South AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Colombia
Colombia's mining, oil & gas, and construction sectors drive equipment demand. Caribbean and Pacific coast ports provide comprehensive access.
Main Ports
- Port of Cartagena
- Port of Buenaventura
- Port of Barranquilla
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Colombian Customs (DIAN)
- Import Registration
- Technical Standards
Common Cargo
- Mining Equipment
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- Construction Machinery
Main Ports in Colombia
Port of Cartagena
Major Seaport
Port of Buenaventura
Pacific Gateway
Port of Barranquilla
River Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Colombia
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Port of Cartagena | Container / RoRo | 12–18 days |
| Savannah, GA | Cartagena / Barranquilla | Breakbulk / Container | 12–18 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Colombia
We ship to Colombia (Port of Cartagena) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 12-18 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Colombia
Under the Andean Automotive Agreement, Colombia prohibits the permanent import of used vehicles — only new, current-year, zero-kilometre vehicles may be imported (plus narrow classic/collector and diplomatic exceptions). New vehicles attract an import tariff plus 19% VAT (IVA).
- Import Duty
- Import tariff on new vehicles (confirm by HS code)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- IVA 19%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Vehicles 35+ years (classic) / 50+ years may qualify under collector rules
Source: DIAN (Colombia) / Andean Community · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Used-vehicle import is prohibited (Andean Automotive Agreement); only new current-year vehicles are allowed, with exceptions for classics (35+/50+ years) and diplomats.
Source: DIAN / Andean Community · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Colombian Customs (DIAN)
National customs procedures with electronic processing.
Import Registration
Importers must register with DIAN and obtain NIT.
Technical Standards
ICONTEC standards may apply to certain equipment.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Colombia
What makes Colombia tricky
- Colombia’s used-vehicle import ban catches many shippers off guard — only new or qualifying classic vehicles can enter.
- Cartagena is the main Caribbean gateway; Buenaventura serves the Pacific.
- Project cargo and machinery follow standard tariff rules (not the used-car ban).
Frequently Asked Questions
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