Colombia stretches to twice the size of France and features geographic extremes: 1600 km of beautiful coastline along the Pacific ocean and the Caribbean Sea, backstopped by the high Andes, and parts of the Amazon rainforest.
This varied terrain is populated by 50 million ethnically and linguistically diverse hardworking people. And though they take time to savour their delicious coffee, their energy has created a growing, mixed, and emerging economy.
Colombians' enthusiasm for using the internet and shopping on-line shopping is supported by having Latin America's only Ministry of E-commerce. And this may explain the forecasted 8% per year growth of e-commerce until 2022.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Colombia through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Colombia. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Colombia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
May 31, 2023
8:49 am
La Chorrera, LA, CO
Delivered
May 30, 2023
7:18 am
El Encanto, EL, CO
In transit
May 29, 2023
9:03 pm
Leticia, LE, CO
International Clearance
May 29, 2023
8:14 am
Bogotá, BO, CO
In transit
May 29, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 28, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Colombia before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Generally, to ship documents to Colombia without duties and taxes being charged the shipment's weight cannot exceed 10 kg. A few exceptions are noted in the table below.
Typical document shipments include:
Advertising literature
Blueprints and drawings
Brochures and pamphlets
Calendars
Catalogues and price lists
Computer print-outs
Driver's licences
Graphs
Greeting cards and invitations
Labels
Magazines, newspapers, periodicals, and publications
Newsletters (company)
Manuscripts and technical manuals
Maps
Negatives
Seismic data
Passports and visa applications
Documents of the following nature have restrictions as shown below.
Document type
Restriction
Airline tickets
Blank; shipment less than 10 kg
Airline tickets (validated)
Shipment less than 5 kg
Annual reports
Shipment less than 20 kg
Bids
Shipment less than 20 kg
Charts
Shipment less than 5 kg
Cheques
Shipments of blank cheques prohibited; cancelled cheques allowed up to a shipment weight of 5 kg
Credit cards
Shipment less than 5 kg
Envelopes
Must be blank and weigh less than 20 kg
Forms
Must be blank and weigh less than 20 kg
Intercompany mail
Shipment less than 20 kg
Photographs and sepia drawings
Shipment less than 5 kg
Proposals
Shipment less than 20 kg
Slides
Shipment less than 5 kg
Specification sheets
Shipment less than 5 kg
Stationery
Must be blank and weigh less than 20 kg
Transparencies
Shipment less than 5 kg
Traveller's cheques
Prohibited if unused; used cheques allowed if less than 5 kg
There are no duty or tax exemptions on gifts shipped to Colombia from Canada.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Shipping a gift to someone in Colombia from Canada will incur duties and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipments to or from a business are not considered to be gifts, so duties and taxes would have to be paid. Gifts sent to an individual care of a business address will also incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A business in Canada cannot ship a gift to an individual in Colombia without incurring duties and taxes.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
When shipping personal effects to Colombia from Canada, they may include household goods such as appliances, furniture, and accessories normally used in a home.
Moving temporarily will not incur duties whereas a permanent importation will be charged a 15% tax on the value of the goods.
Moving Temporarily
Students
No information regarding students living temporarily in Colombia is available at this time.
Non-Students
You may ship to Colombia items for your professional and personal use duty-free providing:
They leave Colombia after 6 months from their entry date (may be extended for another 6 months)
You have lived outside of Columbia for at least 24 months - continuously or discontinuously - during the immediate 3 years before arriving in Colombia
You declare your personal effects when you enter Colombia
Sample of Personal and Household Items:
Sports equipment
Television and radio
Children's toys
Baby paraphernalia
Tools
Kitchen utensils, glassware, and crockery
Books
Moving Permanently
If you move permanently to Colombia from Canada, you may bring your personal effects and household goods without registering them or obtaining an import licence.
You will be charged a 15% tax based on the customs value of the goods.
You must be able to show that you have lived outside of Colombia for the 5 years immediately prior to your arrival in the country.
Household goods include:
Furniture
Appliances
Kitchen utensils and accessories
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
State clearly 'Personal Effects' on the commercial invoice (see sample)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Items of food, chocolate, and candies may be shipped to Colombia from Canada providing they are not of a commercial quantity, i.e. no more than 10 of the same item. Although the government reference material isn't clear, it is assumed that commercial quantities are taxed at the regular rate.
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Product samples are shipped to encourage sales of goods. When they enter Colombia from Canada, samples will be duty and tax free.
All samples, whether they have commercial value or not, must be cleared by Colombian customs.
The following goods are prohibited from entering Colombia as samples:
Coffee
Gold, silver, and platinum, and any items made from them
Emeralds
Human plasma and organs
Items of national heritage - artistic, historical, archeological
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
The samples must abide by Columbia's phytosanitary and sanitary requirements
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
A piece of equipment may be shipped to Colombia from Canada for repairs without the payment of taxes for a maximum period of 6 months.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Colombia and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to Colombia for repairs and is no longer under warranty. GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repairs to Colombia
Equipment sent to Colombia for repairs, including parts, will be exempt from duties providing they are returned to Canada within 6 months.
Returning Repaired Product to Colombia
Repaired equipment being returned to Colombia will not incur duties or taxes.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Colombia or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Generally, goods may be temporarily imported into Colombia without the payment of duties for a period of up to 6 months. This may be extended another 3 months by making an application with customs authorities.
It is expected that these goods will undergo no changes except for normal wear and tear.
Capital goods (goods that are used in producing other goods), along with the parts and accessories required for normal operation, may be imported for up to 5 years.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
The goods stay no longer than 6 months in Colombia, though an application to extend the stay up to an additional 3 months can be made with Customs
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
ATA Carnets
Colombia does not accept temporary importation of goods with an ATA carnet, however, using an ATA carnet will help you return your goods to Canada.
While ATA Carnets and are beyond the scope of this article, information can be obtained at your local Chamber of Commerce. More information is available here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Colombia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Colombia, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Colombia and Canada signed a free trade agreement in 2011 and since then customs duties have been slowly phased out.
When import duties and taxes in Colombia are charged, they are based on the CIF value of the shipment (the total of the customs value, insurance, and freight).
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
VAT charges are calculated on the customs value of the goods at a rate of 19%.
Thresholds
The de minimis value for imports i.e. the value below which duties and taxes are not charged is $200 USD (about $260 CDN).
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Duty*
10% of CIF
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$0 USD
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)*
19% of (CIF + Duty)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$200 USD (about $260 CDN)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
* When classified in tariff heading 98.07.20.00.00 (i.e. Fast delivery shipments or express courier) of the customs tariff, pay the corresponding taxes. Courier or
express shipments with a FOB value higher than US$ 2,000 are subject to payment of duties and value added tax (VAT) depending on the products’ harmonized codes
Duties on Imports
The CETA agreement between Canada and the EU allows preferential tariff rates on goods sold to Colombia from Canada. To take advantage of these rates, rules of origin need to be followed.
Click
here
for a guide to the CETA rules of origin.
Candy0%
Chocolate0% - 15%*
Spirits and Wines20-40%
Tobacco55%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles0%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras0%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
Jewellery0%
Shirts & Pants0%
Home Appliances0%
Toys0%
Sports Equipment0%
*If shipment is 2 kg or less, 0% duty; if 2 kg or more, 15%
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Colombia from Canada can take between 3-8 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
