serving the Chilean domestic market | New (no age limit) | Cleared under Chilean mainland procedure, paying 6% ad valorem duty + 19% VAT (IVA) |
| Special-purpose vehicles | Ambulance, fire, works, motorhome and similar | Used (special purpose only) | Category assessment requires a technical opinion and customs authorisation |
What it means for you: The order that works is: decide who finally buys the vehicle, then choose the corridor — doing it the other way round is what most often leaves cargo stuck at port.
Sea ports: Shanghai, Guangzhou Nansha, Qingdao. Method: Ro-Ro (suitable for driveable units) or container.
Sailing schedules are confirmed by the freight forwarder at the time of booking, and this page deliberately does not fix a number of days. Iquique lies in northern Chile, so shipments from China normally transship within the Pacific routes; ask your forwarder to confirm both direct and transshipment options before booking.
On arrival: storage inside the zone, then onward re-export or customs clearance on the buyer's instruction.
What it means for you: Get written confirmation from the destination customs broker before the cargo reaches port — that is the one action that prevents cargo sitting on the quay.
This page is operational guidance only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Regulations change, and the position that applies to you should be confirmed in writing by Chilean customs and your customs broker.
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