Colombia Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Colombia customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, relocation to Colombia, or the import of personal effects. Import rules are regulated by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN).

Home To Home Relocations supports clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Colombia, providing export packing, ocean/air freight, customs documentation and delivery to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and all major regions.

1. Moving to Colombia – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Who Can Import Household Goods Duty-Free?

Duty-free import of used household goods may be granted for:

Colombian citizens returning after 2+ years abroad
Foreign nationals with official Colombian residence visas
Diplomats and government personnel

Important: Tourists, short-term visitors and students cannot import household goods duty-free.

1.2 Goods Must Be Used & Previously Owned

All household goods must be used, previously owned and clearly non-commercial. New items almost always incur duties and may trigger inspection.

1.3 Timing Restrictions

Shipments must typically arrive within the timeframe specified for your visa class. DIAN may request proof of residence or re-entry.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Colombian ID (Cédula) or residence visa
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list
Customs declaration forms (Formulario DIAN)
Power of Attorney for the customs broker

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Electronics must list brand, model and serial number
Inventory should be translated into Spanish for DIAN
New items must be declared separately with invoices
Multiple identical items may be flagged as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: DIAN is known for very strict inspections. A clear, itemized Spanish-language inventory reduces delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Colombia

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicle importation into Colombia is highly restricted, expensive and usually not permitted for household goods shipments.

Returning Colombians cannot import vehicles duty-free
Foreign residents generally cannot import vehicles
Diplomats may import vehicles under special exemptions

3.2 Why Importing a Vehicle Is Not Recommended

Import taxes can exceed 70–100% of vehicle value
Strict emissions and technical compliance requirements
Lengthy DIAN approval process

Important: Most relocation experts recommend purchasing a vehicle locally rather than importing one into Colombia.

4. Bringing Pets to Colombia

Colombia allows the import of pets, subject to veterinary documentation and verification by ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario).

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate
Inspection by ICA officials upon arrival
Microchip recommended

Pet Travel Tip: Arriving without the correct ICA-approved documents may result in quarantine or denial of entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol in household goods shipments is subject to very high duties and strict DIAN oversight. Undeclared alcohol may be confiscated. It is strongly recommended to avoid including alcohol in your shipment.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products may be imported only in limited personal quantities and must be declared. Larger amounts require permits and may be treated as commercial imports.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Colombia enforces strict agricultural controls through ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario). The following are generally **not permitted** in household goods shipments:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, fish, dairy or eggs
Seeds, plants, soil and untreated wood
Any organic material that could transmit pests or disease

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medications require a doctor’s letter and original packaging
Chemicals may require INVIMA or ICA authorization
Weapons and ammunition are prohibited without special federal approval
Cosmetics or supplements may be inspected and taxed

Important: ICA inspections are among the strictest in Latin America. Failure to comply may result in fines, quarantine of goods or destruction of restricted items.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Colombia

Colombia prohibits the import of the following in personal effects shipments:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition and explosives (without permits)
Fresh food, seeds, plants and soil
Pornographic or obscene materials
Hazardous chemicals and toxic substances
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Multiple identical items that appear commercial
New or unopened electronics (high risk for duties)

DIAN and ICA jointly enforce these rules. Non-compliance may result in confiscation, penalties or delayed customs clearance.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Colombia

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Canada to Colombia, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare an accurate, itemized inventory in Spanish
List electronics by brand, model and serial number
Avoid shipping new or unopened goods
Ensure your visa or residence status is approved before clearance
Plan for DIAN inspections, especially at ports like Cartagena or Barranquilla

7.2 Why choose a Colombia relocation specialist

Colombia's customs environment requires precision. Working with an experienced international moving company ensures:

Correct DIAN documentation and declarations
Smoother clearance and reduced inspection time
Proper guidance on restricted electronics and valuables
Reliable delivery coordination across Colombia

Relocation Tip: DIAN frequently inspects shipments with inconsistent inventories or new-looking items. Transparency is key to avoiding penalties.

8. Useful Official Links – Colombia

Use these official Colombian government resources for updated customs regulations:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Colombia. Final customs decisions rest with DIAN and ICA authorities.