How to Get an Import License in Colombia

Colombia’s economy is showcasing an increasing amount of commercial talents, and has emerged as a strong regional power. The third largest economy in Latin America, Colombia’s GDP reached US$330.2 billion in 2018. Its economic versatility has drawn investors and entrepreneurs to its shores in droves, and many are now looking to engage in international trade with Colombia.

Designed and intended for those investing in Colombia, getting an import license allows a parent company to establish a business and trade its products in the country. Engage with Colombia by importing new and innovative products, and experience enduring commercial success.

Import License in Colombia – Why conduct foreign trade operations in Colombia?

Working in a growing economy, and one of the strongest economies in Latin America, is an opportunity to have a well-positioned presence in the region. Colombia’s geographic location allows for expansive access to various trading partners in the region, considering it has access to both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans (the second via the Caribbean Sea).

Colombia’s international connectivity is highly covetable. As a member of the Pacific Alliance, Colombia enjoys preferential trade access to major players in the region (Chile, Mexico, and Peru). Its proximity to the US also enables businesses to supply to a large North American consumer market.

In addition, Colombia’s Free Trade Zones offer preferential trade access and regulation. These zones will not only boost your business but will qualify it for certain tax benefits. The main cities, such as Bogotá, Medellin and Cartagena, different in their own rights, demonstrate Colombia is a nation growing in confidence and diversity, further asserting its dominance as an international global force. 

Incorporate or form a company

When incorporating or forming a business, take your time deciding on the different entities available to you in Colombia. The 3 structures available to you are the Limited, Joint-stock or Simplified Stock (SAS) companies.

The latter tends to be the easiest option for foreign investors. SAS entities eliminate personal liability of shareholders, should the business experience financial issues. This structure allows for unlimited shareholders, and in Colombia, SAS company documentation isn’t made public. Processing time for SAS companies – once you’ve submitted all the necessary documentation – can take around 2-3 weeks.

The company formation process includes opening a bank account. Thankfully, this is fairly straightforward. Different banks may individually have specific requirements, but generally, you’ll need to provide:

• a certificate confirming your registered business (from the Chamber of Commerce)
• your tax identification certificate (known as a RUT)
•  identification of your legal representative
• your company’s opening balance sheet
• your company´s certificate of equity composition.

Getting your import license

This license is issued by the Ministry of Commerce. In order to get it, once you have incorporated your company, the first step is to include the “importer” classification in your Tax Registration Certificate (RUT) before the national tax authority, the National Tax and Customs Directorate of Colombia (DIAN).

Afterwards, you must register your legal representative’s signature, which you can do before “Certicamara”, the certified entity that registers this information before the Ministry of Commerce. This signature registration is valid for between 1 to 2 years and it must be renewed once it expires.

Which documents do you need?

1. Products List: This list is required not only for the import license but to have the record if your products require extra registration before sanitary control entities. You’ll need to submit this to the National Institute of Medications and Food Control (known as Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos, or INVIMA).
   Note: If you will be importing pharmaceutical, food, or biologic products, you must register your products before INVIMA, before you apply for the import license.
2. Tariff subheading: The DIAN determines a tariff heading before the products are imported. Accordingly, you must determine an approximate value of the tariffs you will have to pay when importing your products. This subheading must be presented before the Ministry of Commerce.
3. Identification of your legal representative: This can be in the form of a passport, driver’s license or other photo identification
4. Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Incorporation.

Once you have all the documents required, you can proceed with the registration before the Ministry. It is up to the discretion of the Ministry to decide to issue you an import license, and any extra requested documents or permits for the import of your products. Please note the import license will be given just for the products included in the products list and the tariff subheading.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the import license process

How long is my import license valid for?

It could be valid from 1 to 2 years and it is up to the discretion of the Ministry to issue the license for a different validity period.

Do I need to come to Colombia to complete the import license process?

If you are the legal representative of the company applying for the license, you will have to be in Colombia for the signature registration.

If you are not the legal representative of the company applying for the license, you will not have to be in Colombia to do so.

Interested in obtaining your Colombian import license?

Colombia’s economic terrain is diverse, the people are warm and the commercial opportunities are present. Owing to its stunning natural beauty and stable incubator for your investment needs, it’s indeed the perfect place to invest, work and live.

At Biz Latin Hub, we have a team of professional lawyers who specialize in investment and trade law, ready to help with any queries you may have.

For more information on how to invest in Colombia and tips on incorporating a business here, reach out to our team now.