Chile updates seismic design rules for industrial structures

Carey | On March 9, 2026, Exempt Decree No. 12 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism (MINVU) was published in the Official Gazette of Chile, approving and declaring as an Official Standard of the Republic the NCh2369:2025, prepared by the National Institute for Standardization (INN), concerning the seismic design of industrial structures and facilities.

This new version updates the existing design criteria, replacing and rendering ineffective NCh2369:2003, which had served as the main technical reference in this area for more than two decades.

According to the INN, the update aims to incorporate the latest advances in seismic engineering and align with more demanding international standards, thereby strengthening the requirements applicable to the design of industrial structures and facilities in the country.

Exclusions from the Declaration as an Official Standard

The decree expressly provides that sections 4.6.2, C.4.6.2, and C.11.6 of the standard are excluded from its declaration as an Official Standard and, therefore, will not be mandatory under the aforementioned decree.

In particular, section 4.6.2 establishes that the seismic-resistant design of structures, equipment, and anchorage systems must be reviewed and approved by independent specialist professionals other than the original designers. Section C.4.6.2 notes that independent review of industrial structure design has historically been a common practice in Chile and is frequently required under various international codes. Finally, section C.11.6 addresses the seismic design of large mobile equipment, such as gantry cranes, considering risks associated with lateral stability, uplift, and the need for coordination between suppliers and seismic specialists during project development.

Entry into Force

NCh2369:2025 will enter into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, allowing time for its proper implementation by designers, structural engineers, industrial operators, and other relevant stakeholders.

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