To export from Bolivia through a northern Chilean port, cargo is trucked to the port (for example, Antofagasta), where a stevedoring company receives it, consolidates or deconsolidates it, and loads it onto the vessel. The free-transit regime reduces paperwork and costs for Bolivian cargo.
General steps
1) Cargo leaves Bolivia through an enabled border pass. 2) It arrives by road at the chosen Chilean port. 3) A stevedoring company receives it, stores or deconsolidates it and coordinates loading with the ship agency. 4) The cargo is shipped to its final destination. At each stage, an agile port operator reduces dwell times and costs.
The 1904 Treaty and free storage
The 1904 Treaty of Peace and Friendship grants Bolivia, in perpetuity, the broadest and freest right of commercial transit through Chilean territory and ports, and names Antofagasta and Arica as enabled ports. According to Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolivian cargo also enjoys free storage at those ports: up to one year for imports and up to 60 days for exports, a benefit that does not apply to Chilean or third-country cargo and that stems from agreements complementing the treaty. The terms in force should be confirmed with ASP-B and Customs before each operation.
Why the stevedoring company matters
The port provides the infrastructure, but the stevedoring company executes the operation. An operator with field experience and a direct response —no middlemen— speeds up the operation and gives predictability to Bolivian cargo. Opazo Muellaje provides this service at the Port of Antofagasta.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bolivian cargo pay storage at the Port of Antofagasta?
According to Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolivian cargo has free storage at Antofagasta and Arica: up to one year for imports and up to 60 days for exports. Confirm the terms in force with ASP-B and Customs before your operation.
What does the 1904 Treaty say about Bolivian transit?
It grants Bolivia, in perpetuity, the broadest and freest right of commercial transit through Chilean territory and ports, and enables the ports of Antofagasta and Arica for that trade.
Which Chilean port should I use to export from Bolivia?
It depends on the cargo's origin and the shipment's destination. Antofagasta is a competitive option, enabled for free transit and connected via the Jama and Sico passes.
Sources
- Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Chile and Bolivia (1904), text published by ASP-B
- Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Free storage for Bolivian cargo
- ASP-B, Bolivian Port Services Administration
- Chilean National Customs Service
Reference information. Confirm the terms and conditions in force with the authorities before each operation.