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Customs clearance costs in Colombia: how to calculate them
One of the costliest mistakes when importing is setting your selling price without knowing the customs clearance costs. In addition to the value of the product, you must pay customs duties and taxes, customs broker fees and port charges. In this guide we explain what that cost includes in Colombia and how to calculate it, with a step-by-step example.
Last updated: September 2026. Rates and tariffs change; always confirm the current values for your product.
What is customs clearance?
Clearing goods through customs (known in Colombia as nacionalización) means declaring them to the DIAN, paying the applicable duties and taxes and obtaining customs release, that is, authorization for the cargo to circulate freely in the country. Only after release can you take your goods out of the port or bonded warehouse and sell them.
What customs clearance costs include
- Customs duties and taxes: import duty and VAT, usually the largest component.
- Customs broker: fees for classifying, declaring and managing the process; usually charged as a percentage of the value of the goods with a minimum per shipment.
- Port and shipping line charges: unloading, container handling and release of the transport document.
- Storage: days of storage at the bonded warehouse or free trade zone.
- Inspections: if the DIAN selects the cargo for physical or documentary review, additional costs and time apply.
- Permits and certificates: registrations or approvals when the product requires them.
- Inland transport from the port to your warehouse.
How customs duties and taxes are calculated
- Take the FOB value of the goods, that is, their price loaded on board at the port of origin.
- Add international freight and insurance: the result is the CIF value, which is the basis for the import duty.
- Calculate the import duty: CIF value × the rate for the tariff subheading.
- Calculate the VAT base: CIF value + import duty.
- Calculate the VAT: VAT base × 19% (standard rate).
- Convert the amounts to Colombian pesos using the exchange rate the DIAN applies to the declaration.
Example: customs clearance costs step by step
Let’s assume an import from China with an FOB value of USD 10,000 and a subheading with a 10% import duty:
| Item | Calculation | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| FOB value | Price of the goods | 10,000.00 |
| International freight | Transport quote | 1,800.00 |
| Insurance | Cargo policy | 100.00 |
| CIF value | FOB + freight + insurance | 11,900.00 |
| Import duty (10%) | 11,900 × 10% | 1,190.00 |
| VAT base | CIF + import duty | 13,090.00 |
| VAT (19%) | 13,090 × 19% | 2,487.10 |
| Total duties and taxes | Import duty + VAT | 3,677.10 |
In this example, duties and taxes amount to about 37% of the FOB value. On top of that come customs broker fees, port charges, storage and transport to your warehouse. This is an illustrative example: the actual duty depends on your product’s subheading.
Import duties on products from China
Colombia does not have a free trade agreement with China, so Chinese products pay the general duty rate for their subheading. Most subheadings carry duties between 0% and 20%, but some products have higher rates. For example, in March 2026 the government set duties of 25% to 35% on certain steel and ceramic subheadings from countries without a trade agreement with Colombia, including China (La República, in Spanish). That is why you should always check the current duty before quoting.
As for VAT, the standard rate is 19%, although some goods have a 5% rate or are excluded.
Can import VAT be recovered?
If your company is a VAT filer, the VAT paid on the import can be taken as a deductible tax in your return, provided you meet the requirements of the Colombian Tax Code. Check your company’s case with your accountant.
How to reduce customs clearance costs
- Classify your product correctly to avoid reassessments and penalties.
- Have your documents ready before the cargo arrives so you do not pay extra storage days.
- Consolidate purchases from several suppliers into a single shipment.
- Negotiate FOB to control freight and insurance and avoid inflated destination charges.
- Use a free trade zone to store your goods and clear them in batches as you sell. Learn about our free trade zone warehouse.
Frequently asked questions about customs clearance costs
How long does customs clearance take?
It depends on the result of the DIAN’s risk selection. If the declaration receives automatic release, the process can be completed in a few days; if the cargo is selected for physical or documentary inspection, it takes longer.
Who pays for customs clearance?
The importer, directly or through their customs broker, who calculates and files the import declaration.
What happens if I declare a lower value than the real one?
The DIAN can challenge the declared value, reassess duties and taxes and impose penalties. Always declare the real transaction value.
Know your cost before you import
At MG Global Logistics we calculate the total cost of your import before you buy: product, freight, insurance, duties, taxes and charges up to your warehouse, with no hidden costs. Request your quote or message us on WhatsApp. If you are just getting started, also review the requirements to import from China to Colombia.
