International · CO

How to Ship to Colombia from the US

Colombia is one of Latin America's largest and fastest-growing economies, with a young, digitally active population. Major cities — Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla — have thriving ecommerce markets. US goods including electronics, clothing, health products, and food are in strong demand. Colombia has a free trade agreement with the US, reducing tariffs on many qualifying goods.

Colombian VAT (IVA) is 19% on most goods. The US-Colombia FTA (in effect since 2012) has eliminated most tariffs on US-origin goods over time. The de minimis threshold is $200 USD — imports below this value may clear without duties. Above $200, Colombian customs applies applicable tariffs plus 19% VAT. Courier services are strongly recommended over postal routes for Colombia.

Typical 1 lb cost

$22-$42 USD

Typical transit

6-14 business days

Carrier Options to Colombia

USPS Priority Mail International

8-14 business days. Final delivery by 4-72 (Servicios Postales Nacionales). Can face customs delays.

DHL Express Worldwide

3-5 business days. Strong Colombia coverage. Most reliable option.

FedEx International Priority

3-5 business days. Good service to Bogotá and major Colombian cities.

UPS Worldwide Expedited

4-6 business days. Good for B2B commercial shipments.

Customs Forms Required

CN22 for items under $400 USD. CN23 + commercial invoice for items over $400. Certificate of origin beneficial for US-Colombia FTA claims.

Commonly Prohibited Items

  • ✕Narcotics and controlled substances
  • ✕Firearms and weapons without Colombian ANLA authorization
  • ✕Counterfeit goods
  • ✕Certain food products without INVIMA (Colombian health agency) registration
  • ✕Fresh plants without phytosanitary certificates
  • ✕Goods subject to Colombian import restrictions

Colombia-Specific Shipping Tips

  • 💡 De minimis is $200 USD — imports below this may clear duty-free; above, Colombian tariffs + 19% VAT apply
  • 💡 US-Colombia FTA eliminates most tariffs on qualifying US-origin goods — include certificate of origin
  • 💡 Colombian postal codes are 6 digits (e.g., 110111 for Chapinero, Bogotá)
  • 💡 Use DHL or FedEx — 4-72 (national postal service) can be unreliable for international packages
  • 💡 Medellín and Bogotá have good carrier coverage; smaller cities and rural areas may add 2-5 days

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping to Colombia take?
USPS Priority Mail International: 8-14 business days. DHL/FedEx/UPS: 3-6 business days. Colombian customs typically processes properly documented packages in 1-3 business days.
What is Colombia's duty-free threshold?
Imports under $200 USD may clear customs without paying duties in Colombia. Above $200, applicable tariffs (reduced under US-Colombia FTA for US-origin goods) plus 19% VAT apply.
Does the US-Colombia FTA apply to my shipment?
For most US-manufactured goods, the FTA eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs. Include a certificate of origin on the commercial invoice. Electronics, clothing, and most consumer goods from the US qualify.
Is it safe to ship valuable items to Colombia?
Use couriers (DHL, FedEx) rather than postal services for valuable packages. Declare accurate values on customs forms. Theft in the postal system is more of a concern in Colombia than in other Latin American countries.
Can I ship food to Colombia?
Commercially processed food is generally allowed but requires INVIMA registration for commercial imports. Personal quantities of sealed, shelf-stable food are typically fine. Fresh produce requires phytosanitary certificates from ICA.

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