Chile has the highest GDP per capita in Latin America and one of the most solid e-commerce infrastructures in the region. Yet most Chilean entrepreneurs still don't know they can sell on Amazon.com (US) and reach 200 million Prime buyers from Santiago.
Why Should a Chilean Sell on Amazon.com (US)?
Chile has a stable economy, a Free Trade Agreement with the US in force since 2004, and financial platforms like Payoneer and Wise that work perfectly from Santiago. This combination makes selling on Amazon.com more accessible for Chileans than for many other Latin American sellers.
Advantages for Chilean Sellers
- Chile-US FTA reduces tariffs in many categories
- Payoneer fully operational in Chile since 2010
- High availability of freight agents and suppliers in Miami
- Stable economy with low inflation vs other LATAM countries
Challenges to Consider
- Direct shipping from Chile to Amazon warehouse is expensive — use a Miami agent or forwarding service
- CLP to USD conversion costs ~2% through Payoneer
- Time zone difference with the US (4-5 hours) for customer support
How to Register on Amazon Seller Central from Chile
Registration is entirely online and takes between 30 and 60 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Valid Passport
Amazon accepts a valid Chilean passport as the primary ID document. Your Chilean RUT is also accepted as a tax identification document.
Step 2: Payoneer or Wise Account
You need an account to receive USD payments. Payoneer and Wise are the two most widely used options by Chilean sellers. Open one before starting your Amazon registration.
Step 3: Chilean Phone Number
Amazon sends a verification code by SMS or call. Your Chilean number (+56) works perfectly for this process.
Step 4: Address in Chile
Your residential or commercial address in Chile is valid as a business address in Amazon Seller Central.
Step 5: International Credit Card
You need a Visa or Mastercard credit card issued by a Chilean bank with USD support or international charge capability.
Step 6: W-8BEN Form
This US tax form is completed inside Seller Central. It declares that you are a non-US seller and activates the benefits of the Chile-US tax treaty.
Payoneer and Wise: How to Collect USD from Chile
This is one of the most frequently asked questions from Chilean entrepreneurs who want to start on Amazon. The good news is that both platforms work perfectly from Chile.
How the Payment Flow Works
Payoneer is free to open. You receive a virtual US bank account number. Amazon deposits your sales there. You then transfer to your Chilean bank account in CLP. Cost: ~2% conversion fee.
Wise alternative: lower fee (~0.7%), more transparent on the exchange rate. For sales under $2,000 USD/month, Payoneer is easier to set up initially.
Recommendation: Start with Payoneer for its simplicity. Once you exceed $3,000 USD/month in sales, evaluate migrating to Wise to save on conversion costs.
What to Sell from Chile
Your product strategy is the most important decision. These are the four most effective routes for a Chilean seller on Amazon:
Chilean Heritage Products
Wines, Mapuche crafts, native wood — products with cultural story that American consumers value and are willing to pay a premium for.
Importing from China
Without touching inventory — prep center in Miami. Your Chinese supplier ships directly to the US and Amazon handles the final logistics.
American Dropshipping
No inventory, lower margins but $0 startup capital. US suppliers ship directly to the Amazon customer.
Chilean Private Label
Unique products manufactured in Chile with high artisan quality. Own brand + origin story = real differentiation on Amazon.
Logistics from Chile: The Main Challenge
Logistics is the biggest challenge for Chilean sellers. But there are proven solutions that eliminate the need to physically ship from Santiago:
Option A: Direct Shipping Chile → Amazon Warehouse US
Expensive and logistically complex. Only viable for high-margin products where the freight cost ($8-15 USD/kg) is a small percentage of the selling price.
Option B: Prep Center in Miami or Los Angeles
You ship small boxes from Chile, the prep center handles FBA prep (labeling, packaging) and sends to Amazon. Cost: $0.30-0.60 per unit. The most popular option for sellers who manufacture in Chile.
Option C: Chinese Supplier Ships Directly to US Prep Center
The most popular for private label. Your supplier in China ships directly to the Miami prep center. You never touch the inventory. Amazon handles the rest.
"90% of the Chileans I know selling on Amazon never touch their inventory. Their supplier in China ships directly to a prep center in Miami and Amazon handles the rest." — Diego Medina F, MerchandisePROS
W-8BEN: The Form Every Chilean Seller Must Complete
This is the most important form you must complete when registering on Amazon Seller Central as a non-US seller. Many sellers ignore it and pay a steep price.
What is the W-8BEN and Why Does It Matter?
The W-8BEN is an IRS form that declares you are a non-US individual or entity. Its purpose is to activate the benefits of the tax treaty between Chile and the United States.
If you do NOT complete it: Amazon automatically withholds 30% of all your payments.
If you complete it correctly: Thanks to the Chile-US tax treaty, withholding can be 0% on royalties and significantly reduced on other income.
How to complete it: Go to Seller Central → Account → Tax Information → W-8BEN Form. The form is in English but straightforward. You need your full name, Chilean address, and passport number or RUT.
Case Study: Chilean Entrepreneur in Santiago Sells Native Wood Products
Case: Valentina M., Santiago, Chile
Product: Artisan bowls made from Chilean aromo wood
Manufacturer: Craftspeople in the Maule Region
Sales Channel: Amazon Handmade + Amazon.com (FBA)
Logistics: Shipped from Chile to Miami prep center, then FBA
Result: $3,200 USD/month in gross revenue within 4 months of active selling
Lesson: The product story — native wood, craftspeople from Maule, Chile — was the key differentiator. American buyers paid 40% more than for similar bowls of Asian origin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling on Amazon from Chile
Do I need a Chilean company to sell on Amazon US?
No. You can sell as an individual with your RUT and passport. However, if you generate more than $20,000 USD/year, it is advisable to set up a company (SpA or EIRL in Chile) for tax reasons.
Can I sell on Amazon.com.mx (Mexico) or Amazon.com.co (Colombia) from Chile?
Yes. Both accounts are accessible to Chilean residents with a passport and bank account. Mexico and Colombia have growing markets with less competition than the US.
Does Chile's SII tax Amazon US sales?
Yes, income from Amazon sales must be declared to the SII even if it is in dollars. The Chile-US Free Trade Agreement governs double taxation. Consult a Chilean accountant specializing in foreign trade.
What Amazon categories are most profitable for a seller based in Chile?
Home & Kitchen, Pet Supplies, Sports & Outdoors, and Beauty & Personal Care have high margins and low regulation for international sellers. Avoid gated categories (Electronics, seasonal Toys) when starting out.
Does MerchandisePROS have experience working with Chilean sellers?
Yes. We have worked with entrepreneurs in Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción. The free audit includes an analysis of your situation as a Chilean seller and the most accessible opportunities for your profile.
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