COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING GUIDE FROM CHINA TO CHILE
Sea Freight from China to Chile
Transit Time
Direct routes: 30–45 days from major Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao) to Chilean ports like Valparaíso or San Antonio.
New direct route: Jiangyin Port (Wuxi) to Chile (30 days, saving ~20 days compared to non-direct routes).
Delays possible: Due to seasonal peaks (e.g., November–December) or port strikes.
Pricing
FCL (Full Container Load):
20GP container: $3,500–$4,500
LCL (Less than Container Load): $150–$250/m³
Additional costs: Terminal handling charges (~$200–300/20GP), storage fees (~$50–100/day if delayed), and inspection fees (~$500–1,000 if inspected)
Key Factors Affecting Rates
Fuel costs: Bunker fuel price fluctuations impact base rates.
Seasonal demand: Peak seasons (e.g., Q4 holidays) increase rates due to capacity shortages.
Port congestion: Strikes or congestion at Chilean ports (e.g., Valparaíso) can cause delays and extra costs.
Route type: Direct routes are faster but may cost more than transshipment options.
Major Ports
China: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Ningbo, and Jiangyin (new direct route to Chile).
Chile:
Valparaíso: Busiest port, handles ~30% of Chile’s foreign trade.
San Antonio: Key for containerized goods.
Other ports: Antofagasta (minerals), Punta Arenas (southern region).
Air Freight from China to Chile
Transit Time
Direct flights: 3-5 days (mostly transit via the U.S. or Europe due to limited direct flights).
Express options: 3–7 days via DHL/FedEx/UPS
Pricing
General airfreight: $5–12/kg (for 100kg+ shipments).
Express services: $35–50/kg for small parcels (≤10kg).
Additional fees: Fuel surcharges (e.g., ~$4/kg), security fees (~$1.5/kg), and airport handling (~$36/shipment)
Key Factors Affecting Rates
Cargo weight/volume: Rates based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric weight: L×W×H(cm)/6,000).
Fuel surcharges: Linked to global oil prices.
Seasonality: Higher rates during holidays (e.g., Christmas) due to capacity crunch.
Cargo type: Special items (e.g., batteries, pharmaceuticals) incur extra fees
Major Airports
China: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Hong Kong (HKG).
Chile:
Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL): Santiago—main international hub.
Other airports: Antofagasta (ANF), Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Import and Export Taxes
China Export Taxes
VAT (Value-Added Tax): 0% for exported goods (standard policy).
Corporate Income Tax: Applied to annual profits.
Consumption Tax: Only for specific goods (e.g., luxury items).
Estimated Tax Rates for Key Products
Electronics: 0% duty (under FTA) + 19% VAT.
Textiles/Apparel: 0% duty (FTA) + 19% VAT.
Steel products: Subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g., 10.3%–22.5% for steel bars/grinding balls).
Food/Agriculture: May require sanitary permits + 19% VAT.
Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Goods
Chile has imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on specific Chinese products:
Steel bars (for grinding balls <4 inches): 10.3%–19.8% (varies by company).
Grinding balls (<4 inches): 9.2%–22.5% (company-specific rates).
Note: These are temporary measures (max 4 months), but extensions are possible. Always verify latest duties with Chilean customs.
Bilateral Favorable Trade Policies
China-Chile FTA Upgrade:
98% of goods enjoy 0% tariff (e.g., textiles, appliances, machinery).
Simplified customs procedures for eligible products (require Form F certificate of origin).
Service trade liberalization: Easier market access for Chinese logistics/construction firms and Chilean service providers.
Digital trade facilitation: Streamlined processes for e-commerce shipments.
Step-by-Step Shipping Process
Booking & Documentation:
Choose a freight forwarder; book space.
Prepare documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and Form F certificate (for FTA benefits).
Origin Procedures:
Export declaration in China.
Cargo inspection (if required).
Transport to port/airport.
Transportation:
Sea: Container loading/sailing; air: Flight departure.
Destination Clearance:
Submit documents to Chilean customs (Spanish translation recommended).
Pay import duties/VAT.
Handle inspections (if triggered).
Inland Delivery:
Arrange trucking to final destination in Chile.
FAQs
Q1: What is the cheapest way to ship to Chile?
A: Sea freight (LCL or FCL) is most cost-effective for large shipments. For example, LCL costs ~$150–250/m³ vs. air freight’s $5–12/kg.
Q2: How to avoid customs delays in Chile?
A: Ensure accurate documentation (e.g., Spanish-language invoices, Form F certificate), avoid prohibited items (e.g., used clothing), and work with a local customs broker.
Q3: Are there any restricted items for import into Chile?
A: Yes! Prohibited items include used clothing, counterfeit goods, and unprocessed animal skins. Restricted items require permits (e.g., pharmaceuticals, weapons).
Q4: How can I reduce import taxes?
A: Use the China-Chile FTA by providing a Form F certificate to qualify for 0% duty on eligible goods.
Q5: What is the role of a customs broker in Chile?
A: They handle document translation, customs clearance, and tax payments. Fees are ~1%–3% of cargo value
Pro Tips
Plan ahead: Book sea freight 15–30 days early (longer during peaks).
Label smartly: Mark packages in Spanish with details like recipient name, port, weight, and carton number.
Insure cargo: Protect against delays/damage, especially for high-value goods.
For latest updates, check Chilean Customs (www.aduana.cl) or consult a freight forwarder specializing in China-Chile trade. Safe shipping! 🚢✈️