International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
If you're relocating to Chile for employment, family or just a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs - no matter your reason. Here's what you need to know when traveling to Chile from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When you land in Chile after making an overseas move, the first things you should grab (other than your bag from the overhead compartment) are important documents to present to agents at the customs clearance checkpoint. These are essential to a smooth travel experience, so keep them close at all times:
- Passport (either copy or original; must include photo page)
- Residence visa (one year minimum)
- Work permit
- Complete Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill with all items clearly stated, including number of items/boxes in shipment, and total weight of shipment
- Notarized power of attorney, granting Destination Agent the authority and access needed to clear the shipment at customs
- Valued inventory in either English or Spanish
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Bringing your belongings overseas means you'll have to follow guidelines and regulations used to monitor international shipments. Before you pack up your goods, acquaint yourself with the shipping and regulations for Chile:
- Customer must be present in Chile at the time of customs clearance
- All shipments will be physically inspected by a customs official
- All household goods must be inspected by the Agricultural Office upon arrival in Chile
- Household goods will be subject to a 6 percent duty over CIF value, plus a VAT of 19 percent over CIF
- If you are entering the country with a residence visa or a temporary work permit for at least one year, you may import household goods and personal items up to $5,000 in value duty and tax free
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from import into Chile and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs (prescription medications must include proof of prescription)
- Weapons and firearms that are not used for sporting purposes are prohibited without a permit
- Pornographic materials
- Meat and all other perishable food products that are not canned
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Restricted items are limited to certain quantities and may require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials. Here are the items that are restricted and dutiable by the government of the Chile:
- Importing firearms or ammunition requires a permit from the Weapons Control Bureau
- Alcohol may be imported duty free, as long as it is below 2.5 liters; any alcohol in excess of 2.5 liters is subject to taxes and duties of up to 27 percent
- Tobacco may be imported duty free, as long as it is below these amounts:
- 400 cigarettes
- 500 grams of tobacco
- 50 cigars
- All new furniture being imported requires purchase invoices and receipts for all pieces; new furniture is subject to a duty of approximately 44 percent of CIF value
- All caviar, pearls, synthetic furs, uncut precious stones, semi-precious stones or synthetic stones may only be imported for personal use
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are allowed to be imported. Here are the motor vehicle regulations for Chile:
- Customer must be present at customs for the vehicle to be cleared and imported into Chile
- Only one vehicle may be imported at a time
- Only new cars may be imported by foreigners
- Used motorcycles may not be imported under any circumstances
- These documents are required for customs clearance:
- Valid vehicle title and registration
- Original Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill
- Original proof of purchase or commercial invoice for the vehicle being imported
- Proof of insurance, including the amount of premium paid
- A notarized description of the vehicle
- Valid US driver's license and an international driver's permit
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
You won't want to leave your beloved pets behind when you move overseas. Before you set out for new lands, check the guidelines for importing pets and animals into Chile:
- All pets and animals must meet certain requirements regarding inoculation and vaccinations before entering Chile
- Pets may be imported duty free
- All exotic pets are subject to temporary quarantine at the request of customs officials
- If you are importing any pets or animals (especially of the exotic variety) please notify the Destination Agent in advance of your arrival to ensure timely clearance
- Parrots are prohibited
- A Certificate of Vaccination from a veterinarian providing proof of a rabies vaccine, is required
- An International Health Certificate issued by health officials in the country of origin is also required
To help you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: