International Freight Shipping To Colombia

➤ Get cost-effective shipping solutions to Colombia with LAC! We offer the most competitive freight services in the Americas

Choose the Best Freight Forwarder to Transport Your Goods to Colombia Safely and on Time

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.

What Can You Expect in Colombia?

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.

Quick Facts About Colombia (2023 Update)

• Capital: Bogotá
• Other Large Cities: Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Bucaramanga
• Population: 52,085,168 (2023 est., World Bank) (Urban Population: ~81%)
• Official languages: Spanish
• Time Zone: GMT -5
• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)

Economic Snapshot (Source: IMF – World Bank, 2023 est.)

• GDP: 314.322 billion USD (2022, World Bank) (GDP Growth: 7.5% (2022), -0.5% projected for 2023, World Bank / GDP per capita: 6,390.5 USD (2022, World Bank)
• Inflation Rate: 13.12% (Dec 2022, World Bank)
• Unemployment Rate: 10.7% (Dec 2022, World Bank)
• Total Imports of Goods: 68.38 billion USD (2022 est., World Bank)
• FDI Inward Flow: 10.377 billion USD (2022 est., World Bank)
• Ease of Doing Business Score (2020): 67th / 190 (Note: The World Bank discontinued the Doing Business report in 2021)

Colombia Trade Overview (Updated as of September 2024)

MAIN IMPORTS:

• Petroleum: Remains a significant import despite domestic production due to refining capacity limitations
• Telecommunication Equipment: Driven by ongoing expansion of broadband and mobile networks
• Vehicles & Parts: Both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles remain in high demand
• Medicaments: A critical import for public health and the healthcare sector
• Specialized Machinery: For various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and construction
• Aircrafts: For passenger transport and cargo operations
• Cereals: To supplement domestic production and meet food demands
• Electronics: Consumer electronics and components for various industries
• Chemicals: Used in various manufacturing processes and agriculture

MAIN EXPORTS:

• Petroleum: Remains a cornerstone of the export sector, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings
• Coal: Another major export commodity, primarily for thermal power generation
• Coffee: A traditional Colombian export, maintaining its global reputation
• Cut Flowers: A niche but valuable export, contributing to agricultural diversity
• Gold: Mined and exported, contributing to the mining sector’s significance
• Fruits: Including bananas, avocados, and other tropical fruits, benefiting from diverse climates
• Palm Oil: Expanding agricultural product with growing export potential
• Ferroalloys: An important export from the mining and metals industry

INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

• Mining: Significant potential for exploration and development of various minerals
• Agriculture: Diversification into high-value crops and sustainable practices presents opportunities
• Transport Infrastructures: Ongoing investments in roads, railways, and ports create opportunities
• Construction: Linked to infrastructure development and housing needs
• Oil & Gas: Exploration and production activities continue, with potential for service providers
• Renewable Energy: Growing interest in solar and wind energy projects
• Medical Devices: Domestic market and potential for regional export
• Pharmaceuticals: Growing domestic demand and regional export opportunities
• Chemicals: Expansion of various industries creates demand for chemicals and related products
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT): The growing demand for digital services and infrastructure presents significant opportunities in the ICT sector.
• Tourism: Colombia’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions are drawing increased interest from international travelers, creating opportunities in the tourism sector.

PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS:

• USA: Remains Colombia’s largest trading partner for both exports and imports
• China: A growing trading partner, particularly for imports
• EU (Germany, France, Spain): Important market for Colombian exports, including agricultural products
• Canada: A significant trading partner, particularly for imports of machinery and equipment
• Mexico & Brazil: Key partners within the Latin American region
• India, Japan, Peru, Ecuador, Panama: Growing trading partners for both imports and exports

What Makes LAC Your Ideal Logistics Partner?

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.

Colombia’s Import and Custom Particulars

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.

What Paperwork is Needed for International Shipments to Colombia?

Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include:

• Customs import declaration
• Manifest
• Declaration of dutiable value
• Commercial invoice
• Pro forma invoice
• Packing list
• Air Waybill / Bill of Lading
• Insurance certificate
• Certificate of Origin (if required)
• Single Tax Register (RUT) of importer

To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to Colombia, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections.

What Are the Regulations and Restrictions When Freight Shipping to Colombia?

Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to Colombia. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as agricultural products, processed foods, pharmaceutical, cosmetics or antiques. Prohibited commodities include certain used vehicles, used clothing and accessories, used tires, certain used machinery and all types of toxic wastes or dangerous residues.

Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question, and depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot.

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.

Main Ocean Ports and Cargo Airports When Shipping To / From Colombia