Importing Personal Effects into Colombia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Colombia Import Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods - Foreign and Colombian Citizens (non diplomats)

• Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values, with brands, serials, models and references of electronic items and bikes.
• Notarized photocopy of passport with visa valid at least for one year of owner or titular of the shipment.
• Residence certificate: Colombian returning citizens must prove that they lived abroad for a minimum of two years or “Certificado de Movimientos Migratorio” this document is requested for Colombian and foreign citizen.
• “Registro unico de Retornados” for Colombian returning citizens that lived abroad for a minimum three years (optional if the customer wants to apply the duties / taxes exception)
• If client is a Colombian returning citizen and wants to import his goods and only have one year or least abroad; can re-import the goods. The articles must be the same than client export (quantity of articles and volume must be the same).
• Certificate of migratory movements where the date of the last entry into the country is reflected
• Certified powers of attorney

• All shipments pay customs duties and taxes.
• If the Colombian returning citizen does not have the “registro de retornados”, he must pay duties and taxes of 15% on the CIF value. The customer must apply directly online.
• The Customs Inspector decides the value of duties and taxes.
• Partial customs clearance is not permitted, and it must be done at airport or port of arrival.
• Time limit for arrival of household goods is 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after arrival of owner.
• Only one shipment of household goods can be imported per family each five (5) years. Art. 279 Dec. 1165 /2019.
• One unit of each electrical domestic appliance is allowed except for TV’s.
• The shipper can bring one TV per family member, without exceed the commercial quantity.
• It is very important & MANDATORY that the inventory list indicates brand, model, reference and serial number of each electrical appliance and bikes.
• The packing list MUST be typewritten by computer.
• Please check the list of items allowed.
• Shipper must be in Colombia in the moment
• of customs clearance, because original passport could be required by the customs authorities.
• Firearms, collection weapons, import prohibited unless an approved authorization from Colombian Ministry of Defence is given BEFORE shipping.
• Medicines, Vitamins, toiletries, food or drinks (dry food, liquor, spices), live plants, batteries, drone, motors, gas tanks, trailers, weapons, chemicals (detergents, paints, flammable or corrosive substances), compressors, tires, vehicle parts / spare parts, security cameras, electric bicycles or electric scooters, hoverboards, building materials (floors, parts of walls), power lawn mowers, gas BBQ, vehicles, motorcycles, golf cars, quad bike, specialized tools or industrial use tools, cell phones and any item in commercial, new articles are prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs does not consider them as part of a shipment.

• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to import household goods.
• Once the physical customs inspections are done, the customs officer will calculate the value of the goods on which duties and taxes are charged.
• The customs officer will immediately apply the customs penal code (confiscation of goods) in the following cases:
• Excess of the allowance authorized electric appliances in a commercial quantity).
• Destined for different purposes to those for which goods were imported.
• Arrival outside the established period of time 120 calendar days after or 30 calendar days before.
• Never send a vehicle or a motorcycle along with household goods before consulting the agent in Colombia.
• No commercial quantities are allowed.
• If Colombian returning citizens have not been living abroad for the requested time for the import process in Colombia, they will have the following options:
• “re-importation” attaching export household documents (Export declaration, BL with freight value or freight invoice and packing list). “Reimportation” process: the items to import
• must be the same items exported from Colombia, the weight, volume and packages number must match.
• DTH original for the Colombia returning citizen with diplomatic mission abroad.
• If the shipment is composed of two or more containers these must be sent under the same OBL, because partial customs clearance is not permitted.
• Drones should not be included, as they may be confiscated and cause delays in the customs process.
• For electronic/electrical devices and bikes, include serial number, references, brands, models.

Unaccompanied Baggage of Foreign and Colombian Citizens - Non Diplomats

• Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
• A typewritten by computer inventory in Spanish without values, with brands, serials, models and references of electronic items.
• Notarized photocopy of passport of owner or titular of the shipment
• Foreign and Colombian citizens must prove that they were out of Colombia for a minimum of five (5) calendar days.
• Customs form called “DECLARACION DE EQUIPAJES NO ACOMPANADOS / 530 FORM”. Copy of flight ticket
• Shipper must complete this form upon his
• arrival at the airport and have it stamped by the customs authorities at that moment, not the next day, declaring a value of USD$2,000 or less, and each item must not contain more than 3 identical units This form must be completed and sent to clearance agent together with the other documents. If this document is not completed the clearance can be delayed or denied.
• Copy of arrival e-ticket.
• Certified powers of attorney.

• The customer could pay duties and taxes of 15% on the CIF value.
• The cost of the shipment of personal effects cannot exceed the amount of US$ 2.000 to avoid the payment of duties and taxes.
• The customs Inspector decides the value of each item of the personal effects.
• Partial customs clearance is not permitted, and it must be done at airport or port of arrival.
• Time limit for arrival of an unaccompanied baggage is 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after arrival of owner. Art. 273
• Dec. 1165 /2019.
• Shipper must be in Colombia at the moment of customs clearance. Shipper must reported the enter to Colombia through the entry emigration stamp or Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios, without exceed the 90 calendar days at the moment of the arrival date of the cargo to Colombia.
• Firearms, collection weapons, import prohibited unless an approved authorization from Colombian Ministry of Defence is given BEFORE shipping.
• Furniture’s, Big electrical items, mattresses, rugs, Tables, chairs (the reason is because the import modality will be updated to HHGD’s), Medicines, Vitamins, toiletries, food or drinks (dry food, liquor, spices), live plants, batteries, drone, cell phones, motors, gas tanks, trailers, weapons, chemicals (detergents, paints, flammable or corrosive substances), compressors, tires, vehicle parts / spare parts, security cameras, electric bicycles or electric scooters, hoverboards, building materials (floors, parts of walls), power lawn mowers, gas BBQ, vehicles, motorcycles, golf cars, quad bike, specialized tools or industrial use tools and any item in commercial ,new articles are prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs does not consider them as part of a shipment of personal effects.
• Allowed items: articles of basic use like clothes, books, shoes, paintings, some small electric appliances, etc.

• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to import household goods. Which depends on special student permission that importer has. (Please consult your agent BEFORE SHIPPING).
• Once the physical customs inspections are done, the customs officer will calculate the value of the goods on which duties and faxes are charged.
• The customs officer will immediately apply the customs penal code (confiscation of goods) in the following cases:
• Excess of the allowance authorized in
• electronical items (Please consult your agent BEFORE SHIPPING).
• Destined for different purposes to those for which goods were imported.
• Arrival outside the established period of time 90 days after or 30 days before.
• No commercial quantities are allowed.
• Drones should not be included, as they may be confiscated and cause delays in the customs process.
• For electronic/electrical devices and bikes, include serial number, references, brands, models.

Removal Goods of Foreign Diplomats

• Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values, with brands, serials, models and references of electronic items and bikes.
• Colombian Visa (if apply)
• Photocopy of diplomatic passport with seal of the Embassy valid.
• Foreign diplomats need a permanent accreditation (it should not be temporary).
• It’s necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before the shipment arrivals to avoid extra charges. These documents must be printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp.
• The diplomatic franchise will be requested by the diplomatic entity to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the import declaration and support documents (it cannot be requested before the customer arrival to Colombia or if the government official does not have diplomatic credentials)

• Time limit for arrival of household goods is 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after arrival of owner. Based on the position and the installation fee.
• One unit of each electrical domestic appliance is allowed except for TV’s.
• The shipper can bring one TV per family member, without exceed the commercial quantity.
• It is very important & MANDATORY that the inventory list indicates brand, model, reference and serial number of each electrical appliance and bikes.
• The packing list MUST be typewritten by computer.
• Please check the list of items allowed.
• Firearms, collection weapons, import prohibited unless an approved authorization from Colombian Ministry of Defence is given BEFORE shipping.
• Medicines, Vitamins, toiletries, food or drinks (dry food, liquor, spices), live plants, batteries, drone, motors, gas tanks, trailers, weapons, chemicals (detergents, paints, flammable or corrosive substances), compressors, tires, vehicle parts / spare parts, security cameras, electric bicycles or electric scooters, hoverboards, building materials (floors, parts of walls), power lawn mowers, gas BBQ, vehicles, motorcycles, golf cars, quad bike, specialized tools or industrial use tools, cell phones and any item in commercial, new articles are prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs does not consider them as part of a shipment.

• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to import household goods.
• No commercial quantities are allowed.
• In the case the customer has HHGD’s and vehicle, the import process will be subject to the value of the quota assigned to the official according to the position and diplomatic entity.
• For electronic/electrical devices and bikes, include serial number, references, brands, models.

Removal Goods and Unaccompanied baggage’s of Foreign Diplomats

• Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values, with brands, serials, models and references of electronic items.
• Photocopy of diplomatic passport with seal of the Embassy valid.
• It is necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before the shipment arrivals to avoid extra charges. These documents must be printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp.
• Copy of arrival e-ticket.

• Time limit for arrival of an unaccompanied baggage is 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after arrival of owner. Art. 273 Dec. 1165 /2019.
• Firearms, collection weapons, import prohibited unless an approved authorization from Colombian Ministry of Defence is given BEFORE shipping.
• Furniture’s, Big electrical items, mattresses, rugs, Tables, chairs (the reason is because the import modality will be updated to HHGD’s), Medicines, Vitamins, toiletries, food or drinks (dry food, liquor, spices), live plants, batteries, drone, cell phones, motors, gas tanks, trailers, weapons, chemicals (detergents, paints, flammable or corrosive substances), compressors, tires, vehicle parts / spare parts, security cameras, electric bicycles or electric scooters, hoverboards, building materials (floors, parts of walls), power lawn mowers, gas BBQ, vehicles, motorcycles, golf cars, quad bike, specialized tools or industrial use tools and any item in commercial ,new articles are prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs does not consider them as part of a shipment of personal effects.
• Allowed items: articles of basic use like clothes, books, shoes, paintings, some small electric appliances, etc.

• This category is applicable to Consular personnel, Persons protected by special regulations due to the contracts established between the Colombian Government and Foreign Countries or Entities. All members of technical missions and International Organizations (Please contact your destination agent).
• For electronic/electrical devices and bikes, include serial number, references, brands, models.
• The import process will be subject to the value of the quota assigned to the official according to the position and diplomatic entity

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates

• The Colombian Government adopted ISPM15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15) Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM-15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• Since September 16, 2005, shipments into or out of Colombia in wooden packaging, have to have a Seal, which certifies that the shipment has received the required treatment:
• HT = Heated Treatment [a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes] or
• Methyl Bromide Treatment (the minimum temperature should not be less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time should not fall below 16 hours).
• The wood packing material must be marked in a visible location on each article, on at least two opposite sides of the article with a legible and permanent mark in black ink. Labels and adhesives are not allowed. The mark should be as follows:

• This does not apply to wood packing materials manufactured of:
• Raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less.
• Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof.
• Plywood sheets & agglomerated sawdust sheet.
• Oriented wooden fibre sheets.
• Sawdust & Wooden fibre.
• If you have questions, please contact your local agent in Colombia.

Exporting Personal Effects from Colombia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Colombia Export Guide (PDF)

Foreign and Colombian Citizens – Non Diplomats

• Notarized copy of ID
• Notarized copy main page of passport including Colombian visa (if apply)
• Notarized powers of attorney
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Copy of the passport page showing the exit stamp (biometric exit is not recommended, as it does not provide a record)
• Copy of RUT (if apply)
• Employment or certification letter
• Please note that customs authorities require physical original documents; scanned copies are not accepted.

• Partial customs clearance is not permitted, and it must be done at airport or port of departure
• Time limit for departure of household goods is 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after departure of owner
• PROHIBITED ITEMS
• Liquor
• Liquids
• Foodstuff / Perishable items
• Sprays
• Tires
• Spare parts
• Firearms -weapons
• Pornographic material
• Protected species and products or plants of any kind.
• Tobacco/ Narcotics even for personal use are not allowed. If for medical conditions, you should take with you the prescription.
• lithium battery (air shipment)
• Value items, collections, or money in cash.
• Pre-Colombian ceramics
• Art Paintings considered national interest.
• As per the shipping line’s policy,
• lithium batteries are highly restricted. The cargo must be declared as hazardous. The lithium battery must be packed in special certified packaging.

• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to export household goods.
• No commercial quantities are allowed.
• If the shipment is composed of two or more containers these must be sent under the same OBL, because partial export formalities are not permitted.
• For original art painting and lithography, the export authorization of the Ministry of Culture will be requested.
• The customs process for air shipments takes approximately 3 days, while for sea shipments it takes around 8 days. Customs clearance takes place once the container or air shipment (air van) is positioned at the port or airport prior to departure.
• Please note that all shipments departing from Colombia are subject to inspection by the anti-narcotics police at the airport or port during the customs process.
• Only diplomatic shipments are exempt from this inspection.

Unaccompanied Baggage of Foreign and Colombian Citizens - Non-Diplomats

• Notarized copy of ID
• Notarized copy main page of passport including Colombian visa (if apply)
• Notarized powers of attorney
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Last stamp of emigration from Colombia
• It must be sent by mail when client has arrived at destination
• Copy of the passport page showing the exit stamp (biometric exit is not recommended, as it does not provide a record)
• Copy of RUT (if apply)
• Employment or certification letter
• Please note that customs authorities require physical original documents; scanned copies are not accepted.

• According with Colombian regulations this shipment is an extension of your luggage that cannot travel with you.
• Items that can be included within personal effects:
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Documents
• Toys and baby articles
• Articles of first necessity.
• Items that cannot be included within the UAB o Furniture (except Baby cribs) o Mattress o Kitchenware o Rugs/Carpets o Crockery/Glassware o Flammables o Sprays o lithium batteries o Liquor o Liquids o Foodstuff / Perishable items. o Tires o Spare parts o Firearms -weapons o Pornographic material o Protected species and products or plants of any kind o Cars / Motorbikes / Vessels /
• Toys by fuel are not considered part of a move. These should be sent separately if the proper documents are available. o Drone Toys. o Tobacco/ Narcotics even for personal use are not allowed. If for medical conditions, you should take these with you together with the prescription. o Value items, collections, or money in cash o Pre-Colombian ceramics o Art Paintings considered national interest o pressurized sprays o BBQ tanks
• Partial export formalities are not permitted, and it must be done at airport or port of departure.
• Time limit for departure of personal effects is 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after departure of owner.
• As per the shipping line’s policy, lithium batteries are highly restricted. The cargo must be declared as hazardous. The lithium battery must be packed in special certified packaging.

• On air shipments, lithium batteries are restricted (rechargeable) as these are considered dangerous goods for Air Transportation according to IATA, 5 items of this kind can be included, if you want to include more, the batteries must be sent on the Sea shipment. Also, pressurized sprays items or BBQ tanks, as well.
• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to export personal effects.
• The customs process for air shipments takes approximately 3 days, while for sea shipments it takes around 8 days. Customs clearance takes place once the container or air shipment (air van) is positioned at the port or airport prior to departure.
• Please note that all shipments departing from Colombia are subject to inspection by the anti-narcotics police at the airport or port during the customs process.
• Only diplomatic shipments are exempt from this inspection.

Foreign Diplomats

• Photocopy of diplomatic passport with seal of the Embassy valid.
• Diplomatic ID (accreditation)
• It is necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before
• the shipment departure to avoid extra charges.
• These documents must be printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp.
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Last stamp of emigration from Colombia
• It must be sent by mail when client has arrived at destination.
• End Mission letter

• Prohibited items:
• Liquor
• Liquids
• Foodstuff / perishable items
• Pornographic material
• Perishable items.
• Protected species and products or plants of any kind.
• Cars / Motorbikes / Vessels / Toys by fuel are not considered part of a move. These should be sent separately if the proper documents are available.
• Drone Toys.
• Tobacco/ Narcotics even for personal use are not allowed. If for medical conditions, you should take these with you together with the prescription.
• Value items, collections, or money in cash.
• Pre-Colombian ceramics
• Art Paintings considered national interest.
• If you have questions, please contact your local agent in Colombia.

• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to export household goods.
• No commercial quantities are allowed.
• If the shipment is composed of two or more containers, these must be sent under the
• same OBL, because partial export formalities are not permitted.

Unaccompanied Baggage of Foreign Diplomats

• Colombian Visa (if apply)
• Photocopy of diplomatic passport with seal of the Embassy valid.
• Diplomatic ID (accreditation)
• It is necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before the shipment departure to avoid extra charges.
• These documents must be printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp.
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Last stamp of emigration from Colombia
• It must be sent by mail when client has arrived at destination.

• According with Colombian regulations this shipment is an extension of your luggage that cannot travel with you. Items that can be included within personal effects:
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Documents
• Toys and baby articles
• Articles of first necessity.
• Items that cannot be included (within the UAB): o Furniture (Except Baby cribs)
• o Mattress o Kitchenware o Rugs/Carpets o Crockery/Glassware o Flammables o Sprays o lithium batteries o Liquor o Liquids o Foodstuff / Perishable items. o Tires o Spare parts o Firearms -weapons o Pornographic material o Protected species and products or plants of any kind. o Cars / Motorbikes / Vessels / Toys by fuel are not considered part of a move. These should be sent separately if the proper documents are available. o Drone Toys o Tobacco/ Narcotics even for personal use are not allowed. If for medical conditions, you should take these with you together with the prescription. o Value items, collections, or money in cash o Pre-Colombian ceramics o Art Paintings considered national interest o pressurized sprays o BBQ tanks
• Partial export formalities are not permitted, and it must be done at
• airport or port of departure
• Time limit for departure of personal effects is 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after departure of owner.

• On air shipments, lithium batteries are restricted (rechargeable) as these are considered dangerous goods for Air Transportation according to IATA, 5 items of this kind can be included, if you want to include more, the batteries must be sent on the Sea shipment. The same applies for pressurized sprays items or BBQ tanks.
• People less than 18 years old are not allowed to export personal effects.

Vehicles of Foreign and Colombian Citizens

• Notarized copy of ID
• Notarized copy of the main pages of passport including Colombian visa (if apply)
• Notarized powers of attorney
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Last stamp of emigration from Colombia, it must be sent by mail when client has arrived at destination
• RUT
• Import Declaration and Bill of landing in case the vehicle was imported.
• Purchase Invoice or contract of sale
• Property card / ID
• Vehicle chassis number imprint
• It’s necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before the shipment departure to avoid extra charges. These documents must be notarized.

• The car must have all the taxes paid.

• The car must be in perfect condition, without mechanical, electrical or battery problems, must be delivered with few gas, less than a quarter of a tank.
• The client must begin the cancellation of the plates process before leaving the country.

Vehicles of Foreign Diplomats

• Colombian Visa (if apply)
• Photocopy of diplomatic passport with seal of the Embassy valid.
• Diplomatic ID (accreditation)
• Notarized powers of attorney
• Copy of air ticket or electronic booking
• Last stamp of emigration from Colombia, it must be sent by mail when client has arrived at destination
• Import Declaration and Bill of landing in case the vehicle was imported.
• Purchase Invoice or contract of sale
• Property card / ID
• Obtain the export authorization from DIJIN (Colombian Authority) if the vehicle has normal plates.
• Vehicle chassis number imprint
• It’s necessary to obtain the power attorney and customer´s documents (originals) before the shipment departure to avoid extra charges. These documents must be printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp.

• The car must have all the taxes paid.

• The car must be in perfect condition, without mechanical, electrical or battery problems, must be delivered with few gas, less than a quarter of a tank.
• The client must begin the cancellation of the plates process before leaving the country.

Colombia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-08-19 · Download the Colombia Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Notarized passport copy at a Colombian notary (must include blank pages). Do NOT use the biometric gate at the airport; the immigration stamp in the passport is needed for the customs process.
• Typewritten packing list without values, with brands, serial numbers, model numbers, and references for all electronic items (no "packed by owner" notations accepted)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Powers of attorney provided by the local (destination) agent
• Declaración de Viajeros o de Equipajes No Acompañados (Traveler's Declaration for Unaccompanied Baggage) -- completed at the airport and stamped by Customs upon arrival

• Certificate issued by the Colombian Consulate at origin proving time abroad
• "Certificado de Beneficiarios de la Ley 1565 de 2012" (obtained by registering online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website) -- required if applying for duty exemption after 3+ years abroad

• Diplomatic permit obtained through the embassy, consulate, or diplomatic organization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (takes approximately 15-20 business days to approve)
• Must be duly registered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to shipment arrival

Specific Information

Returning Colombian citizen conditions:

• Must prove time abroad of at least 2 years
• During any visits to Colombia during the 2-year period, the owner must not have exceeded 15 days of temporary stay per visit
• Cannot have imported a household goods shipment in the last 5 years
• Must obtain a certificate from the Colombian Consulate at origin as proof of time abroad

Re-importation (citizens abroad less than 2 years): If the citizen did not live abroad for at least 2 years, the goods must go through a "re-importation" process. The items must be the same items that were originally exported from Colombia; the weight, volume, and number of packages must match the original export documents.

One shipment per family every 5 years. Only one household goods shipment can be imported per family during a 5-year period.

Arrival timeline:

• Household goods: must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after the owner's arrival in Colombia
• Unaccompanied baggage: must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after the owner's arrival
• Upon arrival, Customs initiates a 30-calendar-day countdown to complete clearance

Owner must be present. The owner must be at least 18 years old and must be present in Colombia for Customs clearance. Partial customs clearance is not permitted; the shipment must be cleared in full at the airport or port of arrival.

All shipments are physically inspected (except diplomatic shipments).

Confiscation triggers: Customs will confiscate goods in the following cases: excess of the authorized allowance (e.g., more than one of each major appliance), goods destined for purposes other than those declared, arrival outside the established time period, and commercial quantities.

Appliance limits: Only one of each type of major appliance may be imported (excluding televisions, of which 3 are permitted maximum). Only one bedroom set per family member.

Serial numbers required: The detailed inventory must include the product serial number for every electronic item in the shipment. This is strictly enforced.

ISPM 15: Mandatory. Wooden crates must show an ISPM-15 certification stamp. Non-compliant packaging will cause delays and potential return.

Advanced Declaration (2024): As of June 2024 (Decree 659 of 2024), all importers must file an Advanced Declaration at least 48 hours before cargo arrives in Colombia.

Diplomatic shipments: Cleared without physical inspection. Returning Colombian diplomats must use the diplomatic permit within 6 months of completion of their employment contract abroad.

Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). VAT (IVA) is 19% on most goods.

Language: Spanish. All customs documentation should be in Spanish or accompanied by certified Spanish translations.

Duties & Taxes

Duties and taxes: 15% CIF on all non-diplomatic shipments. Household goods shipments are subject to duties and taxes of approximately 15% of cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. Consular-notarized inventories do NOT exempt the payment of duties. The value on which duties are charged is calculated after the Customs inspection, not based on the declared value.

Duty exemption under Ley 1565 de 2012: Colombian returning citizens who have lived abroad for 3 years or more may apply for duty and tax exemption. The owner must register online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and provide the "Certificado de Beneficiarios de la Ley 1565 de 2012" to the moving company.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Autos, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, golf carts within household goods shipments (must be imported separately)
• Commercial quantities of any goods
• Weapons without prior Ministry of Defense authorization PERMIT REQUIRED
• Items in excess of authorized allowances (more than one of each major appliance)
• Counterfeit goods
• Products that violate Colombian intellectual property laws

Items with quantity restrictions within household goods:

• Only one of each type of major appliance (e.g., one refrigerator, one washing machine, one dryer) -- excluding televisions
• Maximum 3 televisions
• Only one bedroom set per family member
• No commercial quantities permitted

Firearms and collection weapons: Authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Defense is required and must be obtained prior to import. PERMIT REQUIRED

Alcohol: Subject to duties and restrictions. Contact destination agent for current limits.

Traveler's duty-free allowances (accompanied baggage):

• Up to USD 2,000 tax-free (excluding personal effects)
• If abroad at least 5 days: up to an additional USD 3,000, but subject to 15% single tax and must be declared
• Maximum 10 units per type for other personal/family items
• Maximum 3 units per type for household, sports, artistic, or professional items

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Do NOT use the biometric gate at the airport. The immigration stamp in the passport is needed for the customs process. If the owner uses the biometric/automated gate, there will be no stamp, which will complicate or prevent customs clearance.

Declaración de Viajeros: This traveler's declaration form must be completed at the airport upon arrival and stamped by Customs. This document is essential for clearing the household goods shipment.

Serial numbers on the inventory: Every electronic item must have its brand, serial number, model, and reference listed on the packing list. "Packed by owner" is not accepted. This is one of the most common causes of delays and problems in Colombia.

Pre-alert accuracy: The pre-alert must state actual weights and/or volumes and delivery details. Discrepancies between the pre-alert and the actual shipment will cause delays.

5-year rule: Confirm with the owner that they have not imported a household goods shipment to Colombia in the last 5 years. If they have, the shipment will not qualify for the standard import regime.

Advanced Declaration: As of June 2024, an Advanced Declaration must be filed at least 48 hours before cargo arrives. Failure to file on time results in fines; if the declaration is not submitted within 2 days (air) or 5 days (sea) of arrival, the goods are considered abandoned.

Ports of entry: Major sea ports include Buenaventura (Pacific coast), Cartagena and Barranquilla (Caribbean coast). Air freight arrives at Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) and other international airports.