Importing to Colombia | Key Considerations for a Smooth Process

Import Requirements for Colombia

Importing goods into Colombia requires a clear understanding of customs procedures, documentation, and potential barriers. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and documents needed:

Import Registration

Every importer must register with Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MINCIT). This process requires filling out an Import Registration Form, which includes a detailed product description and tariff classification.

Customs Declaration

The importer must submit an Import Declaration (Declaración de Importación) to the National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN). This includes a range of details, such as the value of the goods, customs duties, VAT, and other fees paid. The declaration can be made up to 15 days before the shipment’s arrival or within two months of its arrival.

Import Documentation

Along with the customs declaration, the following documents must accompany the shipment:

Commercial invoice (in Spanish)
Certificate of origin
Health and phytosanitary certificates (for specific goods like food, medicine, and plants)
Free sale certificates (for cosmetics)

Tariffs and Taxes

The average customs duty rate in Colombia is around 4.5%. However, certain products may qualify for duty-free entry under Colombia’s trade agreements, such as the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Tariffs are assessed based on the Harmonized System (HS) and can vary depending on the product’s classification and country of origin.

Non-Tariff Barriers

Importers must be aware of Colombia’s bureaucratic hurdles, including:

Excessive customs inspections
Possible shipment detentions due to incorrect tariff classifications or minor paperwork errors
Licensing requirements for certain goods, such as second-hand items

Export Requirements

Colombia is one of the leading exporters in Latin America. To export goods, businesses must comply with a range of regulations, including the following:

Export Registration

Similar to the import process, exporters must file with MINCIT and complete the Export Declaration. Depending on the goods, you may also need additional certifications.

Documentation

Exports from Colombia require documents such as:

Pro-forma invoice
Letter of credit (if applicable)
Export registration form and certificates of origin
Certificates required by the destination country (e.g., phytosanitary, health certificates)

Export Restrictions

Colombia’s export regulations may include restrictions or bans on certain items, such as weapons, hazardous materials, and products from embargoed countries (e.g., Iran).

Customs Procedures:

The export customs declaration is submitted to DIAN, and goods are subject to inspection before clearance. Export duties are typically lower compared to import duties, but products may be subject to additional environmental and safety standards, especially for pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and cosmetics.

Specialized Solution and Services for Colombia

TecEx, a leading specialist in Colombian import/export compliance, can streamline the trade process for your business. As an Importer of Record (IOR), TecEx handles the complexities of customs clearance, import duties, and compliance. Our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service ensures that your shipments reach their destination on time, with all duties and taxes paid upfront.

Population

52,09 M

Biggest Industry by Export

Crude Petroleum

Capital City

Bogotá

Biggest Industry by Import

Machinery and Transport Equipment

Pre-Compliance and Customs Clearance

Our team of local experts is well-versed in Colombian customs regulations and can help you navigate the complex documentation, tariff classifications, and licensing requirements.

Risk Management & Efficiency

By partnering with TecEx, you can minimize delays, reduce the risk of non-compliance, and simplify logistics with our end-to-end solutions.

Unique Pain Points & Challenges for Colombia

Bureaucratic Delays:

Colombian customs can be slow, especially when handling agricultural products or pharmaceuticals, leading to delayed shipments and potential financial penalties for businesses that fail to comply with timelines.

Customs Inspections & Classification Errors

Misclassification of goods or small errors in documentation (such as incorrect product descriptions or tariff codes) can result in shipment detentions or fines. Customs often conducts random post-clearance audits, which can lead to delays if there are discrepancies in paperwork.

Infrastructure Challenges

While Colombia has strong ports and airports, logistics challenges remain. The country’s mountainous geography and underdeveloped road networks can complicate transportation, particularly for goods traveling inland from major ports.

Specialized Regulations for Technology

Importing technology products into Colombia involves navigating an intricate lane system for classification and compliance. Refurbished or second-hand tech goods require special permits, and compliance with intellectual property and data protection laws is crucial.

Import Duties & High Costs

Some sectors, such as consumer goods and electronics, are subject to relatively high import duties, which can increase the overall cost of doing business. Businesses may need to factor in these costs when pricing goods for the Colombian market.

Countries Associated with Colombia

South America

Venezuela

South America

Ecuador

North America

United States of America (USA)

Specific Compliance Regulations for Colombia

Harmonized Tariff System

Colombia follows the Andean Community tariff system, with four main customs duty rates. These range from 0% on capital goods and raw materials to 15-20% on consumer goods. Specific trade agreements, such as those with the U.S. and European Union, may reduce or eliminate certain tariffs.

Safety and Environmental Standards

Colombia enforces technical standards and product certifications, particularly through its national standardization body, ICONTEC. Products like electronics and medical devices must meet Colombian technical regulations and be certified by accredited agencies.

Intellectual Property & Data Protection

Colombia adheres to international agreements on intellectual property protection, including TRIPS under the WTO. Data protection laws are evolving, and tech companies must comply with local data privacy regulations when handling customer information.

Overview of Colombia’s Trade Landscape

Colombia, strategically positioned as the “gateway to South America,” plays a crucial role in international trade. Its proximity to both North and Central America gives it access to important markets, while its well-developed ports and infrastructure make it a key player in the Latin American economy. Colombia is part of various trade agreements, such as the Pacific Alliance with Chile, Peru, and Mexico, and has a robust network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that help streamline trade with countries like the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

Colombia’s trade environment presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses engaged in import and export activities. Understanding the intricacies of customs procedures, compliance regulations, and tariffs is essential for success in this dynamic market. By leveraging specialized services like TecEx, businesses can streamline their operations, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth trade with Colombia.

Important Dates

Apart from the country’s public holidays, it is important to note that companies usually close for an end-of-year vacation between 24 December and 7 January. As a result this may disrupt standard customs clearance timelines in Colombia.

Your global trade solution for Colombia

Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.

Get In Touch Back To Countries

Import and Export Compliance in Colombia