Market
Chewing gum in Chile is a packaged confectionery product regulated under Chile’s food regulations (Decree No. 977, Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos) and the Law on nutritional composition and food advertising (Law 20.606), including front-of-pack “ALTO EN” warning seals when nutrient thresholds are exceeded. Imported foods are controlled by the health authority (SEREMI de Salud) on a shipment-by-shipment basis, including the Certificate of Customs Destination (CDA) and subsequent authorization for use/consumption and disposition. Importers should assume standard customs taxes apply in Chile (ad valorem duty and VAT) unless preferential tariff treatment is available under a trade agreement. Trade documentation and inter-agency processing is increasingly handled through Chile’s single-window foreign trade platform (SICEX).
Market RoleDomestic consumer market with regulated import supply
Domestic RoleImpulse confectionery category sold as packaged food and subject to Chile’s labeling/advertising rules for packaged foods.
SeasonalityYear-round availability; no agricultural harvest seasonality (shelf-stable packaged product).
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Chile’s packaged-food labeling and warning-seal regime (Law 20.606 and Food Health Regulations under Decree No. 977) can block commercialization, trigger re-labeling, or lead to enforcement actions by the health authority.Run a pre-import label and formulation compliance check against Chile’s requirements (including “ALTO EN” determination where applicable) and keep documentary evidence ready for SEREMI review.
Documentation Gap MediumCDA and subsequent authorization of use and disposition are required steps for imported foods; incomplete documentation (e.g., missing invoice/transport docs or warehouse authorization) can delay release and increase storage/demurrage costs.Prepare a shipment dossier before arrival (invoice, transport document, warehouse sanitary authorization, technical sheet in Spanish if requested) and align timelines with the SEREMI en Línea process.
Sustainability MediumPackaged chewing gum placed on the Chilean market can create compliance exposure under Chile’s packaging-focused Extended Producer Responsibility (Ley REP 20.920) obligations and related reporting/management duties for packaging waste.Confirm whether the importer/brand owner is captured as a regulated producer for packaging and, if so, ensure registration, reporting, and system-of-management participation are addressed for packaging materials.
Quality LowHeat exposure in storage or last-mile distribution can soften gum, deform pieces, and cause consumer complaints or returns.Set maximum temperature exposure guidelines for warehouses and transport; avoid direct sun/heat in retail displays and delivery vehicles.
Sustainability- Packaging compliance exposure under Chile’s Extended Producer Responsibility (Ley REP 20.920) framework for packaging placed on the market
- Regulatory tightening on single-use plastics (Law 21.368) can increase scrutiny of packaging materials and claims (e.g., compostable certifications where used)
Labor & Social- Responsible marketing compliance — Law 20.606 includes restrictions on advertising directed at children for foods flagged with “ALTO EN” warning seals
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- FSSC 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
What are the key health-authority steps to import chewing gum (as a food) into Chile?Imported foods are controlled by the SEREMI de Salud. A common flow is to obtain the Certificate of Customs Destination (CDA) to move the goods to the declared warehouse, and then request the SEREMI authorization of use/consumption and disposition for the imported foods.
What does the black “ALTO EN” label mean in Chile, and why does it matter for chewing gum?Chile’s Law 20.606 requires front-of-pack “ALTO EN” warning seals on packaged foods that exceed thresholds for calories, sugars, saturated fat, and/or sodium. If a chewing gum formulation crosses those thresholds, the packaging and related marketing must comply with the warning-label and advertising restrictions.
Which import taxes are commonly paid when bringing packaged foods into Chile?As a general rule, Chile applies an ad valorem customs duty (commonly referenced as 6%) on the CIF value and VAT (19%) calculated on the CIF value plus the duty. Preferential tariffs may apply under specific trade agreements depending on origin qualification.