Customs are responsible for controlling the flow of goods entering and leaving Colombia. Their main function is to prevent the entry of illegal goods or items considered dangerous. In addition, customs agencies are responsible for collecting tariffs, i.e. taxes applied to imported goods.
Have you thought about importing products to Colombia ? According to data from the DIAN , the country's imports in October 2024 amounted to 5.375 billion dollars. Among the notable products that entered are those related to the agricultural sector, food and beverages.
If you are interested in learning more about the customs process, either because you are thinking of starting to sell imported products, such as those from AliExpress , stay because I will give you detailed information on the aspects related to the import processes.
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What are customs?
These are the entities responsible for monitoring and controlling the traffic of goods entering and leaving the national territory, in addition to collecting the relevant taxes dictated by law.
Its main function is to prevent the entry of phone library prohibited products and combat customs fraud, which includes practices such as counterfeiting and adulteration, which could represent a risk for the country.
What is the import regime?
It is a set of regulations, rules and procedures established by the customs authorities in Colombia to regulate the entry of goods from abroad.
The objective of this regime is to determine the nature, origin, state, quantity, value, tariff classification, customs duties, customs regime and tax treatment applicable to a merchandise.
What types of customs exist?
Customs in Colombia are divided into five categories and are strategically located at key points such as airports, ports and border entrances. These categories include land, sea, air, river and rail customs .
Traffic modalities for importing products in Colombia
Before making a purchase abroad, keep in mind that there are different methods for international purchases. In Colombia, the most commonly used are postal traffic and cargo .
As for postal traffic, a maximum weight limit of 50 kg and a value not exceeding $2000 USD is established, with a limit of 6 units per reference. This category includes purchases made through e-commerce, as well as documents, among others.
On the other hand, imports with a value greater than $2000 USD, weigh more than 50 kg and have more than 6 units per reference are considered cargo.
It is important to note that the DIAN has the power to make changes to the import modality, so it is important to be aware of the regulations and possible adjustments in the customs process.
Note: Please note that when the value of imports exceeds $1000 USD, it is necessary to hire the services of a customs agency to carry out this process.
What are the requirements for importing through Colombian customs?
The requirements for importing depend on whether you are a natural person or a legal entity and the method you choose to bring the goods, whether by postal traffic or cargo. In general, these are some of them.