Chile has established comprehensive health requirements for the temporary export and return of equines, as well as for definitive or shuttle system imports, reinforcing animal health safeguards across all entry regimes
Chile Tightens Health Rules for Horses
All equines entering for any reason now face stricter health requirements.
What changed
Health protocols are now mandatory for the temporary export and return of equines, replacing a previous exemption.
Health certification required for all equines entering temporarily for competition or exhibition.
Entry banned for equines seropositive for equine arteritis virus, aligning with WOAH standards.
Who it affects
Chilean horse owners must follow new health protocols when bringing animals back from events abroad.
International event organizers must secure health certificates for horses entering Chile for competitions.
Importers of horses must ensure animals test negative for equine arteritis virus for definitive or shuttle imports.
Compliance Requirements for Equine Importation and Temporary Export/Return in Chile
Chile has established stringent health requirements for the importation of equines under definitive and shuttle (double hemisphere) regimes, as well as for their temporary export and return. These measures are governed by the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) and align with Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OMSA) standards1. Below is a structured breakdown of the key compliance obligations.
1. General Framework
The regulatory framework is primarily defined by:
- Decreto 510 (21 December 2016): Designates ports for equine imports subject to SAG inspection1.
- Resolución Exenta N° 7.364 (2017): Establishes general sanitary requirements for equine imports (repealed Resolución N° 1.254/1991)1.
- Resolución Exenta N° 6.567 (2024): Sets updated sanitary conditions for equine imports, replacing Resolución N° 1.582/2019 (effective 6 months post-publication in the Diario Oficial)1.
- Resolución N° 36 (2025, Contraloría General): Governs administrative procedures for SAG resolutions1.
Key Authority: SAG is responsible for enforcing these regulations to protect Chile’s zoosanitary status1.
2. Regulatory Requirements by Disease/Health Risk
The following table summarizes the critical health requirements for equine imports under definitive or shuttle regimes:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equine Influenza | Equines must be isolated for 14 days pre-export with no clinical signs. Vaccination required using OMSA-compliant vaccines, with details recorded in the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI)1. | 14-day isolation; vaccination per manufacturer | SAG1 |
| Piroplasmosis (Theileria equi/Babesia caballi) | No clinical signs on embarkation day. Must originate from OMSA-recognized free zones or countries1. | Lifelong or 90-day pre-export residency | SAG1 |
| African Horse Sickness (Peste Equina) | No clinical signs on embarkation day. Must reside in OMSA-recognized free zones for ≥40 days pre-export, with vector protection during transit1. | 40-day residency; no vaccination 40 days prior | SAG1 |
| Contagious Equine Metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis) | Males >24 months and females >18 months: Negative tests (3 samples over 12 days) and 60-day pre-export isolation in a disease-free herd. Exempt: Castrated males, males <24 months, females <18 months1. | 60-day isolation; 3 tests within 30 days pre-export | SAG1 |
| Equine Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinopneumonitis) | No clinical signs on embarkation day. Vaccination 30–365 days pre-export using OMSA-compliant vaccines1. | 21-day pre-export isolation | SAG1 |
| Arteritis Virus (Non-Castrated Males) | Negative test within 21 days pre-export or stable/declining antibody titers from 2 samples (14-day interval). Vaccination per manufacturer1. | 28-day pre-export isolation | SAG1 |
| Parasites (Cochliomyia hominivorax/Chrysomya bezziana) | Pre-export inspection for wounds/larvae. Treatment with SAG-approved larvicides (immersion/spray) under official supervision1. | 7-day pre-export treatment | SAG1 |
| General Health | Clinical examination pre-embarkation (ears, nostrils, axillae, perineum). Equipment must be disinfected/disinfested1. | Day of embarkation | SAG1 |
3. Certification and Quarantine Procedures
3.1. International Veterinary Certificate (CVI)
- Must be issued by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country in Spanish and the official language of origin1.
- Mandatory details:
3.2. Quarantine
- Pre-Export: 21-day isolation in the country of origin under official supervision, with no clinical signs or unauthorized treatments1.
- Post-Arrival in Chile:
4. Shuttle System (Double Hemisphere) Specifics
- Definition: Temporary import of breeding equines for reproductive purposes, followed by return to the country of origin1.
- Additional Requirements:
- Vector Control: Origin farm must maintain a vector-control program1.
- Disease Surveillance: No clinical cases of Borna Disease in the origin farm or neighboring farms (10 km radius) for 90 days pre-export1.
- Vaccination: Compliance with OMSA’s Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals1.
5. Enforcement and Penalties
- Non-Compliance: Equines may be rejected, quarantined, or returned at the importer’s expense1.
- Effective Date: Resolución N° 6.567/2024 replaces Resolución N° 1.582/2019 and takes effect 6 months post-publication in the Diario Oficial1.
Summary Answer
Chile’s equine import regulations, enforced by SAG, mandate disease-specific testing, vaccination, and quarantine to mitigate risks such as piroplasmosis, equine influenza, and African horse sickness. Key requirements include:
- Pre-export isolation (14–21 days) and clinical examinations1.
- OMSA-compliant vaccinations (e.g., equine influenza, herpesvirus-1) with detailed certification1.
- Post-arrival quarantine (10+ days) at SAG facilities or authorized premises, with laboratory testing1.
- Shuttle system equines must adhere to additional vector-control and surveillance measures1.
All imports require an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) in Spanish, issued by the exporting country’s veterinary authority1. Resolución N° 6.567/2024 (effective 6 months post-publication) is the current governing regulation1.
Sources
- ↩ WTO SPS notification 26-03794 — Chile https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/SPS/CHL/26_03794_00_s.pdf