Home > Freight services > WarehousingWarehousing in Chile >   Free Trade Zone Services Chile 

Free Trade Zone Services in Chile

Interworld Freight provides businesses with free trade zone services in Chile, leveraging Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI) and Zona Franca de Punta Arenas for cost-effective storage, management, and distribution of imported and exported goods. Operating within Chile's free trade zones allows companies to eliminate or defer customs duties and streamline logistics.

 +1 (646) 722-0968 | +1 (786) 550-0401

Asset 116123123
Asset 117123123

Why choose Interworld Freight's free trade zone services in Chile?

Chile operates two designated free trade zones that offer significant tax and duty advantages for international commerce. Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI) in northern Chile and Zona Franca de Punta Arenas in the far south provide duty-free storage, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities that Interworld Freight manages on behalf of our clients.

With 33 free trade agreements covering 65 economies, Chile already offers preferential tariff access to most major markets. Free trade zones add another layer of financial benefit by eliminating customs duties, IVA (19%), and other import taxes on goods that remain within the zone or are re-exported. Interworld Freight coordinates all regulatory requirements with Servicio Nacional de Aduanas to keep your operations compliant.

Check our free trade zone services in Chile

· Duty-free storage and inventory management - Store imported goods indefinitely within ZOFRI or Zona Franca de Punta Arenas without paying customs duties or IVA. Our WMS tracks every item with lot-level precision.

  • Value-added services - Labeling, repackaging, kitting, quality inspection, and light assembly within the free trade zone. Transform raw materials or components before distribution without triggering duty obligations.

  • Re-export coordination - Ship goods from Chile's free trade zones to LATAM, Asia-Pacific, and global destinations without ever entering Chilean customs territory. Ideal for regional distribution hubs.

  • Domestic entry processing - When goods are ready for the Chilean market, we handle Aduanas documentation, tariff classification, and duty payment so your products clear customs efficiently.

How free trade zone services work in Chile

AdobeStock_997492941-1
  •  Step 1: Goods arrive at the Zona Franca - Your shipment enters ZOFRI or Zona Franca de Punta Arenas directly from the port or airport. Aduanas processes the entry under free trade zone protocols, and no duties or IVA are assessed. Our team receives, inspects, and stores the cargo in our designated facility.

  •  Step 2: Storage, processing, and preparation - While goods remain in the zone, you pay zero import taxes. Interworld Freight provides warehousing, inventory management, kitting, labeling, and quality control services. You decide the timing and destination for each batch.

  •  Step 3: Distribution or re-export - When you are ready, goods either enter Chilean customs territory (with duties and IVA paid at that point) or ship to international destinations duty-free. Our TMS and customs team coordinate the logistics end to end.

Foodstuff Container Bahamas 2

2. Managing inventory and shipments in the FTZ

Our advanced inventory tracking system ensures accurate stock control, enabling businesses to efficiently manage inbound and outbound shipments within the FTZ.

BOL-1

3. Customs compliance and reporting

We handle all customs compliance and reporting requirements, ensuring your business operates within legal regulations while maximizing the financial benefits of an FTZ.

Industries we serve

industry-pharma-banner-1

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Products

industry-pharma-banner-1

Electronics & Technology Equipment

industry-pharma-banner-1-1

Fine Art, Antiques, and Collectibles

industry-pharma-banner-1-2

Food & Beverage

Other Industries

Interworld Freight’s knowledge, experience and offices in Latin America provide unique access for our customers. Whether opening new markets or expanding in existing ones, learn how Interworld helps companies in these industries grow.

Benefits of using free trade zone services in Chile

  • Complete duty and IVA elimination

    Goods stored in ZOFRI or Zona Franca de Punta Arenas incur zero customs duties and zero IVA (19%) for as long as they remain in the zone. This represents significant cash flow savings for importers managing large inventories.
  • Strategic geographic positioning

    ZOFRI in Iquique serves as a gateway to Bolivia, Peru, and the Atacama mining region. Zona Franca de Punta Arenas provides access to Patagonian markets and Antarctic supply routes.
  • Flexibility in timing and destination

    Decide when and where to ship without pre-committing to duty payments. Re-export globally or enter the Chilean market based on demand signals.
  • Regulatory support from Interworld Freight

    Our team handles all Aduanas documentation, compliance filings, and coordination with Chilean authorities so you focus on commercial decisions.
Corner

Phone: +1 (646) 722-0968 | +1 (786) 550-0401 | Email: info@interwf.com

Contact

FAQ´s

A free trade zone, or Zona Franca, is a government-designated area where imported goods can be stored, processed, and re-exported without paying customs duties or IVA. Chile has two, Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI) in the north and Zona Franca de Punta Arenas in the south.

ZOFRI (Zona Franca de Iquique) is Chile's primary free trade zone located in northern Chile near the Peruvian and Bolivian borders. Zona Franca de Punta Arenas is located in Chile's southernmost region, serving Patagonia and Antarctic-related commerce. Both zones offer duty-free storage and processing with Aduanas oversight.

 Goods entering a Zona Franca are not assessed customs duties or IVA (19%) as long as they remain within the zone. Duties are only triggered when goods are transferred into Chilean customs territory for domestic consumption. Goods re-exported from the zone never incur Chilean import taxes. 

 Free trade zones are primarily designed for imported goods under Aduanas control. Domestic goods can enter the zone for export consolidation, but the primary duty and tax benefits apply to imported merchandise that has not cleared Chilean customs. 

There is no fixed time limit for storing goods in ZOFRI or Zona Franca de Punta Arenas. Goods can remain indefinitely as long as they comply with zone regulations and the operator maintains proper documentation with Aduanas.