Shipping to Colombia

Whether you are shipping documents, heavy machinery, cloths, samples, personal effects or cars from US or other parts of the world to Colombia, there are several things you have to first of all know. It is now easier to ship to Colombia because there are several shipping providers offering air and Ocean freight and also express door to door service.

Alternative way of shipping from the US to Colombia

There are two main ways that you can ship a package from the US to Colombia. The method you choose depends entirely on 3 things: the delivery time, the cost and what you are shipping.

Ocean Freight to Colombia

If you choose ocean freight, you are likely to incur less but wait for longer probably 3 months. However, it is the most economical and the most reliable way of shipping cars, heavy machineries and other bulky products from the US to Colombia. All this will be facilitated by a reliable company working closely with a local carrier to ensure that the package is delivered.

Air Freight to Colombia

Air freight is a reliable way of shipping light packages from the US to Colombia. If you are shipping documents, cloths, samples, personal effects and other small and light items, then air freight is the best method of shipping. However, you will have to incur an extra amount of money for extra fast deliveries. The other thing to note is that you may end up getting your package delivered within 3 business days.

Colombian Duty and Tax Information

When you are shipping to another country, you first of all have to be conversant with the local GST/VAT. What this means is that the tax for shipping to a particular country is dependent on the local VAT and the item category and eventually the value. Most Colombia’s duties have been put in categories consolidated as follows:

• 0% to 5% on capital goods, raw materials and industrial goods which are not produced in Colombia.
• 10% on manufactured goods imported to Colombia. However, in this case there are some exceptions.
• 15%-20% on sensitive and consumer goods.

Most agricultural products from the US to Colombia became duty free through FTA. FTA did away with the tariffs and taxation on wheat and barley.

Although most of the countries of the world have a ‘’de minimis value’’ this is not the case in Colombia. What this means is that you will be responsible to pay tax and duty on the package you are receiving in Colombia. The amount will definitely be determined by the local custom office. You just have to note that most of the carriers don’t include the taxes and duties on their shipping cost.

Products prohibited for shipping to Colombia

Colombia just like other countries imposes some regulations on what should be shipped to and from its jurisdiction. There’s a long list of items that are prohibited to export to Colombia from the U.S which includes: drugs, cell phones, explosives, extinguishers, fertilizers, jewelry including gold, silver and platinum, liquor, lottery equipment or items, pornography, radioactive materials, seeds, security products, sprays of any kind, tobacco and cigarettes and several other items. You also have to note that it is only the Military Industry Institute that is authorized to import any military and security equipment such as weapons, explosives and related materials.

What documentation is needed to send packages from the US to Colombia?

There are several documentations that you should have when you are thinking of exporting to Colombia.

• The exporter should remit the pro-forma invoice
• Obtain letter of credit/draft bill of lading
• The certificate of origin with copy of the commercial invoice and other certificate required by the country of destination
• Shipping authorization of final export declaration with all the attachments as required.
• Some products such as Vegetables, plants, fruits, animals, gold, emeralds, textiles, coal and nickel require special documentation.

Cheap shipping to Colombia best choice (Small couriers or freight forwarding companies)

There is a small difference between a freight forwarder and couriers. If you have a cargo that needs to be shipped, then you need to go for freight forwarders. On the other hand, if you are sending a package to someone in Colombia, you need a courier for that purpose. What determines which of the two works better for you is what you are shipping?

Freight forwarders are cheap alternatives for businesses to ship freight while couriers are the best and the cheapest alternative for people to send packages to each other. In most of the cases, freight forwarders work closely with small couriers to ensure they can deliver door to door. If you are considering shipping huge packages which require shipping, then you better go for a freight forwarder. If you are shopping in the US and expecting the cloth, accessory, gift or any other item to be delivered to Colombia, then you have to use Couriers.

Factors that affect the cost of shipping from US to Colombia

Shipping price is a consideration that you have to deal with first because it impacts directly on the selling price of goods imported. However, there are several factors that affect the shipping cost which includes;

• Shipping high season
• Shipping address
• Dimensions and weight of each package you are shipping
• Shipping service

How to shop in the US and ship to Colombia if the store doesn’t offer direct shipping

Most of the shoppers have suffered for a long time for the inability of most US online stores to ship to Colombia. The good thing is that today there are several methods that you can use to get your package wherever you are even if the store doesn’t ship. Just follow the below steps to ensure that the item you purchase is delivered in your door steps.

• Get a reliable courier and sign Up-You will eventually receive the couriers shipping address. You can either go with any  of Linbis Logistics Shipping Network Partners and many more which will give you a US shipping address.
• Get your favorite store and shop normally-Eventually set the couriers shipping address as the local shipping address at checkout.
• The parcel will be delivered to the courier you choose. The courier will eventually facilitate the process of shipping that specific package to your destination.
• Use Linbis Logistics Network to find the best shipping companies to deliver your packages.