Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormBulk (powder or syrup)
Industry PositionFood additive sweetener (polyol) / bulking agent
Market
In Chile, maltitol and maltitol syrup (INS 965) are listed in the Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA; D.S. N° 977/96, Feb 2026 consolidated text) as permitted food additives used as humectants, bulking agents and/or sweeteners under Buenas Prácticas de Fabricación (BPF). The Chilean market for maltitol is an import-dependent ingredient market supplying domestic food manufacturing and specialty baking/confectionery use-cases. Import clearance for foods/ingredients can require customs destination control (CDA) and a SEREMI de Salud resolution authorizing use and disposal, supported by documentation such as Spanish technical sheets and labeling projects aligned to the RSA. Landed cost and compliance planning depend on correct tariff classification (commonly within HS 2905.49.00 “other polyols”) and whether preferential tariffs apply under Chile’s FTAs.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market (net importer)
Domestic RoleSpecialty sugar-reduction ingredient (polyol) used by food manufacturers and ingredient distributors/retail baking suppliers
Specification
Primary VarietyMaltitol (INS 965(i))
Secondary Variety- Maltitol syrup (INS 965(ii))
Physical Attributes- Common regulatory forms referenced internationally are maltitol (crystalline/powder; INS 965(i)) and maltitol syrup (INS 965(ii)).
Compositional Metrics- Conformity to FAO/WHO JECFA food additive specifications is commonly used as a reference point for identity/purity specifications for maltitol and maltitol syrup.
Grades- Food additive grade aligned to JECFA/Codex specifications (as applicable to buyer and Chile RSA compliance).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas producer → bulk shipment to Chile → Customs destination control (CDA) → SEREMI de Salud review (documentary and/or inspection/sampling) → resolution authorizing use/consumption/disposal → importer warehouse → distribution to food manufacturers/suppliers
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the shipment documentation, labeling file, or additive compliance position does not align with Chile’s Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA) and SEREMI’s import control process, the importer may be unable to obtain the SEREMI resolution authorizing use/consumption/disposal, resulting in holds, delays, or rejection.Pre-validate that maltitol/maltitol syrup (INS 965) is the intended additive; prepare a Spanish technical dossier (manufacturer ficha técnica + CoA/analysis results as available) and a Chile-compliant labeling/labeling project for SEREMI review before shipment.
Documentation Gap MediumMissing or inconsistent import paperwork (e.g., CDA linkage, invoice/technical sheet/labeling project) can trigger additional SEREMI queries, inspection, and clearance delays.Use a standardized import checklist aligned to ChileAtiende/SEREMI guidance and reconcile product identity (INS/CAS), specs, and Spanish documentation across all documents.
Tariff Classification MediumMisclassification between polyol tariff lines can change duty treatment and create clearance friction; maltitol is commonly treated under HS 2905.49.00 (“other polyols”), but the final classification must match product identity and customs criteria.Obtain a broker-led HS classification memo referencing the Chile tariff schedule and keep it consistent with the product technical sheet and invoice description.
FAQ
Is maltitol permitted as a food additive in Chile?Yes. The Chilean Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos (RSA; D.S. N° 977/96, Feb 2026 consolidated text) lists “Maltitol y jarabe de maltitol” (INS 965) as permitted additives used as humectants, bulking agents and/or sweeteners under Good Manufacturing Practices (BPF).
What is a key health-authority step to release imported food ingredients in Chile?Importers may need a SEREMI de Salud resolution that authorizes the use/consumption/disposal of the imported food, after customs destination control (CDA). Depending on risk and history, SEREMI can process it as a documentary review or require inspection and/or sampling.
Which documents might be requested for importing food ingredients into Chile?ChileAtiende’s SEREMI import authorization guidance references the CDA and notes SEREMI may request supporting documents such as the commercial invoice, sanitary certificates when applicable, certificate of free sale, origin analysis results, a Spanish technical sheet from the manufacturer, and a label or labeling project that complies with the RSA.