Importing Chinese EVs into Chile, Peru & Colombia (2026 Guide)
In short: Chile and Peru both hold free-trade agreements with China that can cut EV import duty to zero, leaving mainly VAT (19% Chile, 18% Peru). Colombia offers reduced EV tariffs and VAT. All three are left-hand drive with no age limit on new cars. Full guide inside.
The Pacific coast of South America is a standout destination for Chinese EVs — and it comes with a structural advantage most markets don't have: free-trade agreements. Both Chile and Peru hold FTAs with China that can reduce import duty on qualifying vehicles to zero, and Colombia actively lowers tariffs and VAT for electric cars. All three are left-hand-drive markets with no age limit on new vehicles. Here's how to import into each.
Can you import a Chinese EV into Chile, Peru or Colombia?
Yes, and the trade terms are favourable. Chile's and Peru's FTAs with China mean duty on qualifying EVs is often reduced or eliminated, so your main cost is VAT. Colombia grants preferential tariffs and a reduced VAT rate for EVs as part of its clean-transport policy. All three accept new left-hand-drive imports without an age limit.
Duty, VAT and landed cost by country
| Country | Import duty | VAT / sales tax | Main ports | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | ~6% (often 0% under China FTA) | 19% IVA | San Antonio, Valparaíso, Iquique (ZOFRI) | 30–45 days |
| Peru | ~6% (reduced/0% under China FTA) | 18% IGV | Callao | 35–50 days |
| Colombia | Reduced EV tariff | Reduced VAT for EVs | Cartagena, Buenaventura | 35–50 days |
Why the China FTAs matter
For Chile and Peru, the China free-trade agreements are the headline advantage: where a qualifying EV enters at zero duty, the buyer effectively pays only VAT on top of the landed cost. That can make a China-origin EV dramatically cheaper than a comparable car sourced elsewhere. Colombia takes a different route — it uses reduced tariffs and a lower VAT rate specifically to encourage EV adoption. In all three, EVs are treated more favourably than combustion imports.
Step by step
- Choose the model and confirm the CIF price to San Antonio, Callao, Cartagena or another port. See EV models.
- Confirm FTA eligibility (Chile/Peru) so the certificate of origin supports duty relief.
- Approve the pro-forma invoice and pay.
- Export documents prepared in China — invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading.
- Clear customs and pay VAT (plus any reduced duty), then register locally.
Ports and free zones
Chile clears vehicles through San Antonio and Valparaíso, with the Iquique ZOFRI free zone useful for regional distribution. Peru concentrates imports at Callao near Lima. Colombia uses Cartagena on the Caribbean and Buenaventura on the Pacific. Transit from China runs roughly 30–50 days depending on the port and routing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the FTA benefit. Without a correct certificate of origin, a Chile or Peru shipment may not get duty relief.
- Assuming VAT is small. At 18–19%, VAT is the biggest single charge — budget for it.
- Overlooking altitude and terrain. For Andean routes, confirm range and thermal performance for high-altitude use.
Frequently asked questions
Do China free-trade agreements really cut EV import duty in Chile and Peru?
What taxes apply to EVs in Colombia?
Is there an age limit on imported cars?
Which ports should I ship to?
Want a landed cost for a specific model into Chile, Peru or Colombia? Browse our EV models or send the model and destination for a CIF quote within 24 hours.