Calculate the total cost before shipping
If you’ve already found your supplier and have the product ready to ship, the next key step is to know how much it will really cost to import to Chile.
Many importers calculate only the value of the product and freight, but leave out other essential expenses that can affect their profitability.
In this article, we explain how to calculate the total import cost and how you can get a complete, no-obligation quote to make informed decisions before shipping.
1.Main costs of an import to Chile
When calculating your import, you must consider these four groups of costs:
a) Costs at origin
Include the price of the product, packaging, internal transportation, and supplier expenses.
If the agreement is FOB (Free On Board), these costs are included until the cargo is shipped. If it is EXW (Ex Works), you must add the transport from the factory to the port.
b) International costs
This includes maritime or air freight and transport insurance.
These values vary depending on the type of cargo, country of origin, and season.
c) Costs at destination
Once the cargo arrives in Chile, the following must be paid:
- Customs duties and import VAT
- Customs broker fees
- Port unloading and handling (THC)
d) Additional logistics costs
Depending on your operation, the following may be added:
- Storage at the port
- Domestic transport to your warehouse
- SAG inspections or Health Service checks (depending on the type of product)
2.Factors that affect the total cost
The total cost of an import is not fixed; it can vary for different reasons.
The main ones are:
- Country of origin and distance (affect the freight cost).
- Type of goods (affects tariffs and permits).
- Volume and weight (larger volume = better rate per unit).
- Incoterm used (defines which party pays each cost).
That’s why a personalized quote is essential before making decisions.
3.Why request a complete quote before shipping?
Requesting a professional quote before starting your operation allows you to:
- Know exactly how much you’ll pay until the cargo reaches your warehouse.
- Avoid surprises from additional charges or delays.
- Compare transport options and save on logistics.
- Ensure compliance with the documents required by customs.
4.Calculate your total cost with ComexPoint
At ComexPoint, we carry out the full calculation of your import, considering all logistics, customs, and tax costs, so you can make decisions based on real information. Importing to Chile can be a profitable and safe process if you correctly calculate all the costs.
Before shipping, make sure you have a complete overview of the associated expenses and avoid mistakes that could affect your margins.
ComexPoint accompanies you throughout the entire process—from product analysis to final delivery—guaranteeing transparency, savings, and security at every step.