Universal Cargo has been offering for forty years moving services from Argentina to Chile main cities. The door to door service includes ISO 9001 quality standard packing, customs clearance at border and final delivery unpacking at destination.

Customs information

All shipments are subject to physical inspection by Customs and the Agricultural Office (SAG), which may delay clearance.

Returning citizens are free of duties and taxes up to 5,000 USD depending on the length of their stay abroad:

• Between 6 and 12 months: 500 USD FOB.
• Between 1 and 5 years: 3,000 USD FOB.
• More than 5 years: 5,000 USD FOB.
• Non-citizens with a temporary residence visa or visa are subject to employment for at least 12 months and may import up to USD 5,000 FOB of used household goods and personal effects without paying duties, only a nominal tax of 1% over cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.
• If the visa is still in process, it is possible to clear under-bonded storage at the personal residence.
• Definitive importation of the goods must be completed within 90 days.
• Diplomats and international officials are exempt from importation duties and taxes on household goods, in which case an exemption form is needed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• All wood packing and wood items must comply with ISPM 15 standards.
• If there is no previous treatment of wood items, the Agriculture Office may order a complete fumigation (wood furniture is not required to have previous fumigation).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required.

• Commercial invoice.
• Certificate of title.
• Original bill of lading.
• Sworn declaration of the description of the vehicle.

Specific Information

• The weight, freight amount of the household goods, including the vehicle must be listed on the original bill of lading.
• The number of pieces and a description of the car must also be included.
• Import of new cars is allowed as a normal import paying all applicable duties and taxes.
• Import of used motorcycles is strictly prohibited.

Import of used cars is strictly prohibited, except the following exceptions:

• Returning citizens that have stayed abroad for over 12 months.
• All duties nd taxes apply (27%).
• Foreign diplomats and international officials can import automobiles duty and tax free.

Chilean diplomats:

• Have the option of a monetary compensation if they do not import a vehicle.
• Also may import a new car as long as the owner of the goods pays all duties and taxes.

Pets

Documents Required.

• International vaccination certificate (dogs and cats).
• Veterinary health record.
• Pro-forma invoice.

Specific Information

There is no quarantine period.

• Pets may be retrieved from Customs immediately upon arrival.
• Agent must know in advance the date and flight of arrival to assist in clearing.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

Alcohol (adults over 18 years old may import 2.5 liters of alcohol duty free, including wine; if the amount exceeds 2.5 liters, the owner of the goods must pay duties and taxes of 27% or more) Only sports firearms for hunting may be imported (a special permit must be obtained prior to shipping).

Prohibited Items

• Drugs.
• Meat.
• Used motorcycles (new motorcycles are permitted).
• Used cars (unless imported by a returning citizen given he/she meets the same conditions).
• Used car tires.