Basic information
Outline of the system
The National Directorate of State Borders and Boundaries (DIFROL) is responsible for authorizing the importation of maps, charts and publications concerning or related to international boundaries and Chile's borders. It shall also be responsible for authorizing the publication and circulation of such instruments, following their review.
Product coverage
The authorization applies to any kind of printed matter or documents including maps or charts containing or depicting international boundaries and Chile's border areas. The review shall be restricted to these maps and charts and related texts only.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The authorization is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports; rather it seeks to ensure that the imported works correctly reflect the international boundaries and border areas of the State.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
It applies to work coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Legislation in force:
Decree Law No. 5 of 1968 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Decree Law No. 83 of 1979 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Decree No. 566 of 1970 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Exempt Resolution No. 108 of 19 November 2020, approving DIFROL's internal organization.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Yes, all natural and legal persons are eligible to apply for authorization.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The interested party must submit one or two copies of the work, as required, to DIFROL's Department of Border Studies.
(a) If DIFROL makes any observations during the review, such observations shall be communicated to the interested party in a memorandum and in a cover memo;
(b) Once the work has been corrected in accordance with the memorandum, the interested party shall inform the Department of Border Studies directly so that the corresponding checks can be carried out;
(c) Upon the return of the works containing the observations received, the import order does not need to be resubmitted.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The import application is made entirely online on DIFROL's website. On occasion, this application has been made by the importer prior to the importation of the product into Chile.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Not applicable.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Not applicable.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The application is generally made when the product or work arrives at customs. The review, however, depends on the complexity of the work.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The application must only be submitted to DIFROL.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There are no licensing fees or administrative charges.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Not applicable.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
The import authorization or order is not issued if the formal requirements on the website are not met. Subsequent imports or reprints of works that have been checked and corrected may be circulated, subject to proof from the interested party that the new copies have been duly corrected and that they relate to the same edition.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Not applicable.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The interested party must supply DIFROL with the required information when submitting the online application, although accompanying documents are not required. The written application for review and circulation of the work, together with the work itself, is submitted upon receipt of the import order. However, this is at a later stage, when the work has already entered Chile, but cannot be circulated until it has been reviewed by DIFROL and the corresponding exempt resolution on circulation has been issued.
DIFROL will issue an import order, which will be forwarded to the Customs Supervisory Authority and to the interested party, and which will authorize the withdrawal of the goods from the postal or customs areas, for the sole purpose of their review. Copies not submitted to the Directorate in accordance with the provisions of the following articles to meet the stated objective are kept in the custody of the interested party, under its responsibility, until it is notified of the resolution authorizing the circulation of the work.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Not applicable.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Once authorization has been granted, subsequent imports or reprints of works that have not been checked may be put into circulation if they relate to the same edition and if their content has not been altered in any way. The interested party shall bring this information to the attention of the National Directorate of State Borders and Boundaries, which will carry out the corresponding checks.
Subsequent imports or reprints of works that have been checked and corrected may be circulated, subject to proof from the interested party that the new copies have been duly corrected and that they relate to the same edition.
In both cases, the National Directorate of State Borders and Boundaries shall issue the resolution authorizing the circulation of the work, with no further formalities other than those indicated in this article.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
The non utilization of an import order (i.e. the works remain in customs warehouses), as well as the exempt resolution on circulation, does not carry any kind of penalty; DIFROL has no associated powers to impose penalties.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Not applicable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.