How to Import a Chinese EV to Chile (2026)

No Zeekr dealership in Chile is listed in our directory yet. Importing may be the only way to buy some models.

New cars can be imported into Chile. Customs charges a 6% ad valorem duty and 19% VAT; the duty can be waived or reduced for goods from a country with a trade agreement with Chile, with a certificate of origin.

Article 21 of Law 18.483 prohibits importing used vehicles into Chile, with exceptions for special-purpose vehicles. Free zones such as Iquique are an exception, but a vehicle bought there can only leave the zone under a specific franchise.

Duty is charged on the CIF value and VAT on the CIF value plus duty. Under a trade agreement, such as Chile's agreement with China, the duty can be waived or reduced when a certificate of origin is presented.

A directly imported new vehicle needs an individual homologation certificate from the Centro de Control y Certificación Vehicular (3CV), which confirms it meets Chilean safety, dimension and operating standards, including emissions and energy consumption.

Chile drives on the right.

Valparaíso and San Antonio, on the central coast near Santiago, are the main ports for vehicle imports; Iquique, in the north, also receives cars.

• San Antonio
• Valparaíso
• Iquique

General import documents listed by Chilean customs, plus the documents asked for homologation.

• Original bill of lading
• Original commercial invoice
• Sworn declaration of the goods' price (provided by the customs agent)
• Certificate of origin, to claim a trade agreement preference
• Import declaration and emission standard certificate, for the 3CV homologation

By sea, roll-on/roll-off or in a container, to San Antonio or Valparaíso. A full container takes 28 to 35 days, 35 to 45 with a transshipment; documentation errors can add 3 to 10 days.

• Indicative transit time28–35 days
• Indicative freight cost1,875–3,590

1. 1

   Check that your car can be imported

   New cars: Allowed. Used cars: Not allowed.

2. 2

   Choose the model and the right steering side

   Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.

3. 3

   Estimate the landed cost

   Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.

4. 4

   Ship the car

   Main ports of entry: San Antonio, Valparaíso, Iquique. Expect about 28–35 days at sea from China.

5. 5

   Clear customs

   Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.

6. 6

   Homologate and register

   A directly imported new vehicle needs an individual homologation certificate from the Centro de Control y Certificación Vehicular (3CV), which confirms it meets Chilean safety, dimension and operating standards, including emissions and energy consumption.