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Exporting goods to Colombia, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as Colombia.
If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the language, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to freight shipping to Colombia.
For over 25 years, LAC has supported North American businesses with expert freight forwarding solutions to Colombia. Our experience and strong carrier network allow us to offer a full range of reliable, cost-effective shipping services.
With LAC, your cargo reaches Colombia safely, on time, and with complete peace of mind.
Regulations, communication methods, and business etiquette in Colombia differ significantly from those in the US or Canada.
Colombian corporate culture is relationship-driven. Known for their warmth and friendliness, Colombians prioritize personal connections over formal business ties, unlike the more formal approach common in the US or Canada. Building informal business relationships, or ‘friendships’, is key to establishing trust. Leveraging third-party introductions can also be crucial. Having a respected individual vouch for you and your company can significantly boost your credibility.
While Colombians value flexibility and spontaneity, punctuality remains highly important in business interactions.
Language can also pose a challenge. While many highly educated business professionals are fluent in English, Spanish is the predominant language for everyday communication.
Our team of logistics experts is ready to optimize your supply chain and deliver seamless shipping solutions.
Every country in every continent offers a unique mix of laws, customs regulations, documentation requirements, communication norms, and cultural biases. If you want to successfully export to Colombia, you will need a logistics partner that understands the Colombian culture, the business landscape and speaks the local language as well.
Our team of experts offer you superior freight forwarding services and the best rates for your cargo shipping to Colombia. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge; logistics skills and local connections will help you get started on the right foot and make sure that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free.
Because we have your company’s best interests at heart, Latin American Cargo is the best freight forwarding company for you.
If you are sending merchandise to Colombia by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider.
To send international shipments to Colombia, you need to involve a legally registered importer or register yourself as an importer with Colombian tax and trade authorities. The process begins by identifying the correct tariff (HS) codes for your goods, as this determines specific duties and requirements. Import registration with Colombia’s DIAN (National Tax and Customs Administration) may be necessary, especially for items requiring additional permits from agencies like INVIMA (for health products) or ICA (for agriculture).
Essential documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of origin (if applicable), and the Andean Declaration of Value, all of which must be complete and, when required, translated into Spanish. All documentation is submitted electronically, often using a digital signature certified by ONAC, and shipments are cleared after DIAN inspects the paperwork and assesses duties and taxes.
Shipments to Colombia are subject to comprehensive regulations and restrictions. Import duties typically range from 0–35%, with most commodities taxed between 5–20%, plus a VAT of around 19%. There are quantitative limits, such as no more than six units of each item per shipment and strict rules regarding the importation of electronics, including only one mobile phone per shipment. Prohibited items include weapons, ammunition, narcotics, cash, precious metals, pornographic materials, and used vehicles or parts, while some food products, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and electronics require special permits from Colombian authorities.
Documentation must be accurate and truthful; discrepancies or vague information can result in customs penalties or confiscation. Additionally, shipments for resale are generally not permitted through express/courier channels, and there is usually a maximum declared value for each shipment. Importers are required to retain all customs records for at least five years for audit compliance.
Shipping cargo to Colombia is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.
| Port Name | Location | Key Features & Cargo Types | Notes |
| Cartagena | Caribbean coast (Bolívar) | Largest and busiest port; containerized goods, oil, coal, general cargo, cruises | Main transshipment hub in Colombia |
| Buenaventura | Pacific coast (Valle del Cauca) | Principal Pacific port; containers, vehicles, bulk, general cargo, agricultural exports | Handles over 60% of Colombian sea imports/exports |
| Santa Marta | Caribbean coast (Magdalena) | Bulk, coal, containers, refrigerated goods | Deepwater port; key for agro-exports and coal |
| Barranquilla | Magdalena River mouth (Atlántico) | Bulk cargo, steel, grain, general cargo, containers | Multipurpose terminal, also supports regional industry |
| Puerto Bolivar | Caribbean coast (La Guajira) | Coal export terminal | Dedicated coal export infrastructure |
| Ciénaga | Caribbean coast | Coal, bulk cargo | Near Santa Marta; key for coal exports |
| Puerto Antioquia (NEW) | Gulf of Urabá (Antioquia) | Multipurpose: containers, general, refrigerated, vehicles, dry & solid bulk | Fully operational in 2025; deepwater, high-tech, 5 berths |
| Tumaco | Pacific coast (Nariño) | General cargo, timber, hydrocarbons | Regional significance in southern Colombia |
| Covenas | Caribbean coast (Sucre) | Oil export terminal | Offshore loading |
| Airport Name | Location | Key Features & Cargo Types | Notes |
| El Dorado International | Bogotá | Colombia’s largest, main cargo gateway; general, perishable, pharma, e-commerce | Over 800,000 tons of cargo handled in 2024; hub for Latin America |
| José María Córdova International | Medellín | Second largest; flowers, perishables, general cargo | Key for flower exports and regional trade |
| Alfonso Bonilla Aragón | Cali | Agro-exports (flowers, fruits), industrial cargo | Major Pacific air cargo center |
| Ernesto Cortissoz International | Barranquilla | Steel, industrial, general cargo | Supports the north/northeast region |
| Rafael Núñez International | Cartagena | Seafood, perishables, industrial goods | Supports Caribbean coastal trade |
| Simón Bolívar International | Santa Marta | Fruits, perishables, bulk cargo | Agro-export hub near port of Santa Marta |
| Los Garzones Airport | Montería (Caribbean) | New international air cargo terminal by late 2025; livestock, agriculture | Upgraded to serve as regional logistics hub |
Ship containers or any type of goods to Colombia with our ocean and air freight forwarding services. Our skills and knowledge make us your most reliable partner when shipping freight to Colombia from anywhere in the world: the US, Canada, China, Europe, and more.
When it comes to shipping cargo to Colombia, LAC is your best logistics partner Contact us today and get the most competitive shipping solutions
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