Basic information
Outline of the system
To import hazardous substances into the country, authorization is required from the regional ministerial health secretariats. First, a customs destination certificate is issued to enable the transfer of the substances from customs to the destination warehouse. Importation is then authorized from the warehouse, i.e. to distribute, sell, dispose of or use the substances, subject to verification of compliance with certain requirements. This is carried out every time regulated hazardous substances are imported.
Product coverage
Customs destination certificate and import or use and disposal authorization, both of which apply to the hazardous substances listed in Ministry of Health Resolution No. 408/16.
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 purpose is to comply with the country's existing legal requirements, and for the authority to have a record of the imported substances.
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 is required for any hazardous substance, from any country of origin.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Import authorization is established in the Health Code and in Law No. 18.164, which also establishes the customs destination certificate. Resolution No. 408/16 issued by the Ministry of Health establishes the list of hazardous substances concerned by these processes.
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?
Any importer of substances is 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 application is made on the digital platform: https://asdigital.minsal.cl/asdigital/index.php#. Requested information: importer's details, details of the destination warehouse of the substances, details of the substance, Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, hazard class, format in which the substance arrives, quantity imported.
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 customs destination certificate must be submitted prior to or at the time of arrival of the substances at the port or airport of entry into the country.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
The application must be submitted each time a substance enters the country.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
It can be issued on the same day.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The import application must be made once the customs destination certificate has been received. Approximately 90% of customs destination certificates are issued within 24 hours and approximately 90% of import authorizations are issued within three days.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Depending on the substances, approval is required from more than one state organ, although these are independent of each other.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Depending on the substances, approval is required from more than one state organ, although these are independent of each other.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no conditions attached to the issue of the authorization.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
The fee amount depends on the quantity of the imported substance.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
To begin the process and obtain the customs destination certificate and import authorization, applications must be paid for in advance.
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?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
In the event of refusal, the grounds are established, and the importer has a right to appeal and be granted authorization if they meet the requirements.
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?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Required documents: commercial invoice, packing list, decision or authorization of the destination warehouse, where applicable, safety data sheets for the imported substances.
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 obtained, the importer can make use of the substances; there is no period of validity. Authorization is obtained each time hazardous substances are imported.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Not applicable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Not applicable, as authorization is obtained each time the substance is imported and, once authorization is obtained, the importer can make use of the substance, either by using, selling or distributing it.
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.