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Colombia

Colombia

Colombia mostly prohibits used-vehicle imports but welcomes new cars, with preferential terms for NEVs. China-made vehicles are gaining share. This guide covers the import framework for new vehicles.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Colombia?
  • Age limit: Used vehicles: generally prohibited except antiques (30+ years) or diplomatic / returning-resident cases; confirm with DIAN. New vehicles: 0–2 years, Euro 4+ for import.
  • Import duty & taxes: New vehicles: 35% import duty (Arancel) + 19% VAT (IVA) + 8–16% consumption tax. NEVs: preferential duty (e.g. 5–10%) and VAT exemption in some cases; confirm with DIAN.
  • Authority & certification: DIAN (customs). Technical regulation: Resolution 5198 (vehicle technical standards).

Import facts at a glance

Age limitUsed vehicles: generally prohibited except antiques (30+ years) or diplomatic / returning-resident cases; confirm with DIAN. New vehicles: 0–2 years, Euro 4+ for import.
Import duty & taxesNew vehicles: 35% import duty (Arancel) + 19% VAT (IVA) + 8–16% consumption tax. NEVs: preferential duty (e.g. 5–10%) and VAT exemption in some cases; confirm with DIAN.
SteeringLeft-hand drive (LHD).
Main ports / entryCartagena, Buenaventura (sea).
Authority & certificationDIAN (customs). Technical regulation: Resolution 5198 (vehicle technical standards).
Required documentsCommercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, technical inspection, DIAN import declaration.
Market focusEssentially a new-vehicle market with strong policy support for new energy models. Used imports are closed apart from narrow exceptions, so the real choice is between a conventional petrol or diesel new car and a new energy model.
How we support youFor Colombia we concentrate on new units and prepare the technical documentation buyers need for DIAN clearance and for compliance with Resolution 5198.
Key watch-outsPreferential duty and VAT treatment for new energy vehicles is granted by resolution rather than by standing law, and has been revised more than once. Confirm which version is in force before you contract a specification, because it can change the landed cost materially.
What to prepareSettle the powertrain question first — conventional or new energy — since the two paths differ in tax treatment and in the documents they require. Fixing the trim level and the selling price band afterwards is much more efficient.

Figures are indicative; confirm with DIAN (dian.gov.co). Used-vehicle import is generally restricted; NEV preferential duty is subject to change. Preferential treatment for new energy vehicles is granted by resolution and has been revised more than once — confirm the version in force before contracting.

35-country import policy quick reference →

Vehicles currently available — Colombia

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Import guides

Import process: where shipments stallChina export ports by marketImport glossary: terms that decide a shipmentZOFRI Iquique: legal route for used cars

Our experience in this region — South America

EZ Auto's team has 15–20 years of experience in China's car export business. We have taken our first concrete step in Chile — building local presence and partnerships — and are now extending the same order-based, document-complete model across South America country by country. We do not rely on transshipment shortcuts; every car is sourced directly in China, inspected before payment, and shipped with full export documents. A typical order runs in seven steps: you confirm the model, specification and quantity; we source and verify availability in China; you approve the unit and we sign the contract; inspection takes place before payment; export clearance and booking are arranged in China; the vehicle sails from a Chinese port and we send you the shipping documents; you clear customs on arrival with your local broker. Payment terms, delivery windows and inspection scope are agreed in the contract for each order — we do not publish standing figures, because sourcing and freight conditions change. Our role ends at the destination port; import clearance and inland delivery are handled locally, with our document support throughout.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to South America?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, with full export documents and door-to-port logistics.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country.
Why are used-car rules so different between countries?
Each country sets its own age limits, duties and emission standards. Chile restricts used imports; Peru and Ecuador allow recent used cars; Colombia mostly prohibits them. We tailor the sourcing (new vs used) to each market.
What documents do I receive?
Contract, commercial invoice, export declaration, certificate of origin, packing list and the vehicle's Chinese documents — enough for clearance in your destination country.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 30–55 days depending on the route (sea to Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia; overland via Chile for Bolivia). We keep you updated at every stage.
Should I start with new cars in Chile, or used cars in Peru and Ecuador?
It depends on the licence you hold and the working capital you want to commit. Chile is the most open market for new vehicles and already has a competitive dealer network; Peru and Ecuador admit recent used cars, so a used-car programme follows a different cost and inspection profile but faces tighter age, mileage and emission checks. Colombia is essentially a new-car market with preferential treatment for new energy models; Bolivia favours electric vehicles through duty exemptions. Several importers run two lines — new cars for Chile and Colombia, recent used cars for Peru and Ecuador.
How many cars fit in one container, and should I book FCL or LCL?
It depends on the model and the loading method. Compact SUVs and sedans are commonly loaded two to four units per 40ft container using racking or stacking, while larger SUVs and pickups may take fewer. Full container load (FCL) is the usual choice for a single order because the cargo stays sealed from door to door; less than container load (LCL) can be considered for a single unit alongside other cargo. Loading plans are confirmed per order — request one before you commit, because dimensions and weight limits decide the final count.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are agreed order by order and written into the contract — we do not quote standing terms here, because the structure depends on the model, the sourcing lead time and the shipping schedule. A contract typically sets out the deposit, the balance trigger and the documents released against each payment. Whatever the structure, you receive the full export document set against the agreed milestones. Please treat the signed contract as the only binding statement of terms.
How do we start?
Send us your target country, the models or body types you are considering, and the approximate volume. We reply with availability in China and a loading plan, and you can then confirm a unit for inspection. If it helps, tell us whether you are buying for retail, fleet or re-export — that changes which models and which condition (new or recent used) make sense in your market. There is no obligation until a contract is signed.

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