Chile Member profile
No notifications submitted by Chile
Trade policy review
Latest Trade Policy Review (Report by the WTO Secretariat): WT/TPR/S/451/Rev.1
A. Import prohibitions and restrictions and import licensing
3.51.
Chile prohibits the importation of various goods pursuant to its domestic legislation and/or based on its commitments under international agreements.[163] Generally speaking, the purpose of the prohibitions is to protect human, animal and plant health, the environment and public safety. They apply regardless of the origin of the goods.
3.52.
The importation of used vehicles and motorcycles[164] and used and retreaded tyres[165] is expressly prohibited. It is also forbidden to import asbestos in all forms[166], in addition to goods that are harmful to human health, animals or agriculture (for example, toys and articles for children that contain toluene, adhesives with a volatile solvent base and certain pesticides for agricultural use). For public safety reasons, it is forbidden to import certain tear gases and other elements with physiological effects on humans[167], in addition to fireworks and pyrotechnic articles.[168] Moreover, the illicit trafficking of cultural goods is prohibited.
3.53.
Chile prohibits the importation of endangered animals and plants, in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); of toxic industrial waste, pursuant to the Basel Convention; and of ozone-depleting substances, in line with the Montreal Protocol. The importation of radioactive substances and materials and ionizing radiation-generating equipment is also prohibited, except in the case of authorized materials.
3.54.
Chilean legislation does not permit the imposition of quotas for imports (or exports). As a result, Chile does not apply quantitative restrictions.[169]
3.55.
The importation of certain products is subject to prior control through authorizations, certifications, endorsements or approvals (Table 3.1). In addition, the Agriculture and Livestock Service applies various measures prohibiting or restricting the importation of different types of pesticides and anabolics promoting bovine growth, among other measures. In 2022, in the interest of transparency, Chile submitted a notification to the Committee on Import Licensing under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures.[170] The document describes the authorizations, certifications or approvals that, for various reasons, are required in order for certain products to enter the country.
B. Export prohibitions and restrictions
3.79.
Generally speaking, Chile does not prohibit exports or apply quantitative restrictions to them.[187] The few prohibitions or restrictions applied are to protect human health, the environment and cultural heritage, and to comply with international conventions (Montreal Protocol, CITES, UNESCO conventions, etc.). Products that may not be exported include psychotropic substances, Chilean pine (araucario araucana) and anthropological, archaeological, ethnic, historical and paleontological objects and items. Furthermore, while Chile does not have an export licensing regime, there are certain products that require certifications, authorizations or endorsements in order to be exported.[188]
WTO's environmental database (EDB)
The EDB contains environment-related measures that may qualify as QRs and therefore should be notified under the QR Decision.