Colombia
Colombia Customs Contact Information
Website: http://www.dian.gov.co/
Address: Bogotá Nivel Central carrera 8 Nº 6 - 64 edificio San Agustín
Telephone: +57 13256800
Colombia is a country located in the northwest of South America, bordered by Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru; sharing maritime limits with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The economy of Colombia is quite open, relying on international trade and following the guidelines given by international law. The country is a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Group of 3, Group of 11, International Chamber of Commerce, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Latin American Economic System.
Import/Export Requirements
All imported goods have to be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Trade (Mincomex) on a form called "Registro de Importacion". There is a certain number of goods (especially agricultural products) that are subject to license.
Import authorizations are valid for 6 months, except for these products: capital goods (12 months) and perishable foodstuffs (2 months). The goods have to be claimed at Customs before the expiry date of the license.
Besides that, some products are subject to phytosanitary measures and the importer should be registered with a certain number of organizations: the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario for plants and animal products, the INVIMA for medicines, medical underwear, cosmetics and the Ministry of Transport for all types of vehicles. Some farm products can be imported only when they get a visa from the Ministry of Agriculture, and as long as the importer also buys identical local products.
The import of vehicles, tires, second hand clothes and violent toys is forbidden.
During the past few years, Colombia reduced import duties. The average nominal import duty was reduced from 12.2% to 8.25%. Duties payable on imports to Colombia are generally no higher than 15 per cent, but there are exceptions.
The Harmonised System (HS) code is an international method of classifying products for export purposes. This classification is used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties, taxes and regulations that apply to the product. To obtain an HS code, you should contact HM Revenue & Customs.
In addition to import duties, IVA (equivalent to VAT) is levied on the value of the items. The general rate of IVA is 16 per cent but certain products are subject to higher or lower rates.
Some goods may be subject to additional requirements with regard to documentation, such as sanitary certificates, licences, permits and Certificates of Free Sale. The European Commission's Market Access Database provides details, including an explanation of each relevant form, and can be searched by tariff code. The Colombian National Institute for Control of Medical Products and Foods (INVIMA) is the principal body responsible for such certifications, although certain specific requirements are operated by others, such as the Ministry of Environment.
A Certificate of Free Sale can be required to show that goods are available for retail sale, that they comply with EU regulations and that they are suitable for use by EU consumers.
Import transactions into Colombia:
- When required, obtain import permits from pertinent government agencies. For example: Ministry of Social Protection (for medicines), Ministry of Agriculture (for certain food products), and Civil Aviation Department (for aircraft).
- Buy and fill out the Import Registration form. File the Import Registration form with Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The form requires a complete product description and tariff classification.
- Obtain approval from Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for the Import Registration Form or Import License (in the few cases when this is required).
- Make arrangements with a financial entity to pay for the imported goods.
- Ask the exporter to ship goods to a Colombian port.
- Request the Cargo Manifest from the transportation firm.
- Make arrangements with a Customs Agency to receive the merchandise and get it out of customs. The following are the main steps to be followed:
- Fill out the Import Declaration ('Declaración de Importación'). When the import value is equal or more than USD 1,000, Customs Agencies should do all the paperwork and get the shipment out of Customs.
- Fill out the “Andean Custom Value Declaration” (Declaración Andina de Valor en Aduana) when the import value is equal to or more than USD 5,000 FOB.
- Go to an authorized financial entity and pay the import duties, VAT, surcharges, and other fees.
- Present all documents to customs.
- Customs inspects the merchandise, when they consider it necessary, and then authorizes withdrawal of goods.
The importer must keep import documents for a period of not less than five years.
Prohibited and Restricted Imports
Imports of the following products have been specifically prohibited: dieldrin, aldrin, chlordane, endosulfan, heptachlor, lindane, and any preparations containing these products, gasoline that contains lead tetraethylene, and weapon-type toys.
An import license is required for 101 sub-classifications of the Colombian Tariff Schedule. No import licenses are being approved for the following: used vehicles and parts, used tires, used or irregular clothing, clothing closeouts, used bags and sacks, sacks of vegetable fibers, rags, and scrap cordage of textile material wastes. Only the Military Industry Institute (Colombia’s government-owned arms and explosives manufacturer) may import weapons, explosives, and related raw materials.
Sources:
http://export.gov/Colombia/doingbusinessincolombia/traderegulationsstandards/index.asp
http://www.colombia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/import-formalities-and-documentation/
https://en.santandertrade.com/international-shipments/colombia/customs-and-transportation
