Guidance

Trade with Chile

How you import from and export to Chile.

UK-Chile association agreement

The UK has signed an association agreement with Chile, which is in effect.

Between 1 January and 12 January 2021, preferences were applied retrospectively for goods imported to Chile from the UK. This means goods entering Chile from the UK were initially subject to MFN tariffs for a short period. However, businesses can claim back any additional tariffs paid in this temporary period from the Government of Chile. The Government of Chile has issued guidance on this rebate scheme (Chapters III and IV).

From 12 January 2021, preferential tariff rates on UK exports to Chile, are being applied as set out in the agreement.

This guidance provides information on aspects of trade covered by the UK-Chile association agreement. It is for UK businesses trading with Chile.

What the agreement includes

This association agreement includes provisions on:

  • trade in goods - including provisions on preferential tariffs, tariff rate quotas, rules of origin and sanitary and phytosanitary measures
  • trade in services
  • intellectual property, including geographical indications
  • government procurement

Tariff rates on goods

Tariff rates for bilateral trade in goods between the UK and Chile continue to apply as set out in the agreement. However, in some cases, the non-preferential applied rates may, in fact, be lower because of changes in the UK’s Most Favoured Nation tariff schedule.

From 12 January 2021, preferential tariff rates on UK exports to Chile, as set out in the agreement, are being applied. For goods imported to Chile from the UK between 1 January and 12 January 2021, preferences are being applied retrospectively. Businesses can claim back any additional tariffs paid since 1 January 2021 from the Government of Chile. The Government of Chile has issued guidance on this rebate scheme (Chapters III and IV).

You can use online tools UK Integrated Online Tariff and check how to export goods to check product-specific and country-specific information on tariffs and regulations that currently apply to UK trade in goods. These tools are regularly updated to reflect any changes.

Tariff rate quotas

Tariff rate quotas in the agreement have been tailored specifically to the UK.

To find out the tariff rate quotas, see tables 4 and 5 of the parliamentary report.

Rules of origin

Finding the correct rule of origin for export

Depending on the type of good you are seeking to export, in order to claim preferential treatment it will need to be either wholly obtained or sufficiently processed.

To be considered sufficiently processed your good will need to meet the relevant product specific rule (PSR). The PSRs for this agreement use the 2002 version of the Harmonised System (HS) nomenclature. You should apply the PSR for your good using the code in which it was classified under this nomenclature.

In a limited number of cases the code for your good may have changed during HS revisions. We are currently updating our online services to reflect these changes. In the interim correlation tables tracing these changes have been made available by the World Customs Organization and The United Nations

Claiming preferential rates for your exports from the UK

Unless you are permitted to provide an origin declaration, you will need to fill in a certificate of origin to claim preferential treatment.

The UK continues to use the EUR1 format for movement certificates with trade partners that have mutual FTAs with the EU, including Chile. These movement certificates are identical to those previously in use, but the place of origin on the certificate is now marked as the United Kingdom instead of the European Community. EUR1 certificates of origin that have been updated to show the UK are now available from your usual provider, such as the chambers of commerce.

If you previously used the EUR1 form with a mutual EU trading partner, you can use the new EUR1 form that shows the UK as the place of origin.

Using EU materials and processing in your exports to Chile

You can use EU materials or processing in your exports to Chile. The UK and Chile must have fulfilled the necessary requirements set out in the Rules of Origin Protocol. You must also ensure the working or processing you do in the UK goes beyond the minimal operations listed in the agreement and that the other relevant conditions are met.

For example, you cannot simply package or label a product from the EU and export it to Chile as a good originating in the UK.

The ability to consider materials from, or processing carried out in, another country as originating when incorporated into your product is called cumulation.

Sending your goods to Chile through the EU and other countries

Goods transited through the EU are not subject to the same restrictions as those in transit through other third countries.

For example, you can split a consignment in the EU when exporting goods to Chile, provided the goods comprising the consignment have not been entered into free circulation in the EU.

Transit through any other third country is possible provided your goods remain under customs surveillance and do not undergo operations other than unloading, reloading or any operation designed to preserve them in good condition.

Geographical indications

Geographical indications (GIs) protect the geographical names of food, drink and agricultural products.

Both the UK and Chile’s existing GIs remain covered by this agreement.

The following UK GIs, including ‘transborder GIs’ that relate to the territory of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, are protected in this agreement:

  • Scotch whisky
  • Irish whisky/Irish whiskey/Uisce Beatha Eireannach
  • Irish Cream

Further information

Find further guidance on exporting.

Find out about moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland.

Freight forwarding may save you time and money if you’re exporting large volumes of goods or high value items by sea or air freight. Find out more about moving goods and using freight forwarders.

This guidance is for information only. You should consult your legal advisers if you wish to ensure you understand the legal implications of trading for your business.

Contact

If you have queries about trade, contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Should you wish to speak to someone directly, we have local trade offices based around the UK. Within each office, you can contact an international trade adviser. Find your local trade office.

Published 8 August 2019
Last updated 1 January 2022 + show all updates
  1. Added guidance on finding the correct rule of origin for export.

  2. Updated following a content review.

  3. Page updated to provide detailed guidance on how to trade with Chile from 1 January 2021. This includes information on import tariff rates and rules of origin

  4. First published.