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.

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

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:

1. ZOFRI Purchase Facilitation: We can coordinate purchase and storage within the free zone
2. Re-export Documentation: Assistance with Chilean customs paperwork for re-export
3. Destination Compliance: Guidance on Bolivian/Paraguayan import regulations
4. Land Transport Arrangement: Coordination of cross-border shipping

---

Mandatory Fees (In addition to Duty)

Bolivian Import Guide via ZOFRI

Step-by-Step Process for Bolivian Buyers:

1. Vehicle Selection in ZOFRI – We inspect JDM vehicles in Iquique free zone
2. Purchase & Storage – Vehicle stays in ZOFRI (no Chilean taxes)
3. Re-export Documentation – Chilean customs paperwork processed in Iquique
4. Land Transport – Iquique → Ruta 11 → Pisiga/Colchane border (240km)
5. 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)

🚙 Top JDM Models for Re-Export via ZOFRI

Easy Car Buying: 3 Steps