Chile has updated phytosanitary requirements for olive stakes and strawberry plants, strengthening plant health safeguards through new import standards.
Chile Tightens Rules for Olive and Berry Imports
New import conditions and entry points apply to plant material from the EU, US, and New Zealand.
What changed
New requirements for olive stakes from the EU replace 2007 rules.
Strawberry plant imports from the US must meet updated conditions.
Entry restricted to Santiago for berry material from New Zealand.
Quarantine exemption granted to Fall Creek Perú S.R.L. for in vitro blueberry plants.
Who it affects
EU olive stake importers must comply with new pest risk analysis requirements.
US strawberry plant shippers must align with updated standards by 25 June 2026.
New Zealand berry exporters must route shipments through the SAG Foreign Trade Office in Santiago.
Key dates
Updated Phytosanitary Requirements for Importing Olive Stakes and Strawberry Plants into Chile
Chile has strengthened its phytosanitary import standards for strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa) from the United States, as outlined in Resolution No. 5.352 of 2026, which amends Resolution No. 6.293 of 2024. While the provided sources focus primarily on strawberry plants, they establish a framework for phytosanitary updates that may apply to other regulated articles, such as olive stakes, through periodic revisions under Resolution No. 3.080 of 20031. Below is a structured compliance overview based on the available regulations.
1. Legal Framework and Authority
The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) is Chile’s competent authority for plant health, empowered under:
- Decree Law No. 3,557 of 1980 (Agricultural Protection)1.
- Law No. 18,755 (Organic Law of SAG)1.
- International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), ratified via Decree No. 144 of 20071.
- Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003, which establishes criteria for quarantine pests and regionalization1.
SAG updates phytosanitary requirements periodically based on surveillance data, pest distribution, and risk assessments.
2. Updated Requirements for Strawberry Plants (Fragaria × ananassa) from the U.S.
The amendments introduced by Resolution No. 5.352 of 2026 (published in the Diario Oficial on June 25, 2026) modify Resolution No. 6.293 of 2024 to reflect new pest risks. Key changes include:
A. Pest-Specific Requirements
| Pest | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Colletotrichum acutatum | Production site must be inspected during optimal detection periods, with laboratory analysis confirming absence. | 1 |
| Colletotrichum fragariae | Same as above. | 1 |
| Colletotrichum truncatum | Same as above. | 1 |
| Neopestalotiopsis rosae | Same as above. | 1 |
| Peronospora fragariae | Same as above. | 1 |
| Aphelenchoides besseyi | Shipment must be certified free via official laboratory analysis. | 1 |
| Ditylenchus dipsaci | Free of all populations except Chilean ones. | 1 |
| Xiphinema spp. | Free of X. americanum sensu lato (except Chilean populations) and X. diversicaudatum. | 1 |
B. Production Site and Documentation Requirements
- Inspection and Sampling:
- Phytosanitary Certificate:
- The shipment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the U.S. National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), attesting compliance with Chilean requirements1.
- Post-Entry Quarantine (if applicable):
- Material may be subject to post-entry quarantine under Resolutions No. 6,383 (2013), No. 7,315 (2013), No. 7,316 (2013), or No. 7,317 (2013), depending on risk assessment1.
3. Olive Stakes: Applicable Regulations
While the provided sources do not explicitly mention olive stakes (Olea europaea), their importation is governed by:
- Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003 (quarantine pest lists and regionalization)1.
- Resolution No. 3,815 of 2003 (import norms for regulated articles)1.
- Resolution No. 1,284 of 2021 (categorization of plant products by pest risk)1.
Key Considerations for Olive Stakes:
- Quarantine Pest Status:
- Olive stakes may be regulated if they are hosts for pests listed in Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003.
- SAG periodically updates pest lists based on surveillance (e.g., Aphelenchoides fragariae was removed from the quarantine list after detection in Chile)1.
- Phytosanitary Certificate:
- A certificate from the exporting country’s NPPO is required, specifying pest-free status1.
- Post-Entry Measures:
- High-risk material may require post-entry quarantine or treatment (e.g., fumigation) under Resolution No. 6,383 of 20131.
4. Compliance Process for Importers
Step-by-Step Workflow
| Step | Action | Authority | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify if the plant material (e.g., strawberry plants, olive stakes) is regulated under Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003 or other SAG resolutions. | SAG | 1 |
| 2 | Obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s NPPO, confirming compliance with Chilean pest-free requirements. | Exporting NPPO / SAG | 1 |
| 3 | Ensure the production site meets inspection and laboratory analysis requirements (for strawberry plants, see Section 2.A). | SAG / Exporting NPPO | 1 |
| 4 | Submit import documentation to SAG for pre-clearance (if required). | SAG | 1 |
| 5 | Upon arrival, the shipment may be inspected at the port of entry (e.g., ports designated under Decree No. 510 of 2016). | SAG | 1 |
| 6 | If high-risk, the material may undergo post-entry quarantine (e.g., under Resolution No. 7,316 of 2013). | SAG | 1 |
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under Decree Law No. 3,557 of 1980, violations may result in:
- Rejection or destruction of the shipment at the importer’s expense1.
- Fines or suspension of import permits1.
- Legal action for severe or repeated violations1.
Summary Answer
Chile has updated its phytosanitary requirements for strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa) from the U.S. via Resolution No. 5.352 of 2026, which amends Resolution No. 6.293 of 2024 to address pests such as Colletotrichum acutatum, Aphelenchoides besseyi, and Xiphinema spp.1. While olive stakes are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, their importation is regulated under Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003 (quarantine pests) and Resolution No. 3,815 of 2003 (import norms)1. Importers must ensure compliance with:
- Pest-free certification from the exporting country’s NPPO1.
- Production site inspections and laboratory analysis (for strawberry plants)1.
- Post-entry quarantine if deemed high-risk1.
- Documentation submission to SAG prior to importation1.
For strawberry plants, the updated requirements entered into force on June 25, 20261. Importers of olive stakes should consult SAG for the latest pest lists and regionalization criteria under Resolution No. 3.080 of 2003. Non-compliance may result in shipment rejection, fines, or legal penalties under Decree Law No. 3,557 of 19801.
Sources
- ↩ WTO SPS notification 26-03467 — Chile https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/SPS/CHL/26_03467_00_s.pdf
