In recent years, e-commerce has completely transformed the way we purchase products. Platforms like Temu, Shein, Amazon, Aliexpress, and many others allow consumers to shop in minutes and receive orders directly at their doorstep. However, this boom in online sales has also led to a significant increase in packages entering the country through postal traffic and express shipments, both of which are governed by strict customs regulations.
At DEC Consultores S.A.S., we believe it is essential for users to understand the requirements, limits, and consequences of these operations—especially when the conditions permitted by Colombian law are exceeded. Below, we outline the key aspects of this regulatory regime.
What Is Postal Traffic and What Are Express Shipments?
Postal traffic includes letters, documents, and small parcels sent through traditional postal services. Express shipments, on the other hand, refer to merchandise that requires fast and efficient delivery, typically handled by specialized companies (also called couriers or parcel services).
Both modalities are subject to a special but limited regime. Current regulations establish the following essential conditions for a shipment to qualify under postal traffic or express shipping:
Key Requirements for Goods Entering Under These Modalities
Maximum value of the shipment: It must not exceed USD $2,000. If the value is higher, the simplified regime benefits are lost.
Maximum package weight: The shipment must not exceed 50 kilograms. If it does, it is automatically referred for full customs inspection.
Legal or administrative restrictions: No more than six units of the same type of product are allowed if the product is subject to health permits, licenses, or any other legal requirements.
Example: If you purchase shampoo or sunglasses, you may only bring in up to 6 units per shipment.
Prohibited goods under the Universal Postal Union Agreement: Items such as narcotics, weapons, explosives, flammable products, immoral objects, live animals (with exceptions), currency, banknotes, and bearer instruments are excluded.
Maximum dimensions: No edge of the package can exceed 1.5 meters, and the combined length and girth must not exceed 3 meters.
Mobile phones: Only one (1) mobile phone may be imported per shipment per year. The IMEI number must be declared, and the correct customs subheading must be used, in accordance with Decree 2025 of 2015.
Applicable Taxes: Duty and VAT
Customs duty: Typically 10% for goods imported via postal traffic (subheading 9800710000) or express shipments (subheading 9800720000). If the product has a specific subheading with a different rate, it may be declared accordingly.
VAT (Value Added Tax): The general rate is 19%. However, shipments under USD $200 are exempt from both VAT and duty, but only when coming from countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Colombia specifying such exemption—e.g., the United States or South Korea.
Example: If you purchase a product in the U.S. for USD $150 and all other requirements are met, you will only pay the cost of the product and shipping—no taxes apply.
What Happens If Conditions Are Not Met?
If any of the regime’s conditions are violated, Colombia’s tax and customs authority (DIAN) may apply one of the following measures:
Change of customs regime: The shipment will no longer qualify as postal traffic and must be declared as a regular import. This entails full customs procedures, permits, and higher tax burdens.
Import denied: If the merchandise is subject to legal requirements that cannot be met, it will be rejected or must be voluntarily abandoned.
Seizure and confiscation: If the product is expressly prohibited, it will be seized as a precautionary measure. This may lead to permanent confiscation and loss of the goods.
Recommendations for International Shopping
At DEC Consultores, we recommend the following best practices when making international purchases:
Always check the value, weight, and type of product before confirming your order.
Research the legal restrictions applicable to the product (e.g., cosmetics, food, supplements, medicines).
Check the customs subheading if you want to ensure a specific tax treatment.
Avoid accumulating multiple units of the same item, especially if it is regulated.
For mobile phone purchases, always request the IMEI and include proper shipment documentation.