How to import from Thailand to Colombia in 2026 — DIAN duties, VUCE permits, Buenaventura and Cartagena clearance, freight schedules, and INVIMA compliance.

Import from Thailand to Colombia 2026: Full Guide

Colombia has no bilateral FTA with Thailand, but it remains one of the top-3 South American destinations for Thai OEM exports — especially auto parts, canned food, rubber, and personal-care goods. This guide covers DIAN duties, VUCE, INVIMA, and the two Caribbean/Pacific port routes you must choose between.

Cartagena port Colombia

Duty landscape

Without an FTA, Colombia applies the Andean Common External Tariff (AEC):

Category	Typical MFN duty
Auto parts (HS 8708)	5–15%
Canned tuna (HS 1604)	20%
Rubber gloves (HS 4015)	10%
Cosmetics (HS 3304)	10%
Steel kitchenware (HS 7323)	10–15%

VAT (IVA) is 19% on CIF + duty. There is no perception advance like Peru.

Port choice: Buenaventura vs Cartagena

Buenaventura (Pacific) — faster from Laem Chabang (28–32 days direct), but notorious for congestion and strikes. Best for buyers in Cali and southwestern Colombia.
Cartagena (Caribbean) — 40–45 days via Panama, but far more reliable, better warehousing, and closer to Bogotá and Medellín consumption centers. Recommended for most first-time importers.

Documentation checklist

Commercial invoice + packing list
Bill of lading
Certificate of Origin (Form B from Thai DFT) — for MFN reduction where applicable, otherwise not required
Registro de Importador with DIAN
VUCE electronic pre-approval for regulated goods
INVIMA sanitary registration for food, cosmetics, medical devices, household chemicals
ICA phytosanitary for plant-origin products

INVIMA is the real bottleneck

For food, supplements, and cosmetics, INVIMA registration must be obtained before the goods leave Thailand — not after arrival. Timelines:

Cosmetics (NSO): 15–30 business days
Food products: 30–60 business days
Medical devices: 3–6 months

Skipping this step is the #1 reason Thai-origin containers get destroyed or re-exported at Cartagena.

Payment terms

30/70 T/T is standard. Colombian banks (Bancolombia, Davivienda) handle USD L/Cs smoothly. Watch for the 4×1000 tax on outbound wires — factor it into your landed-cost model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Thailand–Colombia FTA in 2026?

No. Negotiations have been discussed but are not in force. Plan for full MFN duty rates.

How long from Thailand to Colombia by sea?

28–32 days to Buenaventura (Pacific) or 40–45 days to Cartagena (Caribbean via Panama). Cartagena is slower but more reliable.

Do I need INVIMA before I ship?

For food, cosmetics, supplements, medical devices, and household chemicals — yes, before the container is loaded in Thailand. Otherwise you risk destruction orders.

Can I import via a Free Trade Zone?

Yes. Zona Franca de Bogotá and Barranquilla let you defer IVA and duty until goods leave the zone — useful for consolidation, kitting, or re-export to Ecuador and Venezuela.