Shipping small parcels from 
China to 
Chile: what tax applies now? in detail
Chile ended its US$41 exemption on October 25, 2025. Online purchases up to US$500 now pay no customs duty, only 19% VAT (IVA). Foreign platforms registered with the tax authority (SII) collect it at checkout; otherwise the buyer pays on arrival. Above US$500: 6% duty plus 19% VAT.
- Applies to
- Online orders shipped from China to individual buyers in Chile, by courier or post.
Dear friend,
Welcome! This letter sets out what you need to know, plainly and in order.
Taxes at a glance
| Value | Duty | VAT | Who collects | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to US$500 | None | 19% | Registered platform at checkout; otherwise buyer on arrival | |
| Above US$500 | 6% | 19% | At import | Chile Customs |
| US$41 exemption | Ended October 25, 2025 | — | — | Chile Customs notice |
What you can do
- Ask your platform or forwarder whether it is registered with SII to collect VAT. If so, the buyer pays nothing on arrival and clearance is faster.
- State in your quote whether 19% VAT is included.
- For shipments over US$500, add the 6% duty.
Check before you pay, and warning signs
For a "Chile all-inclusive tax line", first ask who pays the VAT and on what declared value, and who bears the cost if the parcel is inspected and extra tax is assessed. If a provider asks you to declare a lower value, pause and verify. A warning sign is not proof that the other side is breaking the law.
Still uncertain
- The US$500 limit is per item (item price including freight, insurance and packing) under
SII Resolution 145/2025; read from a summary only.
- Whether unregistered sellers' parcels under US$500 still pay 6% duty on arrival; customs and SII summaries differ (to be checked).
- Chile Customs' website was read from a summary only.
When we update this page
We update it when SII or Chile Customs changes the threshold or the rates, or publishes a list of registered platforms.
Sources for this letter
Wishing you good business,
The mouwise team
Checked 2026-10-25
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