Chile is one of the more restrictive markets in this guide, and we want to be plain about it: the country generally prohibits the import of used vehicles for normal road registration. Unlike many emerging used-car destinations, you cannot simply ship a second-hand Japanese car to a Chilean port and register it for everyday use. Buyers should treat Chile as a special-case market rather than an open one.
Where used import is possible, it is mainly through special free-trade zones such as the Zona Franca de Iquique, or through narrow personal-exemption categories (for example certain returning residents or specific vehicle types). It is also critical to note that Chile drives on the right and uses left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles, so the right-hand-drive (RHD) stock that fills the Japanese domestic market generally does not qualify. Verify your eligibility with Chilean customs before committing to any purchase.
Overview
- Age limit
- No fixed limit
- Main ports
- Iquique (Zona Franca), San Antonio
- Drive side
- LHD
- Currency
- CLP
- Inspection
- —
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight | $0 |
| Marine insurance | $150 |
| CIF value | $10,150 |
| Import Duty | $609 |
| VAT (IVA) | $1,929 |
| Estimated taxes | $2,538 |
| Estimated landed cost | $12,688 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Commercial invoice and proof of payment
- •Original bill of lading (B/L)
- •Japanese export certificate with certified Spanish translation
- •Free-trade-zone or exemption authorization (when applicable)
- •Importer / buyer identification (RUT or passport)
- •Customs import declaration
Popular models
Import process
- 1Confirm your eligibility with Chilean customs and decide whether you will use a free-trade zone or an exemption route.
- 2Source a compliant LHD vehicle and agree on the CIF price to Iquique or San Antonio.
- 3Arrange shipping and obtain the bill of lading and export documents from Japan.
- 4Clear the goods through the free-trade zone or customs, paying applicable duty and VAT.
- 5Complete any required homologation and registration steps, or re-export if registration is not permitted.
Buying & import guides for Chile
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Read moreFrequently asked questions
Can I import any used Japanese car into Chile?+
Generally no. Chile restricts used-vehicle imports for normal road use; most cases require a free-trade zone or a narrow exemption. Check eligibility before buying.
Will a right-hand-drive Japanese car work in Chile?+
No. Chile drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so typical RHD Japanese domestic stock does not qualify for registration.
Where can I confirm the current rules and rates?+
Always confirm current duties, taxes and import eligibility with Chilean customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas). The figures here are indicative only.
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
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