Meteorite law in Chile
No law written for meteorites. Heritage law protects archaeological and palaeontological objects; whether it covers meteorites is debated. Check before exporting.
No specific law known
The Atacama Desert holds one of the densest concentrations of meteorites on Earth, and finds from it have been collected and traded for decades. Chile has no law written for meteorites. Its national monuments law protects archaeological and palaeontological objects, and Chilean scientists have argued that meteorites deserve the same protection.
Because the position may change, anyone collecting or exporting meteorites from Chile should check first with the National Monuments Council and a Chilean university. Searching inside national parks and reserves is forbidden.
This is general information to help you ask the right questions, not legal advice. Laws change and their details matter, and this summary was last reviewed in 2026. Before you search, buy, sell or export a meteorite, check the current law with the authorities of the country concerned or a qualified lawyer. See meteorite law by country.
Related pages
Glossary: Meteorite ownership, Export rules, Landowner permission, Provenance