There is very little left for a significant change in e-commerce to Chile: all imported purchases made in platforms like Shein, Temu or AliExpress will start paying 19% VAT, regardless of the value of the package.
This adjustment is part of the Tax Compliance Law (known as Anti-Evasion Law) and seeks to equalize conditions with local businesses, improve revenue collection, and, in doing so, provide greater clarity about the final price that shoppers will see in their shopping cart.
When it starts and what purchases it affects
Beginning October 25, all imports of goods destined for Chile are subject to VAT at 19%. The old exemption for low-value shipments (below US$41), so there will no longer be small purchases exempt from this tax.
The measure affects orders on foreign marketplaces and online stores such as Shein, Temu or AliExpress, among others. The objective is that the total price, taxes included, be clear before finalizing the purchase and reduce paperwork when the package arrives.
What changes depending on the order value
The law distinguishes two sections. For orders of up to $500 (about $476.000 Chilean at the indicated exchange rate), only the 19% VAT about him declared purchase value.
However, when the value of the shipment exceeds US$500, in addition to VAT, a 6% customs tariffThis increases the total cost and may require additional procedures if the platform is not registered with the IRS.
- Example of lower value: if you buy a product for US$400, the approximate total to be paid in taxes will be US$476 (applying only 19% VAT).
- Example about the threshold: on an order of more than US$500, the 6% tariff is calculated first and then the 19% VAT, so the final amount increases significantly (often above US$700 in articles close to that range).
If the platform is correctly adhered to the simplified regime, the tax breakdown It is usually displayed at checkout, making it easy to know how much you will pay before confirming.
Registered platforms and automatic payment
For payment to be smooth, low-value stores and logistics operators must register with the SII under a simplified regimenSince August 1, foreign companies without a Chilean domicile can register or update their information if they already offer digital services.
When the platform is registered, VAT is automatically paid at the time of purchase and the customer is exempt from further procedures for shipments of up to US$500, which in practice speeds up delivery times.
If the store is not listed in the SII, the tax (and, where applicable, tariffs) will be settled when the shipment enter the countryThis can add delays, additional costs, and handling with Customs and the logistics operator.
Dedecon's recommendations to avoid problems
The Taxpayer Ombudsman suggests checking before paying if the store is on the list of SII, as this will automatically charge VAT and the package will circulate with less friction.
- Confirm registration of the platform in the SII to avoid subsequent procedures and delays.
- Check with your bank How VAT will be applied if you purchase from an unregistered site, especially if the operator will charge it upon entry.
- Check the conditions from your card (interest, fees) to calculate the actual total cost of the purchase.
- Plan your orders Considering the 19% VAT (and the 6% tariff if you exceed US$500) to balance your budget.
- If you detect a double charge VAT, you can request a refund by presenting the receipt issued by the National Customs Service.
The tax authority recalls that these changes aim at greater transparency and equity between local and digital businesses, provided that taxpayers have clear and timely information and their rights are respected at all times.
With the entry into force of the new scheme, the Shopping on Shein, Temu, and AliExpress become more predictable: for orders up to US$500 you will pay only 19% VAT and, if the portal is registered with the SII, you will see the tax in the checkout and shipping will be faster; above that threshold, a 6% tariff is added, so it's best to calculate carefully before hitting the buy button.
