How much can I bring into Chile by courier without a customs broker?

How we work it out

1. We look at what your products are worth without shipping. Up to US$ 3,000 they go by courier, without a customs broker.
2. We add shipping and 2% insurance. That is what your cargo is worth on arrival in Chile (customs calls it CIF).
3. Import duty of 6% goes on that amount. With a trade agreement and the origin paper, 0%. The 19% VAT goes on the total. If you buy for yourself on a platform, you only pay VAT at checkout. This applies to items up to US$ 500 with shipping. If your company gives its RUT, it pays VAT and import duty on arrival. Without the RUT, it pays VAT on the platform. And import duty, if the shipment arrives in its name.

Watch out for this

• Buying for your company on a platform without entering the RUT. You lose the VAT. And if it arrives in your company's name, you also pay import duty.
• Splitting the order into several packages. If they are from the same sender and on the same flight, they are added together. If together they go over US$ 3,000, you need a broker.
• Thinking samples are free of tax. If they are for your business, as a general rule they pay like any purchase for resale.

Questions

Can I bring products for resale by courier?

Yes. Up to US$ 3,000 in products, the courier handles the paperwork, even for resale. You don't need a customs broker.

From what amount do I need a customs broker?

By courier, when your products are over US$ 3,000, not counting shipping. As regular cargo, by cargo plane or ship, when they are over US$ 1,000.

Can I split the order into several packages to stay under the limit?

If they are from the same sender and arrive on the same flight, it does not work. Those packages in your name are added together. If together they go over US$ 3,000, you need a customs broker.

Can I use the VAT the platform charged me as a VAT credit?

No, if your company did not enter its RUT before paying. That VAT stays as a cost. Enter the RUT before buying. That way you pay VAT at customs and get it back. Ask the courier for the declaration in your company's name.

Is the 41 dollar exemption still in place?

No. Since October 25, 2025 the limit is US$ 500. It only frees occasional shipments not for resale from import duty. Purchases from foreign stores pay VAT anyway. If one item is over US$ 500 with shipping, you pay VAT and duty on arrival.

What SICE does

SICE coordinates your import with its network of freight forwarders and customs brokers. It is not a customs agency or a courier. A customs broker in its network files the declaration.

See also:

• Customs clearance with trusted brokers

Sources

• Chilean Customs: Compendium of Customs Rules, Chapter VII (courier shipments, US$ 3,000 FOB)
• Chilean Customs: Compendium of Customs Rules, Chapter III (simple procedure and US$ 500 exemption)
• Chilean Customs: What do I need to do to import goods?
• Chilean Customs: procedures of courier companies
• Chilean Customs: import FAQ (6% and 19% on CIF)
• Chilean Customs: VAT on purchases up to US$ 500, from when and to whom it applies
• Chilean Customs: who collects VAT and when
• SII: Exempt Resolution No. 93 of 2025 (per-item limit and company RUT)
• SII: Circular No. 39 of 2025 (import VAT as VAT credit)
• SII: Oficio No. 431 of 2026 (VAT charged by the platform without a RUT)
• Law 21.713 (Library of the National Congress)
• DHL Express Chile: customs charges (example of a courier fee)

Updated on October 22, 2026