
Contact Delpa Group
International transport, distribution and logistics software to quote, run and scale your supply chain.
Contact Delpa Group
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+56 9 3740 8192Offices
Av. Santa Clara 301, Of. 3802, Ciudad Empresarial, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
Frequently asked questions about importing and exporting from Chile
Contact Delpa Group
Book a demo+56 9 3740 8192What is a freight forwarder and what exactly does it do?
A freight forwarder, or international cargo agent, coordinates the transport of goods between countries without owning the ships or aircraft. It negotiates rates with carriers and airlines, books the space, issues the documentation, manages customs clearance and answers for the cargo from origin to destination.
How long does a ship take from China to Chile?
An ocean shipment from China to Chile takes 28 to 40 days port to port. Shanghai to San Antonio runs 30 to 35 days on a direct service; with a transshipment in Panama or Mexico it can reach 45. Add 5 to 10 days for clearance and delivery.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL is a full container for a single shipper; LCL is consolidated cargo, where you share the container with others and pay per cubic metre. LCL makes sense below 15 m3; above that a 20-foot FCL is usually cheaper and avoids deconsolidation time.
How much customs duty do you pay when importing into Chile?
Importing into Chile you pay a 6 % ad valorem duty on the CIF value plus 19 % VAT on the sum of CIF and duty. Under an active free trade agreement the duty can drop to 0 %, while VAT still applies. Some goods carry additional taxes.
Do I need a customs broker to import into Chile?
Yes: in Chile every import above USD 1,000 FOB requires an accredited customs broker to file the Import Declaration with the National Customs Service. Delpa appoints the right broker for your industry and consolidates their work with the freight in a single operation.
How do I track my container with the BL or container number?
Enter your container, BL, booking or Delpa freight order number in our tracker and you will see live events, no sign-up needed. A container number is 4 letters and 7 digits (ISO 6346). We are connected to more than 160 carriers and 150 airlines.
Which countries does Delpa Group operate in?
Delpa Group has its own offices in 19 countries and commercial presence in 50, with Chile as headquarters since 1996. We operate in the United States, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
What cargo types can you handle?
General, hazardous (IMO), perishable, refrigerated, out-of-gauge and project cargo, vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, electronics and textiles. We work FCL, LCL, FTL, LTL and consolidated or chartered air freight, with cargo insurance matched to the route and mode.
How do I request a quote?
You can quote online in seconds, talk to Delia, our AI agent, or write to us and an account manager will get in touch. Regular lanes are quoted instantly; project or out-of-gauge cargo takes 24 to 48 hours.