11. Customs Regime and Free Trade Treaties

Colombia’s customs regulation is intended to encourage import, export and transit operations for local entrepreneurs and international investors. In general terms, it facilitates international trade and the country’s participation in the economic integration processes.

For this reason, in this chapter you will find relevant information on the import and export regime, as well as the step by step to carry them out.

• Imports: refer to the entry of products or services from abroad for use within Colombian territory
• Exports: refer to the set of goods and services that leave Colombian territory for commercial purposes to another country.

Within the customs generalities, certain figures that complement and encourage foreign trade operations are also considered, such as:

• Authorized Customs Warehouses.
• Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
• International Logistics Distribution Centers (CDLI).
• Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

Furthermore, two suitable instruments for boosting exports in the country and attract foreign investment are highlighted:

• Free trade zone regime: allows the development of industrial activities for the production and trade of goods and services, with special regulations on customs (no import taxes, tariffs and VAT), taxation (income is reduced from 35 % to 20 % on export revenues) and foreign trade.
• Plan Vallejo: benefits related to the total or partial exemption of customs taxes (tariff and VAT), which apply to the importation of supplies used in the production of goods or in the provision of export services.

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If you are interested in deepening the concepts set out above as well as having more complete information on the customs regime and the free trade zones, we invite you to download and consult the full chapter.