When importing an international package to Colombia, you must consider several taxes and duties. The most common ones include the customs tariff, the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the National Consumption Tax (INC).
The customs duty rate depends on the classification of the product and can vary between 5% and 10% or even more, depending on the type of merchandise. VAT, on the other hand, is applied to the value of the imported product and is 19%. INC has a rate of 5% and is applied to certain products, such as clothing.
Practical example : Suppose you want to import clothes from Japan to Colombia worth 200 dollars. The taxes would be as follows:
It is important to consider that the number database import process may include other additional costs, such as shipping, insurance, storage and handling of the merchandise, which will increase the final cost of your package.
How do I know if I have to pay customs taxes in Colombia?
To know if you must pay customs taxes in Colombia, you must consider the following factors:
If the value of the product you are importing exceeds $200 USD, you must pay taxes.
Some products cannot be imported into Colombia, such as food, medicines, chemicals and weapons. If you are importing something, make sure it is legal and meets health requirements. We share with you an article from the DIAN on customs regulations .
Free trade agreements with Colombia can reduce or eliminate import taxes and tariffs depending on the country of origin of the product.
Use the Colombian DIAN's “ Consultas Aranceles ” tool to find out the taxes and tariffs that apply to a specific product. Use this tool to find out the tariff classification of the product and the applicable taxes and tariffs.
You can also contact a customs agent or customs broker who can advise you on the procedures and requirements for importing a product into Colombia and inform you about the taxes and duties you must pay.
Keep in mind when buying on AliExpress from Colombia
If you are a frequent buyer on AliExpress or are considering making your first purchases from China, it is essential that you keep in mind some important points about taxes in Colombia .
VAT on AliExpress purchases : All products imported from China are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) in Colombia, with a rate of 19%.
Shipments of less than 200 dollars : Products with a value of less than 200 dollars will be subject to VAT if they come from countries with which Colombia does not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or if they are purchased for commercial purposes.
Free Trade Agreements (FTA) : Colombia has agreements with countries such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, the European Union, and several in Latin America and Asia. These agreements can reduce or eliminate some taxes on imports.
Paying taxes on AliExpress : The official postal operator, 4-72, manages the collection and payment of VAT on express shipments of up to $200, thanks to agreements with the main marketplaces and logistics operators.
Imports over $200 USD : If the value of your purchase exceeds $200, you must pay additional taxes and ensure that the products comply with legal and health requirements. For more details, you can use the DIAN's “Consultas Aranceles” tool.