Direct Japanese Imports to Chile | Quality & Value
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Hola, para mis clientes en CHILE:
Al asociarse con nosotros, obtienen mayor calidad con un costo total menor que con proveedores locales. Ofrecemos a nuestros socios importadores soluciones completas e integrales. ¡Construyamos el futuro juntos!
Chile’s Policy Snapshot
Chile’s rules focus heavily on emissions and safety compliance, making private imports more restrictive than commercial ones. The general importation of used passenger and cargo vehicles is prohibited, with specific exceptions primarily for returning citizens or imports into free zones. Most buyers route imports through commercial dealers who manage compliance (homologation) and taxes.
MAX AGE LIMIT
Used car imports are generally restricted, but within the Iquique Free Zone (ZOFRI), vehicles can be no more than 8 years old for general import (for re-export). Returning Chilean citizens can import one used vehicle, but full duties and taxes apply.
DRIVE SIDE & DELIVERY
Only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed for general registration in Chile. Right-hand drive vehicles are prohibited.
PROHIBITED IMPORTS
The general import of used passenger vehicles is prohibited with few exceptions (e.g., returning citizens, ZOFRI). Used tires and used motorcycles are also strictly prohibited
What is ZOFRI?
The Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI) is a unique free-trade zone in northern Chile where vehicles can be imported WITHOUT paying Chilean import duties, as long as they remain within the zone. This creates special opportunities for both Chilean buyers and international traders.
Two Key Pathways Through ZOFRI:
1. For Chilean Buyers:
- Purchase vehicles inside ZOFRI and complete nationalization with reduced local tax burdens
- Ideal for residents of northern Chile
- Must comply with all standard Chilean import rules (age limits, LHD-only)
2. For International Re-export (Bolivia/Paraguay):
For a detailed walkthrough on taxes and logistics for the Asunción route, see our Guía completa de re-exportación a Paraguay.
- Most Important: Vehicles can be purchased in ZOFRI and re-exported directly to neighboring countries
- No Chilean taxes apply when re-exporting
- Primary Destination: Bolivia (via Pisiga/Colchane border crossing)
- Secondary Destination: Paraguay (via land transport through Argentina)
- Key Advantage: Bypasses strict Chilean import rules for RHD vehicles
Chile – Iquique HUB (ZOFRI Free Zone)
🚢 1. Transit Times to Iquique (Chile)
Ro/Ro & Container Shipping from Japan → Iquique
| Route | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (Yokohama / Kobe / Nagoya) → Iquique | 28–35 days | Standard Pacific South America route; used by major Ro/Ro & container carriers. |
| Port Handling → ZOFRI Free Zone | 1–3 days | Customs-free zone; fast processing for vehicles |
Special Notes:
| Category | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ZOFRI Free Zone | Duty‑free staging area for vehicles | Faster clearance & lower costs |
| Overland Routes | Andes crossings & multi‑border transit | Weather can affect timing |
| Ro/Ro vs Container | Ro/Ro faster; Container more secure | Choose based on vehicle value |
| Seasonality | Winter in Andes (June–Aug) | Possible delays on mountain passes |
2. Onward Transport: Iquique → Paraguay (Ciudad del Este)
Via Transshipment + Local Trailers
| Segment | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iquique → ZOFRI | 1–3 days | Free Zone entry & staging. |
| ZOFRI → Paraguay Border | 4–6 days | Overland trucking across Chile → Argentina → Paraguay. |
| Border → Ciudad del Este | 1–2 days | Final inland delivery. |
| Total (Iquique → Ciudad del Este) | 6–9 days | Weather & border queues may extend timing. |
Onward Transport: Iquique → Bolivia (La Paz / Santa Cruz)
Via Transshipment + Local Trailers
| Segment | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iquique → ZOFRI | 1–3 days | Free Zone staging. |
| ZOFRI → La Paz | 2–3 days | Direct Andean route; high-altitude passes. |
| ZOFRI → Santa Cruz | 4–6 days | Longer route via Bolivia’s central corridor. |
| Total (Iquique → La Paz) | 3–6 days | Fastest inland route. |
| Total (Iquique → Santa Cruz) | 5–9 days | Depends on road conditions. |
Critical Requirements for Re-export:
- ✅ Destination country must allow RHD vehicles (Bolivia & Paraguay currently do)
- ✅ Must meet destination country’s age limits (often stricter than Chile’s)
- ✅ Complete re-export paperwork in ZOFRI before transport
- ❌ Vehicle cannot enter Chilean territory during the process
How Nexuss Cars Can Help:
- ZOFRI Purchase Facilitation: We can coordinate purchase and storage within the free zone
- Re-export Documentation: Assistance with Chilean customs paperwork for re-export
- Destination Compliance: Guidance on Bolivian/Paraguayan import regulations
- Land Transport Arrangement: Coordination of cross-border shipping
🇧🇴 ¿IMPORTAR A BOLIVIA DESDE ZOFRI?
¡El mercado #1 para re-exportación desde Iquique!
✅ Ventajas para Importadores Bolivianos:
- Logística sencilla: Solo 4 horas desde ZOFRI a frontera boliviana (Pisiga/Colchane)
- Sin impuestos chilenos: Re-exportación directa desde zona franca
- Volante a la derecha permitido: Vehículos JDM pueden circular en Bolivia
- Costo reducido: Menor flete terrestre vs. Paraguay/Argentina
MAJOR SAVINGS ALERT: Hybrid & EV Duty Advantage!
While not explicitly a “duty advantage” on standard tariffs, the market for EVs is expanding rapidly. Import taxes depend on engine capacity and value.
Standard Petrol/Gasoline Vehicle Duty Rates (CHILE LOCAL)
- General Tariff Rate: A flat 6% ad valorem duty is applied on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value for most imports.
- Luxury Surcharge: An additional 85% luxury tax is applied to vehicles with an engine capacity over 1,500 cm³ and a CIF value exceeding a set threshold (approx. USD 16,818 as of 2025).
⚠️ IMPORTANT: These duty rates apply ONLY to vehicles being nationalized in Chile.
For ZOFRI Re-export to Bolivia/Paraguay:
- ✅ NO Chilean 6% duty
- ✅ NO 85% luxury tax
- ✅ NO 19% Chilean VAT
Vehicles purchased in ZOFRI and re-exported directly to Bolivia or Paraguay bypass all Chilean taxes shown above.
Mandatory Fees (In addition to Duty)
Value Added Tax (VAT)
A standard 19% VAT is levied on the total import value (CIF + duty).
Customs Processing Fee
Standard customs procedures require a broker, incurring additional fees typically a percentage of the vehicle price or a fixed amount.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY
Specific emissions and safety compliance checks (homologation) may incur costs or levies
Bolivian Import Guide via ZOFRI
Step-by-Step Process for Bolivian Buyers:
- Vehicle Selection in ZOFRI – We inspect JDM vehicles in Iquique free zone
- Purchase & Storage – Vehicle stays in ZOFRI (no Chilean taxes)
- Re-export Documentation – Chilean customs paperwork processed in Iquique
- Land Transport – Iquique → Ruta 11 → Pisiga/Colchane border (240km)
- Bolivian Import – Clearance at Bolivian customs with required:
- Certificado de Gravamen (lien certificate)
- Factura Comercial (commercial invoice)
- Documento Único de Importación (DUI)
Autos Japoneses para Chile: Régimen General (Bajo 5 años)
Top Japanese Models for The Chile Nationalization (Under 5 Years)
Corolla Cross (2023)
The new entrant of Corolla family. A SUV for affordability, fuel economy, and space. Toyota Safety Sensing!
BMW X5 (2020)
Known locally as a prestigious SUV. Excellent reliability and high resale value. Ideal first import.
Toyota Hilux (2026)
Extremely reliable and rugged 4wd. Available in diesel options for major fuel savings.
🚙 Top JDM Models for Re-Export via ZOFRI
Toyota Hilux (2003)
Extremely reliable and rugged 4wd. Available in diesel options for major fuel savings.
Honda Fit (2017)
Known locally as the Jazz. Excellent reliability and high resale value. Ideal first import.
Mitsubishi Pajero (2017)
Mitsubishi Pajero is very popular in Bolivia because of vast desert area. Petrol Pajeros are sold besides Diesel Turbo Models
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