Shipping to Colombia

There are many reasons why you may need to send items to Colombia and there are a variety of possibilities concerning the taxes you may need to pay. This is usually dependent on what items you are shipping to Colombia and whether the items will be there permanently or not. There is a choice of ports to ship to, depending upon your personal preference and geographical location.

Advice

It is best to employ the services of a reputable and experienced shipping company, such as Limco Logistics. They will be able to help guide you through the maze of regulations and ensure that you have all the paperwork and identification to hand; this means your items will arrive safely where you need them to be.

One of the most important things you will need when shipping to Colombia is your proof of residency and confirmation that you have the right to work in the country. These forms will need to be accompanied by your passport as this will provide photographic evidence of who you are. To assist with this you will need to visit the Colombian Consulate and get hold of a certificate which confirms your residency and that you have not lived in the country within the last two years. (This is an important legal requirement). An exception to this is allowed for foreign diplomats who have a valid form allowing them diplomatic immunity.

The Inventory

It is essential to prepare a complete list of the items you are shipping to Colombia; this must be completed in Spanish and includes details of all your larger equipment and any electronic equipment. It is important that your list has the manufacturers name and the serial number for every piece of equipment; this will make the whole process simpler. It is also advisable to keep all these electronic items together; this will ensure they are all checked together and should stay together!

It is important to make sure that all your crates are properly sealed and have the relevant stamps and paperwork with them. It can take a lot longer to obtain your goods if you have not got all the forms and the goods certified. In extreme cases it is even possible that your items can be destroyed as the officials take precautions according to their rules and regulations.

It is also worth noting that a family is only permitted to send one package of their household goods and that this shipment must be in the country within one hundred and fifty days of your arrival. Specifically this should be no more than a month before your arrival and four months after it. Officials may also check that this is the only shipment you have completed in regard to household goods within the last seven years.

Charges

There are a range of taxes which you are almost certain to have to pay; charges for storing and moving your shipments around the warehouse are unavoidable. You may also find yourself liable to a range of taxes; the imposition of these will vary depending upon the type of goods and your intended use of them. For instance, one weapon designed for sport is permissible as are up to three air conditioning units. Limco Logistics will be able to advice and assist in ensuring you have all the relevant documentation. Even the number of beds you are transferring must match the number of family members moving to Colombia.

Items to Avoid

It is always best to avoid shipping any form of recreational or prescription drugs. If your prescriptions are essential seek specialist advice before you depart. You must also avoid transporting any Colombian military uniform; even if they are imitation ones. As with all countries explosives are a definite no and literature which may offend is usually confiscated.

Taking your Car with you

No matter how much you love your present car it is unlikely you will be able to take it with you! Colombia has a strict policy that used vehicles cannot be brought into the country. You may still decide to import your new vehicle and this is possible providing you have the right documentation:

• Official documents showing your purchase of the vehicle.

• The registration document and proof of title for the vehicle; in your name.

It should naturally follow that all the documents should have the same details on them. You must have all the documents approved and an import licensed issued before your vehicle can be allowed into the country. Failing to complete the process properly can result in your vehicle being seized.

The process can be complicated and it is advisable to seek the kelp of a professional shipping firm. Limco Logistics will guide you through every step of your journey and help ensure your personal items get where they need to be.