Ship new vehicles from China to Colombia with full duty estimates and homologation support.

Total taxes typically range from 35% to 55% of the CIF value depending on the vehicle type and engine size. The stack includes: Import Duty at 15% (under 1,500cc), 25% (1,500–2,000cc), or 35% (over 2,000cc and pickups); VAT (IVA) at 19% calculated on the sum of CIF value plus import duty (creating a compounding effect); and a Consumption Tax of 8–16% for vehicles above a value threshold of approximately COP $30,000,000 (~$7,500 USD).

No — with very limited exceptions. Colombia's Andean Automotive Agreement strictly prohibits the permanent import of used vehicles. Only new, current-year, zero-kilometre vehicles may be imported for permanent use. The only exceptions are: classic and antique vehicles over 35 years old (certified by the Automóvil Club de Colombia) and diplomatic imports. Vehicles between 1 and 34 years old cannot be legally imported under any scheme. Attempting to import a used vehicle in this age range will result in seizure by DIAN, fines, and mandatory re-export at your own expense. There is no grace period, waiver, or negotiation possible.

The Ficha de Homologación is a technical certificate issued by the Colombian Ministry of Transport that confirms a specific vehicle model meets Colombia's safety, emissions, and technical standards. Each vehicle model must have a valid homologation on file before it can be registered in Colombia. The homologation process involves: submitting vehicle specifications (VIN range, engine type, dimensions, weight, emissions data), verification of Euro 5/EPA Tier 2 compliance, safety equipment verification (ABS, airbags, seatbelt anchors, etc.), and issuance of the homologation card linked to the model's HS code. If a model does not have an existing homologation, the importer must arrange testing and certification — a process that can take weeks and cost $2,000–$5,000. Cargration verifies homologation status before shipping.

Colombia applies an additional Consumption Tax (Impuesto al Consumo) on vehicles with a CIF value above a threshold set annually by DIAN (approximately COP $30,000,000 or ~$7,500 USD in 2026). The rate is 8% for vehicles with a CIF value between COP $30,000,000 and COP $45,000,000, 12% for vehicles between COP $45,000,000 and COP $60,000,000, and 16% for vehicles exceeding COP $60,000,000. Electric vehicles and hybrids may qualify for reduced or exempt consumption tax rates under Colombia's green mobility incentives. The consumption tax is calculated on the CIF value and is in addition to Import Duty and IVA.

Yes, Colombia permits the import of classic and antique vehicles as a legal exception to the used-vehicle ban. Requirements: the vehicle must be at least 35 years old from the date of manufacture for "antique" classification, or 50+ years for "classic" status; must preserve all original factory specifications (no modifications, non-original parts, or restoration that changes factory configuration); must receive certification from the Automóvil Club de Colombia (ACC) confirming the vehicle is of national interest; requires a prior import license (Licencia Previa) from MINCIT; must pass emissions inspection and roadworthiness testing; and must be registered directly as "antiguo" or "clásico" — standard vehicle registration is not available. Duty rates for classic imports are typically 5–15%, plus IVA at 19%.

Colombia requires all imported vehicles to meet a minimum of Euro 5 or EPA Tier 2 emissions standards. This applies to petrol and diesel passenger vehicles. The Ministry of Transport verifies emissions compliance during the homologation process. Vehicles that do not meet these standards cannot obtain the Ficha de Homologación and therefore cannot be registered for road use. Chinese vehicles exported to Colombia generally meet Euro 5/6 standards as standard — most modern Chinese petrol engines are certified to Euro 5 or Euro 6. For electric vehicles (BEVs), zero-emission status automatically satisfies emissions requirements. Hybrids must meet the same Euro 5/6 standards for their internal combustion engine component.

The Declaración Anticipada (Advanced Import Declaration) is a mandatory pre-arrival filing required by DIAN under Decreto 1165 of 2019. It must be submitted at least 48 hours before the cargo vessel arrives at a Colombian port. The declaration includes: importer's NIT and registration data, HS code classification of the vehicle, CIF value declaration, supporting document references (invoice, B/L, CO), and applicable duty and tax calculations. The Advanced Declaration allows DIAN to pre-screen shipments and assign a control channel (green, yellow, or red) before the vessel docks. A green channel means minimal inspection; yellow requires document review; red triggers a full physical inspection. Failure to file on time results in penalties and delays.

Yes, and EVs benefit from favourable import treatment. Electric vehicles (BEVs) are classified at a 15% import duty rate — the lowest passenger vehicle bracket — compared to 35% for large-engine SUVs. IVA at 19% still applies, but the Consumption Tax is reduced or eliminated for many EV models. Additionally, EVs registered in Bogotá are exempt from the Pico y Placa driving restriction (which limits vehicle use based on licence plate digits during peak hours). Colombia is actively building EV charging infrastructure, with over 1,000 charging points operational in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and along major highways. BYD is the dominant EV brand in Colombia, with the Yuan Plus (Atto 3), Seal, and Tang models leading sales.

The IAMAS (Instrumento Arancelario para el Mejoramiento Ambiental y de la Seguridad Vial) is a Colombian government program that allows authorized vehicle manufacturers and assemblers to import vehicles and components at 0% customs duty. It was created to stimulate local automotive production, investment, and employment. Eligibility is limited to companies registered under the Régimen de Transformación y/o Ensamble or the Programa de Fomento para la Industria Automotriz (PROFIA). Individual importers and small dealerships do not qualify for IAMAS benefits. The program is currently authorised through December 2026, with a potential extension under review by MINCIT. Standard duty rates apply unless your company is an authorized IAMAS participant.

BYD is the leading Chinese brand in Colombia, particularly for electric vehicles — the Yuan Plus (Atto 3) and Seal are top sellers in the growing EV segment. Changan follows with the CS35 Plus and Eado, both popular for their value pricing and suitability to Colombian road conditions. Chery has a strong presence with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 Pro, appealing to family SUV buyers. MG is also gaining traction with the ZS and MG5 models. Across all brands, Colombian buyers prioritize: engines under 1,500cc (for the lowest 15% duty bracket), robust suspension for varied terrain, strong air conditioning for tropical lowland regions, and available parts and service networks through established dealerships in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla.

Yes, a licensed customs agent (agente de aduana) is required for all commercial vehicle imports to Colombia. For individual imports, it is strongly recommended. The agent handles: registering with DIAN and obtaining the NIT if not already held, preparing and submitting the Advanced Import Declaration 48+ hours before vessel arrival, calculating and paying duties, IVA, and consumption tax, coordinating the DIAN inspection (if a red channel is assigned), and managing the release process and delivery to your location. A customs agent typically charges $400–$900 depending on vehicle value and complexity. We can connect you with recommended agentes de aduana at Cartagena, Buenaventura, and Barranquilla who are experienced with Chinese vehicle imports and our documentation format.

A typical timeline to Colombia: Day 1–3 — vehicle selection and deposit; Day 4–8 — vehicle procurement and inspection; Day 9–14 — documentation preparation (commercial invoice, CO, export declaration, homologation verification); Day 15 — container loading at Chinese port; Day 16–58 — sea transit to Cartagena or Buenaventura (35–50 days depending on origin and destination); Day 59–65 — customs clearance at DIAN (5–7 business days with an agente de aduana); Day 66 — vehicle ready for pickup at port or delivery to Bogotá/Medellín/Cali. Total: approximately 9–10 weeks from order to delivery. Using RoRo instead of container can reduce shipping costs. Direct sailings from Shanghai to Cartagena via the Panama Canal are the fastest option at around 35 days.

Absolutely. Our offices are located in Beijing and Guizhou — two of China's largest used car markets. Buyers are welcome to visit either location. Colombian buyers are welcome to visit, inspect vehicles in person, and witness the container loading process. We can assist with visa invitation letters and transportation from Beijing Capital Airport. Many Colombian dealers visit before placing orders — particularly to verify the homologation documentation and confirm that vehicle specifications match the Ficha de Homologación registered with the Ministry of Transport in Bogotá. Virtual inspections via video call are also available if travel is not feasible.

New vehicles sourced from manufacturer-authorized Chinese dealers carry the full factory warranty, which is transferable to Colombia for brands with an established dealer network. BYD, Changan, Chery, and MG all have authorized dealerships in Colombia with warranty service available in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla. For vehicles sourced through parallel channels, we offer a 30-day mechanical warranty covering engine, transmission, and major systems. Extended warranty options are available through our partner network at additional cost. All warranty terms are documented in the sales agreement before payment. We recommend verifying warranty transferability with the brand's Colombian distributor before purchase if factory coverage is important to you.

All vehicles are fully insured during transit from the moment they leave our facilities in Beijing and Guizhou until arrival at the Colombian port of destination. The policy covers the sea leg, port handling at both ends, and any overland transport within Colombia. In the rare event of damage, you file a claim with our logistics team and we handle the insurance process on your behalf. We have maintained a 98.2% damage-free delivery rate on the Colombia route. Our container loading standards — wheel chocks, frame strapping, and protective wrapping — exceed standard industry practice. For RoRo shipments, vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel and secured on dedicated vehicle decks with proper lashing. Photographs are taken before loading to document condition, and these are shared with you as part of the handover record.