Key Documentation for Importing Transportation Equipment into Chile

Commercial Invoice
A detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer/seller information, a full description of the transportation equipment (e.g., buses, trucks, trailers), quantities, and declared value in the applicable currency.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal transport document between shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and final destination of the transportation equipment. Required for customs clearance and tracking.

Packing List
An itemized list of all cargo, including equipment specifications, dimensions, gross/net weights, and packaging information — essential for Chilean customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) clearance.

Certificate of Origin
Confirms the country of manufacture for the equipment. Often required to qualify for reduced tariffs under free trade agreements (e.g., TLC, ALADI, MERCOSUR).

Import License
Certain types of motorized transportation equipment — such as buses, trucks, or specialized trailers — may require prior authorization from Chilean authorities such as the Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones or Ministerio de Obras Públicas, depending on the equipment’s category and use.

Customs Declaration (Declaración de Ingreso)
A formal declaration submitted electronically via Chile’s customs platform (SICEX or Directo), providing comprehensive details of the imported transportation equipment, including HS codes, CIF value, and country of origin.

Technical Documentation
Specification sheets, manuals, homologation certificates (Certificado de Homologación del Vehículo), and technical drawings. Required for safety and regulatory compliance, registration with the Registro de Vehículos Motorizados (RVM), and inspection purposes.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of marine or multimodal cargo insurance covering potential damage or loss during international and inland transport. This is particularly important for high-value transportation equipment.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Correct classification under the Chilean customs tariff system (Arancel Aduanero de Chile) to determine applicable customs duties, VAT (IVA), and statistical reporting.

Pro-forma Invoice
A preliminary invoice used during early negotiation, licensing, or approval processes — often required for internal budgeting or governmental procurement planning.

Environmental and Safety Certifications
Documentation demonstrating compliance with Chilean environmental regulations (e.g., emissions standards, fuel efficiency), road safety, and technical norms. This includes Certificados de Emisión de Contaminantes, ruido, and normas de iluminación.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
A financial instrument or commercial agreement describing the terms of payment between exporter and importer — often reviewed by Chilean banks and relevant financial entities.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Proof of payment for aranceles de importación, IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado), tasas aduaneras, and any additional sector-specific charges (e.g., environmental fees).

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Transportation Equipment Imports

Registration with Chilean Customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas)
Importers must be registered and have a valid Rol Único Tributario (RUT) issued by the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII) for customs and tax compliance.

Compliance with Chilean Technical and Safety Standards
Imported equipment must comply with Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones technical requirements, including vehicle homologation, roadworthiness, emissions, safety devices, and lighting standards.

Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker (Agente de Aduana)
Given the regulatory complexity of vehicle imports and multimodal shipments, working with a licensed Agente de Aduana is highly recommended for streamlined clearance, proper documentation, and compliance with Chilean import regulations.

Commercial Invoice (for Transportation Equipment)

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the transportation equipment supplier/exporter.

• Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information

• Name and Address: Legal name and registered location of the Chilean transportation company, fleet operator, or buyer.

• Contact Details: Email and phone for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date

• Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.

• Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number

• Reference Number: Buyer’s internal purchase order number, if applicable, for procurement tracking.

Description of Goods

• Detailed Description: Include model numbers, serial numbers, engine specs, passenger/cargo capacity, axle configuration, emission standards (e.g., Euro V/VI), and purpose (e.g., interurban bus, refrigerated truck, lowbed trailer).

• HS Codes: Use accurate Harmonized System codes (e.g., 8702.10 for buses, 8704.22 for trucks, 8716.39 for trailers).

Quantity and Unit of Measure

• Quantity: Number of units for each vehicle or equipment item.

• Unit: Units, kilograms, cubic meters, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price

• Unit Price: Price per individual item.

• Total Price: Line-item totals and full invoice value.

Currency

• Type: Clearly state (e.g., USD, EUR).

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)

• Example: CIF San Antonio, FOB Houston — specifies who bears cost and risk.

Shipping and Delivery Info

• Port of Loading/Destination: E.g., Baltimore → San Antonio (Chile), or Vancouver → Valparaíso.

• Estimated Shipping Date: Date of projected departure from port of origin.

Payment Terms

• Method: Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Net-30, etc., as agreed.

Signature

• Authorized Representative: Signature and printed name of the seller/exporter’s authorized individual.

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Bill of Lading (BOL) for Transportation Equipment

Shipper Information

• Exporter’s or freight forwarder’s full name and address.

Consignee Information

• Full details of the Chilean buyer or their authorized customs broker (Agente de Aduana).

Carrier Information

• Name: Shipping line or freight service provider.

• Vessel Details: Name of the vessel and voyage number for sea shipments.

Description of Goods

• Use clear, technical terms such as “urban buses,” “cargo box trucks,” “reefer trailers,” etc., matching the invoice.

Gross Weight and Dimensions

• Accurate gross weight and dimensions per vehicle/equipment unit.

Freight Charges

• Charge Terms: Specify prepaid or collect, and responsible party.

BOL Number

• Unique tracking identifier for the shipment.

Date of Shipment

• Actual date cargo was loaded onto the vessel or transport mode.

Terms and Conditions

• Include liability clauses, international shipping conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules), and force majeure provisions.

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Packing List (for Transportation Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee Information

• Must match exactly with those listed on the invoice and BOL.

Shipment Details

• Invoice number, BOL reference number, and shipment date.

Itemized Contents

• List of equipment with model/serial numbers, specifications, and designated use (passenger, cargo, specialty logistics).

Quantities and Packaging Type

• Quantity per item and how it’s packed: RoRo, containerized, crated components, shrink-wrapped items, etc.

Package Identification

• Package markings (e.g., VEHICLE 1/2, TRAILER B).

Total Weight and Volume

• Combined gross/net weight and total cubic volume of the cargo.

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Certificate of Origin (for Transportation Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee

• Full details for both exporter and Chilean importer.

Goods Description

• Include detailed technical identification, correct HS codes, and purpose of the vehicles/equipment.

Origin Criterion

• Declare the country of manufacture (e.g., “Made in Germany”).

Certification

• Issued and signed by an authorized Chamber of Commerce or equivalent certifying body.

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Key Considerations for Transportation Equipment Imports into Chile

Technical Accuracy
Descriptions must match technical specifications, homologation certificates, and registration requirements to ensure smooth customs and import processing.

Regulatory Compliance
Vehicles must comply with Chilean standards on emissions (Euro V/VI or Chile-specific equivalents), braking systems, noise limits, lighting, and road safety. Homologation through the Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones (MTT) is often required for road use and registration.

Language Requirements
All key documents — particularly safety data sheets, user manuals, and regulatory declarations — should be provided in Spanish to meet the requirements of Chile’s customs and technical agencies.

Work with Experts
Given Chile’s port-based logistics infrastructure and strict customs enforcement, it is essential to work with an experienced Agente de Aduana who understands the complexities of importing transportation equipment, especially for RoRo or OOG cargo via San Antonio, Valparaíso, or Iquique.