How to Import Chinese EVs to Chile 2026 Guide
1. Step 1: Pick Your Models — 2026's Best-Selling EVs for Chile
SudiAuto handles BYD and Geely Radar. The following models have proven sales records in Chile.
1.1 Urban / Ride-hailing: BYD E5 / E7 (Linghui)
| Model | Range | FOB Reference Price | Chile Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD E5 (Linghui) | 530 km | $15,000–20,000 | Taxi / ride-hailing主力 |
| BYD E7 (Linghui) | 470–550 km | $15,500–19,000 | City commuting / young families |
1.2 Mining & Construction: Geely Radar RD6 Electric Pickup
Mining logistics and construction contracting are core EV demand drivers in Chile. The RD6 electric pickup handles short-haul hauls and site patrols in mining zones.
| Model | Type | FOB Reference Price | Chile Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Radar RD6 | Battery Electric Pickup | $22,000–28,000 | Mine haul / construction contracting |
1.3 Cold Chain: BYD T5 Electric Refrigerated Truck
The BYD T5 supports refrigerated body mounting, ideal for Chile's cherry, grape, and salmon exports which rely heavily on cold-chain logistics. FOB reference: $28,000–35,000.
1.4 Three Must-Have Credentials for Your Supplier
When choosing a Chile-focused export partner, verify all three:
- China Ministry of Commerce vehicle export license (verifiable on the official website)
- Ability to issue China-Chile FTA Certificate of Origin (C/O Form P) — essential for duty reduction
- Verifiable Chile export track record (request BL copies)
1.5 Three Types of Sellers to Avoid
Steer clear of the following:
- Those who cannot provide a copy of their Ministry of Commerce export license
- Quotes more than 15% below market FOB — highly likely a scam
- Those unable to issue C/O Form P — you will lose the 0% tariff
2. Step 2: Calculate the True Landed Cost
Chile is among the lowest-cost import destinations in South America, but importers must still account for three main taxes. Below is the 2026 cost structure.
2.1 Chile Customs Tax Calculation Sequence
| Tax / Item | Rate & Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ① CIF Value | FOB + Freight + Insurance | Base for all taxes |
| ② Customs Duty (Ad Valorem) | CIF × 0% (with C/O Form P) | 0% for EVs under China-Chile FTA |
| ③ Appraisal Fee (Tasa de Aforo) | CIF × 1% | Levied on CIF value (min/max floor), not FOB threshold |
| ④ IVA (VAT) | (CIF + Duty + Appraisal) × 19% | Standard Chile VAT rate |
| ⑤ Luxury Tax (ILC) | 15% on portion exceeding US$35,000 | Only applies to high-value vehicles |
2.2 Full Landed Cost Example (BYD Yuan Plus, FOB $18,000)
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Price | $18,000 | |
| + Ocean Freight (Shanghai → San Antonio) | $1,400 | 30–35 days |
| + Insurance (0.3% of CIF) | $59 | |
| = CIF Value | $19,459 | |
| Customs Duty (C/O Form P → 0%) | $0 | FTA benefit |
| Appraisal Fee (CIF × 1%) | $195 | |
| IVA ((CIF+Duty+Appraisal)×19%) | $3,724 | |
| Customs broker + port handling | $200–300 | |
| ───────────────── | ─────── | |
| Estimated Total Landed Cost (excl. profit margin) | ~$23,600–23,700 | |
| Recommended retail price range | $27,000–29,000 |
2.3 Three Key Reminders
💡 Key Notes:
The above is an estimate based on Chile's official customs calculation sequence; actual amounts depend on customs valuation.
The Luxury Tax (ILC) only applies when CIF exceeds US$35,000; most compact BYD EVs sit below this threshold.
SudiAuto can assist with C/O Form P to ensure duty is zeroed out.
3. Step 3: Payment & Risk Management — Why T/T Upfront
SudiAuto applies T/T upfront terms on all Chile orders (20–30% deposit, balance before shipment).
3.1 Three Reasons for T/T Upfront
Reasons:
- EVs are high-value goods; factories will not schedule production without a deposit
- When the deposit is below 20%, export credit insurance typically does not cover the risk
- Chile customs requires complete financial trail documentation; T/T bank slips serve as supporting evidence
4. Step 4: Trans-Pacific Logistics — 30–35 Days to San Antonio
Chile's main ports are San Antonio and Valparaíso, both roughly 100 km from the capital Santiago.
4.1 Routes & Transit Times
| Route | Departure Port | Destination Port | Transit | Suitable Batch Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct (Recommended) | Shanghai | San Antonio | 30–35 days | 2–3 units+ |
4.2 Three Things About EV Ocean Shipping
Key EV shipping considerations:
- EVs are classified as dangerous goods (IMDG Code); UN38.3 test report and MSDS required
- Ro-Ro suitable for 5+ units; container shipping suitable for 2–4 units for trial orders
- Chile ports have efficient handling; average customs clearance takes 3–5 working days
5. Step 5: Customs Clearance & C/O Form P — Unlocking 0% Duty
Chile currently relies on the China-Chile FTA Certificate of Origin (C/O Form P) to grant the 0% tariff benefit. Every vehicle exported by SudiAuto comes with this certificate (3–5 working days, free of charge).
5.1 C/O Form P Application Process
- SudiAuto applies to CCPIT or China Customs for C/O Form P after the vehicle is dispatched
- The certificate states the HS code, vehicle VIN, FOB value, and origin criterion
- The importer submits C/O Form P together with the BL and commercial invoice to Chile Customs
- Chile Customs verifies and releases the vehicle at 0% duty
5.2 Chile Customs Documentation Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | SudiAuto | State FOB value and HS code |
| Bill of Lading | Shipping line | Telex release or original BL |
| C/O Form P (Certificate of Origin) | CCPIT / China Customs | Essential for 0% duty |
| Certificate of Conformity (COC) | OEM | Spanish translation required |
| UN38.3 Test Report | Battery manufacturer | Mandatory for lithium-battery safety |
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | Battery manufacturer | Required per IMDG Code |
5.3 Streamlined Clearance Note
Note: Chile has implemented facilitation measures for imported EVs, making customs clearance generally smooth and cost-competitive compared to ICE vehicles.
6. Policy Reference: Chile's Three "Bonus Cards" for EV Imports
6.1 Market Snapshot — Highest EV Penetration in Latin America
Chile has the highest EV penetration rate in Latin America. According to ANAC, 2024 pure BEV sales reached approximately 4,507 units (+184% YoY), with total NEV registrations of 19,101 units.
6.2 FTA Dividend — 0% Tariff for Chinese EVs
Chile was among the first Latin American countries to sign an FTA with China (signed 2005, effective 2006). Vehicles exported from China qualify for substantial duty reductions via C/O Form P; Chinese EVs currently enjoy 0% tariff.
6.3 Ley 21.505 — Enacted, Not "Pending Review"
Law No. 21.505 (Ley 21.505, promoting energy storage and electromobility) was passed in 2022. It drives EV adoption through public-sector procurement priority and nationwide charging network development. Implementation is in effect—this is a confirmed policy tailwind.
6.4 Mining Demand Driving Electrification
Chile is the world's second-largest lithium producer and holds the largest lithium reserves. The mining sector has genuine demand for electric pickups and heavy-duty EVs. BYD and Geely Radar electric pickups are already in operation in Chilean mining zones.
6.5 No Domestic Auto Manufacturing
Chile has no domestic auto production—100% of vehicles are imported. For Chinese EV exporters, this means no protectionist barriers from local interests, and relatively smooth market access.
7. FAQ
Q. Does Chile have an age limit on imported EVs?
A. Chile has strict requirements for used imported cars (typically no older than 5 years), but new (0 km) vehicles are not affected. SudiAuto exports only brand-new vehicles.
Q. How should the "origin criterion" on the C/O Form P be filled?
A. BYD and Geely Radar vehicles are fully manufactured in China, meeting the "WO" (Wholly Obtained) or "PSR" (Product-Specific Rule) criteria. The specific criterion is determined by CCPIT/Customs based on the vehicle BOM.
Q. What is the state of Chile's charging infrastructure?
A. Chile is actively expanding its public charging network, planning one public charging station per 100 km along major highways. Current coverage is concentrated in Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción. Tesla also operates Supercharger stations in Chile.
Q. Can I become an authorized BYD dealer in Chile?
A. BYD's authorized distributors in Chile are Piamonte and Astara. Before importing, verify whether your target model is exclusively handled by official channels to avoid channel conflicts. SudiAuto can provide advisory on this matter.
Conclusion: Chile — Your Best Starting Point for South America
With a small but policy-stable market, confirmed FTA benefits, low tariffs, and efficient customs clearance, Chile is the ideal first stop for Chinese EV exporters entering South America. SudiAuto, as an authorized exporter of BYD and Geely Radar, has guided multiple Chile-based importers from inquiry through to full import completion.
FAQ
Q.Why should I buy from you not from other suppliers?
We are not the cheapest. But we are the kind of company that will still be here even 10 years after you sell the car. — Our chairman, Mr. Ye, has been in the automotive industry since 1985 (when China still had planned automobile distribution), making him one of China's first auto traders, with over 40 years of experience. All our inventory photos are real shots, not copied from the internet — a reflection of our group's commitment to honest trading.
Q.Who are you?
We are WUXI SUDI AUTOMOBILE NETWORK SERVICE CO., LTD., based in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China, starting from 2024, as a vehicle export team of the Meidi Auto Group. In 2025, we exported over 1,000 vehicles with a trade volume of USD 23 million, serving customers across four continents. In 2026, we established vehicle warehouses in Cambodia, entering the cross-border operations development stage.
Q.How can you guarantee quality?
Always Inspection before shipment. We can conduct vehicle inspections by a third party based on the customer's requirements and issue a reliable report. Our partners include institutions such as APT and Dr. Cha.
Q.Do you have the products in stock?
Yes, our current inventory cars are displayed on the website. You can browse at any time. Large quantities must be produced according to orders, and small quantities can be consulted with our sales team.
Q.What can I buy from you?
All vehicle models of BYD brand, covering Dynasty, Ocean, Linghui, Commercial and many other series. We are the largest BYD dealer in Wuxi City, occupying 90% of Wuxi City market. We cooperate directly with BYD factory in China.
Q.Can I mix different models in one container?
Yes, different models can be mixed in one container.
Q.What's your warranty term?
We offer different warranty periods for different products. Please contact us for detailed warranty terms.
Q.Will you deliver the right goods as ordered? How can I trust you?
Yes, we will. The core of our company culture is honesty and credit. We are a verified supplier by V-trust since 2024.
Q.What is your payment?
Payment Currency: USD, HKD, CNY. Payment Type: T/T.
Q.What is your shipping terms?
Delivery Terms: EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF.
Q.What services can you provide?
Customer visit or car inspection full reception service, product samples or accessory services, etc.