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9. Trade and customs: Colombia

Argentina. For full detail on Argentina, go to The Argentine Thread.

Trade and customs in Colombia: who may file customs declarations and when a customs agency is needed, the deadlines to clear goods, how tariffs and import VAT are calculated, the courier regime for small shipments, how exports leave VAT behind, the trade agreement network and the customs sanctions law adopted in June 2026, each tied to the official text. For how Colombia's agreement with Mercosur relates to trade with Argentina, see The Argentine Thread.

Investor view. Colombia pairs mostly low tariffs and VAT free exports with a broad network of trade agreements, and its 2026 customs sanctions law gives traders clearer, graded penalties with real discounts for correcting mistakes.

Importing and exporting in Colombia: customs declarants, clearance deadlines, tariffs and import VAT, courier shipments, VAT free exports, trade agreements and the 2026 sanctions lawAny importer or exporter in Colombia may deal with DIAN directly for any amount, or use a licensed customs agency; goods must be cleared within one month of arrival (extendable by one month) or they a

Related: Colombia country profile · live dashboard · central bank and release calendar · our posts on X · where Argentina is involved, see The Argentine Thread guide