Colombia -

Import Regulations, Laws & Duty Taxes

Vehicle Import Eligibility

Colombia has strict import laws, especially regarding used vehicles. Here’s what’s allowed:

✔ Allowed Vehicles

1. New Vehicles (0–2 Years Old)

• Must comply with Euro 4+ emissions standards.
• Must pass safety & mechanical inspections.

2. Classic / Antique Cars (30+ Years Old)

• Vehicles manufactured 30+ years ago are eligible.
• Must maintain original structural integrity.

3. Commercial Vehicles & Machinery

• Cargo trucks
• Buses & passenger vans
• Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers, cranes)
• Many commercial units qualify for lower import duty rates.

4. Diplomatic Imports

• Eligible for duty exemptions and simplified customs.

5. Free Trade Zone Imports

• Vehicles entering a Zona Franca may be imported but cannot circulate outside the zone without full nationalization.

VEHICLES THAT CANNOT BE IMPORTED

❌ Used Vehicles (general rule)

Used cars are prohibited unless they meet the Classic/Antique requirements.

❌ Used Motorcycles

Not allowed unless 30+ years old (collectible category).

❌ Salvage, rebuilt, damaged, or flood vehicles

Colombia will not accept them.

❌ Vehicles failing emissions requirements

Must meet Euro 4+ standard.

Documents Required

• Passport or Colombian ID
• Vehicle Title
• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• RUNT Registration
• SOAT Insurance (once nationalized)
• DIAN Import Declaration (MGR assists with this)
• Technical Mechanical Inspection (RTM)
• Classic vehicle certification for 30+ year vehicles

DIAN CUSTOMS PROCESS

(STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Cargo arrival & manifest registration

2. Customs inspection & valuation (DIAN)

DIAN determines the official taxable value (Valor Aduanero).

3. Payment of import duties, VAT, consumption tax

Must be paid before the vehicle is released.

4. Release authorization (Levante)

Once approved, vehicle can be registered.

5. RUNT Registration & SOAT Purchase

Vehicle must be registered before driving on public roads.

6. Technical Inspection (RTM)

Final approval for road circulation.

Duty Taxes & Fees

🚗 Cars, SUVs, Vans

 Tax                                                       Rate

• Import Duty (Arancel)           35%VAT
• (IVA)                           19%Consumption
• Tax                      8% – 16% based on                                                  engine size
• Customs Fees                      Variable

Estimated total cost:
60%–80% added to the vehicle’s declared value.

🏍 Motorcycles

Used motorcycles cannot be imported.
New motorcycles:

• 15% import duty
• 19% VAT

🚚 Trucks, Machinery & Commercial Vehicles

Type        Duty                         Notes

• Cargo                                   Must meet

       trucks       5–15%                 emissions                                                            standards.

• Buses      5 –15%                Special

                                                      certifications                                                        may apply.                                               

• Heavy

     equipment       5%                  Common for                                                     construction &                                                       industrial use.

"Menaje de Casa"

Returning Residents

This is very important — and often misunderstood. Here is the official structure:

🇨🇴 What is Menaje de Casa?

A Colombian returning after living abroad may bring household goods and one (1) vehicle OR one (1) motorcycle with tax exemptions or reductions, under specific rules.

✔ Eligibility Requirements

To qualify:

1. The individual must be a Colombian citizen or foreign resident returning to Colombia.
2. Must prove at least 2 years living abroad.
3. Must not have used Menaje de Casa benefits in the past 7 years.
4. Vehicle must be:

• New or used?
  Important: Colombia still restricts used vehicle imports even under Menaje de Casa.
  → Used vehicles ARE NOT exempt just because of menaje.
• However, one motorcycle (over 200cc) may qualify in some cases.

✔ What can be included in Menaje de Casa?

• Furniture
• Kitchen items
• Appliances
• Clothing
• Personal belongings
• Decorations
• Tools essential for the household

But: Menaje de Casa does NOT override Colombia’s used-vehicle prohibition.

🚗 Can you import a vehicle under Menaje de Casa?

Only in these cases:

1. A new vehicle (0–2 years) owned abroad
2. A classic/antique vehicle (30+ years old)
3. Motorcycle (conditions apply depending on cc and emissions)

📌 Important: DIAN will still charge duties on the vehicle.
Menaje de Casa mainly benefits household goods, not the vehicle.

SHIPPING OPTIONS TO COLOMBIA

🚢 RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping

Best for:

• Standard vehicles
• Running cars
• SUVs & pickup trucks
• Commercial cargo

📦 Container Shipping

Best for:

• Luxury cars
• Modified vehicles
• Classic cars
• Motorcycles
• High-value units
• Personal belongings loaded with the car (allowed but inspected)

 Main Ports In Colombia

• Cartagena (most commonly used)
• Barranquilla
• Buenaventura
• Santa Marta

FAQ

Can I import a used car to Colombia?

In almost all cases: No, unless it is 30+ years old or new (0–2 years).

How long does customs clearance take?

Typically 8–15 business days, depending on DIAN inspections.

Can I ship household goods inside the container with my car?

Yes — for container shipments only. Inspections apply.

Do I need an importer’s license?

Not always; private importers may use their passport.
Commercial units require a NIT (tax ID).