Documentation
Tariffs and taxes
It is important to know what import duties a product will
attract when it lands in Colombia. Duties payable on imports to
Colombia are generally no higher than 15 per cent, but there are
exceptions.
The Harmonised System (HS) code is an international method of
classifying products for export purposes. This classification is
used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties,
taxes and regulations that apply to the product. To obtain an HS
code, you should contact HM Revenue & Customs, (Tel: +44
(0)1702 366077).
In addition to import duties, IVA (equivalent to VAT) is levied
on the value of the items. The general rate of IVA is 16 per cent
but certain products are subject to higher or lower rates. We
recommend the European Commission's Market Access Database as a
useful resource to research how much it will cost to import your
product. The database is available at www.madb.europa.eu
but can only be accessed from an internet service provider within
the EU.
Within the database, the Applied Tariffs Database section allows
users to enter an HS code or product description to obtain a tariff
rate and details of taxes applicable, enabling you to calculate a
landed cost.
Additional documentation
Some goods may be subject to additional requirements with regard
to documentation, such as sanitary certificates, licences, permits
and Certificates of Free Sale. The European Commission's Market
Access Database provides details, including an explanation of each
relevant form, and can be searched by tariff code. The Colombian
National Institute for Control of Medical Products and Foods
(INVIMA) is the principal body responsible for such certifications,
although certain specific requirements are operated by others, such
as the Ministry of Environment.
A Certificate of Free Sale can be required to show that goods
are available for retail sale, that they comply with EU regulations
and that they are suitable for use by EU
consumers. For more details, please contact:
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Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) -
cosmetics, chemicals, detergents and cleaners, and
disinfectants.(Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 5000)
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Defra - food, drinks, additives, disinfectants, pesticides,
animal medicines, milk and dairy products, pet food and animal
feed, fertilisers, sugar and sugar products, protein crops, tea,
coffee, cocoa, herbs, spices, tobacco flavouring and wines (Tel:
+44 (0)845 9 335577)
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Department of Health - medical, dental and surgical equipment
and prostheses (Tel: +44 (0)20 7211 6200)
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Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - medicinal
products (Tel: (+44 (0)20 3080 6000)
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Health and Safety Executive - pesticide products (Tel: +44
(0)151 951 4000)
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Forestry Commission - phytosanitary certificates for products or
packaging material made from or containing wood. (Tel: (+44 (0)117
906 6000)
Export controls apply to goods upon which the UK Government has
placed export licensing requirements. Typically, export controls
relate to goods that may be used in some way for military
applications, goods of national heritage (such as works of art) and
certain chemicals used in the production of controlled drugs.
The BIS Export Control Organisation's helpline +44 (0)20 7215
4594 is the first point of contact for information on export
controls. The helpline provides advice on many issues, including
how to establish whether or not specific goods need an export
licence, the different types of export licences, how to complete
export licence application forms and how long they take to process.
The helpline is also the point of contact for Export Control
Organisation publications and licence application forms. If you
think your goods may be applied to military purposes, you are
advised to phone the helpline or visit: www.gov.uk/bis
If you think your goods may be of importance to national
heritage, you are advised to contact the Department for Culture,
Media and Sport (Tel: +44 (0)20 7211 6200).
For chemicals that are used in the production of drugs, contact
the Home Office (Tel: +44 (0)20 7035 0445).
If the above departments consider your products to be
sensitive, you will need to apply for an export licence before you
can take them out of the UK.
Labelling and packaging
Imported products can be sold in Colombia in their original
packaging provided a label is attached, giving the following
information in Spanish:
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a description of the product;
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the weight (metric) according to local standards;
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the composition of the product;
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its validity (sell-by date or expiry);
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the country of origin;
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the name and address of the importer;
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and any special warning on risks to health or security.
Usually this label is placed on the product in Colombia by the
importer. Special labelling regulations apply to imported
pharmaceutical specialities, antiseptics, disinfectants, cosmetics,
beauty and hygienic preparations, alcoholic beverages and
foodstuffs.
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Commercial samples and temporary imports
Samples should not be sent to Colombia without prior discussion
with the customer or partner in Colombia. Some samples may first
require authorisation from specific government departments in
Colombia, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of
Agriculture. Samples cannot be sent if the product is
forbidden.
Short-term importation of products that will not be altered is
allowed, usually for a period of six-months with the possibility of
a three-month extension. It is usual for the customs authority to
require a deposit equivalent to 10 per cent of applicable
duties/taxes as a guarantee.
An alternative scheme exists for longer-term (but still
temporary) imports of some goods (for example capital goods).
Technical help for exporters
This service is provided by the British Standards Institution
(BSI) to give information and advice on compliance with overseas
statutory and other technical requirements. BSI produces a wide
range of publications and provides a special updating service of
information in some product fields. It can supply detailed
information on foreign regulations; identify, supply and assist in
the interpretation of foreign standards and approval procedures;
research and give consultation on technical requirements for a
specific product; and provide translations of foreign standards,
items of legislation and codes of practice. Fees vary according to
the amount of work involved.
For specific enquiries, contact BSI: Tel: +44 (0)20 8996
9001 Email: cservices@bsigroup.com
Source - UKTI