How to Import Used Korean Car to Chile: Complete 2025 Guide for Free-Zone Regulations and Shipping Steps
Chile is a country that officially prohibits the import used Korean car to Chile ( of couse, all maker used car ban to import also ), primarily to protect the environment and reduce pollution caused by older, high-emission cars. However, several important exceptions exist within Chilean law.
Why Ban that import Used korean Car to Chile?
Chile bans the import used korean car to chile primarily for environmental protection. The policy aims to reduce air pollution, prevent the entry of outdated high-emission cars, and encourage the use of newer, cleaner models.
Because of these environmental concerns, standard used passenger vehicles cannot be imported into mainland Chile.
Exceptions: When Used Vehicles Can Be Import used korean car to Chile.
Despite the general ban, Chile permits the importation of certain public-purpose used vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, ladder trucks, cleaning and sanitation vehicles, and other specialized units required for essential services.
These vehicles are exempt from the ban because they serve critical public functions that support national infrastructure and emergency response needs.
Import Used Korean Car in Chile at Free Trade Zones (Iquique & Punta Arenas)
Chile operates designated Free Trade Zones in Iquique in the north and Punta Arenas in the south, where the importation of used vehicles is allowed. Within these zones, vehicles can be used locally or re-exported to third countries such as Bolivia and Paraguay.
Thanks to this policy, Iquique has become one of the most active and influential hubs for being import used korean car to chile re-export across Latin America.
Chile Formally Prohibits Used Car Imports—But With Exceptions
While Chile generally bans used car imports under Law 18.483 (Article 21), several exceptions allow limited legal importation:
Who Can Import Used Korean Car to Chile?
- Residents of the Free Trade Zones – Iquique (north) and Punta Arenas (south)
- No customs duty or VAT
- Cannot resell within two years without paying taxes
- Special-purpose vehicles (ambulances, cranes, motorhomes, cleaning trucks, etc.)
- Historical or collectible vehicles
- Trolleybuses with 18+ seats
- Returning Chilean residents or individuals with disabilities
- May import used korean car to Chile upon paying applicable taxes
Most used car imports arrive at Iquique Port, and a significant portion is re-exported to neighboring countries such as Bolivia and Paraguay.
Chile Used Car Market Trends: Why
Import Used Korean Car to Chile Dominate (2021–2025 Analysis)
The used car market in Chile experienced dramatic growth in 2021, driven by COVID-19, reduced public transportation usage, and global new-car production delays. However, since 2022, the market has begun shifting downward as logistics stabilize and new vehicle supply normalizes. Despite this decline, Korean used cars remain one of the strongest segments in Chile’s import market, holding the highest share among all exporting countries.
Used Car Sales Declined in 2022 After Record Growth In 2021, Chile’s used car sales reached 1,429,335 units, a 42.2% increase from the previous year. Three major factors contributed to this surge: COVID-19 concerns led consumers to avoid crowded public transportation, increasing personal car demand. Early withdrawal of pension funds (approved by the Chilean government) boosted consumer purchasing power. Supply-chain disruptions delayed global new-car production and delivery, pushing buyers toward used vehicles despite rising prices.
According to the Chilean Automotive Chamber (CAVEM), used car sales declined by 23.4% in the first four months of 2022: Meanwhile, new car sales increased by 35.4% in the same period due to normalized production and logistics.
Top-Selling Used Car Brands in Chile: Chevrolet & Hyundai
CAVEM reports that in 2021 the most sold used car brand in Chile was Chevrolet (74,430 units, 14.8% share).
Hyundai ranked second with 49,842 units, followed by Toyota, Kia, and Nissan.
| Brand | Units Sold | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | 74,430 | 14.80% |
| Hyundai | 49,842 | 9.90% |
| Toyota | 42,129 | 8.40% |
| Kia | 39,169 | 7.80% |
| Nissan | 41,512 | 8.30% |
Korean brands—Hyundai and Kia—remain highly preferred for their durability, affordability, and strong parts availability.
Korean Used Cars Lead Chile’s Import Market
Under HS Code 870332, Chile imported US$166.28 million worth of used cars in 2021.
Korea was the No.1 exporting country, accounting for 27% of total imports.
Market Insights & Opportunities
Although Chile’s used car sales slowed in 2022 as new car supply recovered, Korean brands continue to hold strong market influence.
In 2021 alone, Chile imported US$44.25 million worth of Korean used car, demonstrating significant market potential for Korean exporters.
However, entering the Chilean used car market is not simple: 1. Local buyers in Iquique have long-standing supplier networks. 2.Import regulations require strict documentation. 3.Tax calculations and compliance are complex
| Rank | Country | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | Market Share 2021 (%) | Growth 2021/2020 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korea | 100,553 | 16,347 | 44,525 | 26.78% | +172.38% |
| 2 | France | 85,259 | 20,574 | 37,608 | 22.62% | +82.79% |
| 3 | Spain | 2,984 | 5,007 | 27,454 | 16.51% | +448.26% |
| 4 | Germany | 31,371 | 7,101 | 21,709 | 13.06% | +205.71% |
Source: Global Trade Atlas
Chile Vehicle Imports (Jan–Jun 2025)
Chile: The largest market for Korean used car exports in Latin America, but currently experiencing a downturn. As of the first half of 2025, monthly export volumes have dropped from around 3,000 units to nearly 1,000 units.
| Category | Units Imported | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Used Cars (중고차) | 6,410 units | 2025 Jan–Jun |
| New Cars (신차) | 8,642 units | 2025 Jan–Jun |
The regulation import used korean car to Chile (Cars & Trucks)
- Import Eligibility:
Only Free-Zone residents (Iquique, Punta Arenas) are allowed to import used cars and trucks. - VIN Regulation:
VIN re-carving or modification is strictly prohibited under Chilean law. - Circulation Restriction:
Vehicles manufactured before 2018 are subject to limited circulation rules, meaning they may operate only within designated areas or under restricted conditions.
Chilean buyers interested in being import used Korean car to Chile can contact us through our Q&A section or WhatsApp, and we will respond promptly.
