Country profile
Colombia
CO · COLAs of: 7/29/2026Andean trade and transit hub with Pacific and Caribbean ports; export of coffee, coal, crude oil and cut flowers
Colombia is a central trade and transit gateway in South America with ports on the Pacific (Buenaventura) and the Caribbean (Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta) and Bogotá El Dorado airport (BOG), one of Latin America's largest cargo hubs. The customs authority is DIAN; import VAT (IVA) is 19 percent on CIF plus duty. Free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA (including Switzerland, in force since 1 July 2011), the USA and the Pacific Alliance, plus membership of the Andean Community, lower tariffs. Key exports are coffee, coal, oil and cut flowers.
Overview
Colombia (CO) lies in north-western South America as the continent's only country with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, making it a key Andean trade and transit gateway. It is a member of the Andean Community (CAN) and the Pacific Alliance. Customs authority: DIAN, using the electronic SYGA system and the VUCE single trade window; import VAT (IVA) is 19 percent on CIF plus duty (5 percent or exempt for selected goods). Main cargo airports: Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) and Medellín Rionegro (MDE). Key seaports: Cartagena (over 4.1 million TEU in 2025, Colombia's leading gateway), Buenaventura on the Pacific, Barranquilla and Santa Marta on the Caribbean. Main road corridor: Bogotá–Buenaventura and the Ruta del Sol to the Caribbean coast; Fenoco coal railway links La Loma with Santa Marta. Principal exports: coffee, coal, crude oil, cut flowers; main partners: USA, China and the EU.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
DIAN - Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas NacionalesImport system
Electronic import clearance by DIAN via the SYGA system; legal basis Estatuto Aduanero (Decreto 1165 de 2019). Declarations and authorizations via the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE).
Export system
Export via the DIAN with the electronic Declaración de Exportación (DEX) in the SYGA system; processing via the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE).
Import VAT
- Import VAT standard rate 19 percent on CIF value plus customs duty
- reduced rate 5 percent, individual goods 0 percent or exempt. Customs duty rates depending on tariff heading 0 to 35 percent.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Proof of origin
- Registro o Licencia de Importación (VUCE)
- INVIMA or ICA approval if applicable
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Declaración de Exportación (DEX)
- Packing list
- Shipping document
- Proof of origin
- INVIMA or ICA certificate if applicable
Origin proofs / FTA
Declaration of origin or EUR.1 for EU and EFTA; certificate of origin of the Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance; registered exporters depending on the agreement.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Weapons, ammunition and explosives only via the state-owned company Indumil. Import of used vehicles and tyres prohibited. Goods of Iranian origin prohibited due to embargo.
Export controls & sanctions
Control of weapons and dual-use goods via the Ministry of Defense and Indumil; Colombia is not part of the Wassenaar Arrangement. DIAN imposes customs sanctions; no own country embargoes except the Iran ban.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Bogotá El Dorado (BOG)
- Medellín Rionegro (MDE)
- Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO)
- Barranquilla Ernesto Cortissoz (BAQ)
Seaports / access ports
Inland ports & terminals
- Barrancabermeja (Magdalena River)
- La Dorada / Puerto Salgar
Road corridors & border crossings
- Bogotá - Buenaventura
- Ruta del Sol (Bogotá - Caribbean coast)
- Medellín - Cartagena
Rail corridors
- La Loma - Santa Marta coal railway (Fenoco)
- Bogotá - Belencito
Top trade lanes
- Colombia - USA
- Colombia - China
- Colombia - EU
- Colombia - Latin America
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Topographically demanding Andean corridors, temporary bottlenecks in Buenaventura and regional security issues in rural areas can affect transit times and planning reliability.
Seasonal & weather risks
Two rainy seasons (roughly April to May and October to November); La Niña phases lead to floods and landslides that can disrupt road corridors and ports.
Current logistics notes
Cartagena exceeded the 4,1 million TEU mark in 2025 and ranks among the largest ports in Latin America; Maersk is investing over 200 million USD in Colombian logistics infrastructure. Buenaventura recorded road blockades in October 2025 (Buga–Buenaventura), which were subsequently lifted; operations normal in summer 2026. New deep-water port Puerto Antioquia under construction. EU trade agreement fully ratified since 1.11.2024. (As of 2026-07-29)
As of: 2026-07-29
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 12, 2026observed on Jan 6, 2026 | Epiphany (observed) | National | |||
| Mar 23, 2026observed on Mar 19, 2026 | St. Joseph's Day (observed) | National | |||
| Apr 2, 2026 | Maundy Thursday | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 18, 2026observed on May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day (observed) | National | |||
| Jun 8, 2026observed on Jun 4, 2026 | Corpus Christi (observed) | National | |||
| Jun 15, 2026observed on Jun 11, 2026 | Sacred Heart of Jesus (observed) | National | |||
| Jun 29, 2026 | Saints Peter and Paul | National | |||
| Jul 20, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Aug 7, 2026 | Battle of Boyacá | National | |||
| Aug 17, 2026observed on Aug 15, 2026 | Assumption of Mary (observed) | National | |||
| Oct 12, 2026 | Columbus Day (observed) | National | |||
| Nov 2, 2026observed on Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day (observed) | National | |||
| Nov 16, 2026observed on Nov 11, 2026 | Independence of Cartagena (observed) | National | |||
| Dec 8, 2026 | Immaculate Conception | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Epiphany (observed)
Jan 12, 2026 · observed on Jan 6, 2026
St. Joseph's Day (observed)
Mar 23, 2026 · observed on Mar 19, 2026
Maundy Thursday
Apr 2, 2026
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Ascension Day (observed)
May 18, 2026 · observed on May 14, 2026
Corpus Christi (observed)
Jun 8, 2026 · observed on Jun 4, 2026
Sacred Heart of Jesus (observed)
Jun 15, 2026 · observed on Jun 11, 2026
Saints Peter and Paul
Jun 29, 2026
Independence Day
Jul 20, 2026
Battle of Boyacá
Aug 7, 2026
Assumption of Mary (observed)
Aug 17, 2026 · observed on Aug 15, 2026
Columbus Day (observed)
Oct 12, 2026
All Saints' Day (observed)
Nov 2, 2026 · observed on Nov 1, 2026
Independence of Cartagena (observed)
Nov 16, 2026 · observed on Nov 11, 2026
Immaculate Conception
Dec 8, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Sources: Ley 51 de 1983 (Ley Emiliani) · Ley 51 de 1983
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- dian.gov.co
- dane.gov.co
- efta.int
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT (IVA) rate in Colombia?
The standard IVA rate is 19 percent, levied on the CIF value plus duty. A reduced rate of 5 percent or an exemption applies to certain goods.
Which authority handles customs clearance?
The DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) is responsible. Clearance is electronic via the SYGA system and the single trade window VUCE.
Does Switzerland benefit from a free trade agreement with Colombia?
Yes. The free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Colombia has been in force for Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 1 July 2011 and lowers tariffs with a valid proof of origin.
Which ports are most important for ocean freight?
Buenaventura on the Pacific handles most of the Asia trade; Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta on the Caribbean mainly serve North America and Europe.
Which airport is central for air cargo?
Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) is one of Latin America's largest cargo airports and a hub, among other things, for cut-flower exports in cold chains.
Which goods are subject to import restrictions or bans?
Weapons, ammunition and explosives are reserved for the state company Indumil. Imports of used vehicles and tyres are banned, as are goods of Iranian origin.
Which documents are typically required for an import?
Typically a commercial invoice, transport document (B/L or AWB), packing list, proof of origin and the import registration or licence via VUCE; depending on the goods, additional INVIMA or ICA permits.
Which trade partners are important for Colombia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Colombia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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