🇨🇴 Import Customs & Duties: Colombia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$200
Packages under $200, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
CIF value + duty. Reduced 5% for basic food, agricultural inputs, medical devices. Exempt: basic food staples, education, health services.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-15% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15-20% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15-20% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-20% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-15% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-15% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $200 USD
Customs Clearance Process
DIAN (National Tax and Customs Directorate) manages customs through MUISCA electronic platform. CAN (Andean Community) common tariff for Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru. FTAs with US, EU, Pacific Alliance partners.
What to Actually Expect
Modernizing steadily. MUISCA platform improving efficiency. Generous $200 de minimis. Express couriers 2-4 days. Postal 5-15 days. Buenaventura port can be congested. Free trade zones offer advantages for businesses.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
INVIMA registration for food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices. ICA for agricultural products. Import registration with VUCE (Single Window for Foreign Trade). Some goods require prior import license from Ministry of Commerce.
Certificate of Origin
CAN certificate for Andean Community trade. Pacific Alliance certificate. EUR.1 for EU-Colombia FTA. Certificates issued by local chambers of commerce.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Colombia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $30 | $101 | $131 |
| $1000 | $80 | $205 | $285 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Colombia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Colombia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Colombia is $200. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Colombia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Colombia is 19%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced 5% for basic food, agricultural inputs, medical devices. Exempt: basic food staples, education, health services.
How long does customs clearance take in Colombia?
Typical customs clearance in Colombia takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Colombia?
To import into Colombia, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Colombia?
Colombia prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.