Colombian imports are classified into 3 groups: first type of goods can be freely imported into the country, second - require approval of a prior import license (the majority of agricultural goods), and items that are banned from import to Colombia. The majority of goods are in the first group and their importation is approved automatically upon presentation of the import application ("Registro de Importacion").
Imports Prohibitions: used goods including old vehicles and vehicle parts; dieldrin; aldrin; chlordane; endosulfan; heptachlor; lindane and mixtures containing these substances; gasoline containing lead tetraethylene; weapon-type toys.
Colombian authorities impose non-automatic licensing on 133 tariff lines for the county’s industry protection. It also takes advantage of registration and automatic authorizations.
Colombian authorities established two types of import license: prior licenses (non-automatic licenses within the context of the WTO) and import registrations (automatic licenses within the context of the WTO).
Import Documentation: import registration (licence); commercial invoice; transport document; certificate of origin, health certificate; packing list; power of attorney and the Andean value declaration (if necessary). The abovementioned documents should be stored at least for 5 years.
Import Taxes
There is 16 % value added tax applied on CIF plus duty, a Customs Fee of 1.2 % applied on CIF and excise taxes from 20% to 40 % on alcoholic drinks, spirits, cigarettes etc. applied on CIF plus duty.
Labeling Requirements
Special labels are required for food, pharmaceutical and textile goods. Labels on processed food goods must indicate: the precise name of the product, components in order of predominance, contacts of producer and importer, quantity of units, usage and storage instructions and (if necessary), shelf life and other instructions as required by the Ministry of Health or the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce.
Labels on pharmaceutical goods have to indicate in Spanish: "for sale under medical, dental or veterinary prescription," with the generic name, commercial name, net weight or volume, weight or quantity of components, number of license and the lot control number. Date of expiration should be mentioned also.
Insecticides and other poisonous goods must conspicuously display the skull and crossbones, the word "poison" in Spanish and usage and antidotes information. Products without antidotes can't be licensed and can only be used in programs under the direct control of public health authorities. | 
