   
  
G/LIC/N/3/COL/16   
5 April 2023  
(23-2353) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: Spanish  
 
  
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
NOTIFICATION FOR 2022  
COLOMBIA  
The following communication, dated 31 March 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Colombia.  
_______________  
Outline of systems  
1. Pursuant to Article 3 of Law No. 7(a) of 1991 regulating Colombia's foreign trade, goods are 
imported and exported in keeping with the principle of free international trade. This Law empowers 
the Higher Council for Foreign Trade to determine pro cedures and requirements for  imports and 
exports.  
There is a "free import" regime for imports, similar to an automatic licensing system, which in some 
cases requires import registration, and a "prior licensing" regime, equivalent to a non -automatic 
licensi ng system, under which authorization takes the form of an import licence. For most goods, no 
registration or import licence needs to be shown - there are no  requirements other than the 
submission of a final import declaration to the customs authorities.  
Decree No.  925 of 9  May 2013 sets out the provisions relating to applications for registration and 
import licensing.  
1. AUTOMATIC LICENSING  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Apart from goods classified under the prior licensing regime, imports to Colombia are free 
and mostly subject only to the submission to the customs authorities of the import declaration 
for entry of the goods into Colombian customs territory. Import registration (known internationally 
as automatic licensing) filed through the S ingle Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) software of the 
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT) is required for imports subject to prerequisites 
(requirement, permit, approval or authorization) on the part of the competent authorities.  
Chapter III o f Decree No.  925 of 2013 stipulates that the MinCIT Directorate of Foreign Trade, acting 
through the entities making up its Single  Window for Foreign Trade, is the authority responsible for 
examining and deciding on applications for import registration.  
3. Automatic licensing applies to all countries. The automatic licensing requirement (import 
registration) depends on whether the goods to be imported are subject to requirements, permits, 
approvals or prior authorizations on the part of other control bodies  (environmental, sanitary, 
phytosanitary, animal health , etc.).  G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  4. The processing of automatic licences does not restrict the quantity or value of imports. Its purpose 
is essentially to apply foreign trade policy, particularly aspects relating to  customs, as well as health, 
security and environmental protection controls.  
5. Decree Law No.  444 of 1967 and Law No.  7(a) of 1991 form the legal basis for the processing of 
licences. Law No.  7(a) of 1991 established the Higher Council for Foreign Trade, which is t he body 
that governs foreign trade and is in -charge of determining the import regime for each product 
included in the Customs Tariff, while Decree No. 925 of 2013 sets out provisions on applications for 
automatic licences (import registrations) and non -automatic licences (import licences).  
Procedures  
6.  According to Articles 24 and 25 of Decree No. 925 of 2013, an automatic licence (import 
registration) is required for goods subject to import quotas. It should be noted that various 
entities administer quot as in accordance with their respective spheres of competence: the 
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; 
and the National Tax and Customs Directorate.  
In 2021, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism  established a quota, valid for 
two years  (2022–2023), for the importation of motor vehicles classified under tariff headings 
and subheadings 870120, 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705 and 8706. Annual portions are allotted 
under this quota, which is administered by t he Directorate of Foreign Trade.  
The National Tax and Customs Directorate administers quotas in accordance with 
Articles  218 to 223 of Resolution No. 46 of 2019, which implements Decree No. 1165 of 
2 July 2019.1 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for administering the tariff 
quotas established as part of Colombia's commitments under the Trade Agreements signed 
with its partners, including:  Canada, the Northern Triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala 
and Honduras) and EFTA (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland), with whom tariff 
quotas have been established under the Agricultural Import Tariff Elimination Programme.  
The products covered include pork, beans, beef (high - and standard -quality beef and other 
edible offal), cheese, other dog and cat food and other ethyl alcohol. Since the entry into force 
of these Agreements, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has implemented, 
administered and regulated these quotas through the issuance of regulatory resolutions.2 
Moreover, in accordance with Decree No. 2676 of 29 July 2011, partially amended by 
Decree  No. 0015 of 10 January 2012, through which Colombia fulfils its commitments under 
the Amending Protocol to the Free Trade Treaty between the United Mex ican States, the 
Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Venezuela, the quotas granted by Mexico to goods 
originating in Colombia are administered and regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural 
Development. Consequently, regulatory resolutions wer e issued on export quotas, with a 
"year" running from 2 August to the following 1 August.  
I. Information relating to quotas and how to apply for them, formalities for the filing of licence 
and registration applications, exceptions and derogations is publis hed in the Official Journal 
and/or on the official websites of the competent entities.  
II. Quotas are determined annually. Import licences and registrations are issued for six months 
and may be extended for additional three -month periods.  
 
1 https://normograma.dian.gov.co/dian/compilacion/docs/resolucion_dian_0046_2019.htm   
Information on the use of the quota (Article 223 of Resolution No. 46 of 20 19) is available at : 
https://muisca.dian.gov.co/WebArancel/DefControlCupo.faces  and:  
https://www.dian.gov.co/aduanas/Paginas/Consumo -de-Cupos -de-Vehiculos -Acuerdo -AC72 -e-Hibridos.aspx  
2 The Resolutions are available on the website:  
https://www.minagricultura.gov.co/Normatividad/SitePages/buscador -general -normas.aspx?t=3   G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  III. Licences and registrations are generally allotted to importers regardless of whether they are 
producers of like products. The regulations provide that licensees and registration holders may 
use a specific percentage of the amounts allocated by the licences  issued and surrender 
unused amounts, which are reallocated to other eligible importers. Unused allocations are not 
added to quotas for the following  year. 
 The list of importers to whom quotas have been granted is published on the websites of the 
competen t entity and the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE).  
IV. The deadline for submission of licence applications is normally 30 days from the time 
of opening of the quota.  
V. Licence and registration applications are processed in two days.  
VI. The import p eriod runs from the date on which the quota is allocated to the quota closing 
date, depending on the provisions established for each quota.  
VII. Once the relevant authorizations and permits have been granted by the competent authorities, 
licence and regist ration applications are examined by a single administrative body under the 
responsibility of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT).  
VIII. Import quotas tend to be allocated mainly on the basis of the quantity (in tonnes) of past 
imports by t raditional importers, which are allotted a major portion of the quota, the remainder 
being allocated to new importers. It should be noted that there is a separate administration 
system for each quota, with specific rules for each case.  
 In view of the abov e, applications for quota allocation are examined simultaneously and, if 
they are approved, the respective portions are allotted. Subsequently, applications for licences 
or registrations are submitted and examined on a first come, first served basis.  
IX. There are no bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements.  
X. Export permits from exporting countries are not required.  
XI. Licences are not issued on the condition that the goods should be exported and not sold on 
the domestic market.  
7.(a) Applicatio ns for import registration or automatic licences must be processed by the VUCE 
before the import declaration is submitted, since they constitute a supporting document that 
must be appended to the declaration (Article 556 of Decree No.  1165 of 2019) . Insofa r 
as is possible, the importer should submit this document before the goods arrive in the 
country. However, there is no regulation to prevent the application from being approved if the 
import is permissible, even if the goods are in Colombia.  
(b) If goods arrive at a port without an import registration, the importer may apply for one 
(automatic licence) from the entities making up the VUCE  in the MinCIT Directorate of Foreign 
Trade, on the importer's own account and under the importer's own responsibility. Once the 
import registration has been obtained, the goods must be cleared  within one month of their 
arrival.3 Otherwise, the importer must opt for reshipment, abandonment or legalization, as 
provided in the customs legislation (Decree No. 1165 of 2019 ). 
(c) There are no limitations as to the time of year when applications for import  registration may 
be made.  
 
3 Article 10 of Decree No.  2557 of 2007 amended Article 115 of the Customs Statute 
(Decree  No. 2685 of 1999).  G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  (d) The MinCIT Directorate of Foreign Trade, through the entities making up the VUCE , is the 
authority responsible for examining and deciding on applications for import registration. The 
entities forming part of the VUCE must issue an authorization (sanitary, environmental, 
national security, etc.) within their respective spheres of  compe tence within one working  
day of receiving the application, provided that the applicant has met all the relevant 
requirements. The MinCIT must then decide, within one working day , on applications 
accompanied by all the approvals delivered by the VUCE  entities. 
The requirements, permits and authorizations are specified in Article 25 of Decree No.  925 
of 2013 and in particular in Circular No.  018 of 3  September  2020, as amended by 
Circular  No. 022 of 2022, and its 26 annexes .4 
 
8. Import registrations may be refused if the legal requirements for their authorization are not met 
or if the data supplied by the importer are unclear or incorrect. Applicants are always informed of 
the reason for the refusal. Since refusals are administrative acts, appeals against su ch decisions 
must be lodged through legal channels.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for registration or automatic licensing  
9. Any natural or legal person in the private or even the public sector may apply for import 
registration, either directly or thro ugh a customs agency or a duly accredited special representative.  
Documents and other requirements for registration or automatic licence applications  
10. Applications for import registration must be submitted electronically to the MinCIT Directorate 
of For eign Trade. Electronic applications are submitted through the VUCE, which was created by 
Decree No.  4149 of 10  December  2004. The computer software designed for that purpose enables 
the user to send applications to the entities responsible for granting per mits, authorizations and 
prior approval for the importation of goods where required before they are examined by analysts 
from the entities making up the VUCE at the MinCIT Directorate of Foreign Trade. The relevant 
instructions can be accessed in the guide s by clicking the help button on the VUCE website 
(http://www.vuce.gov.co ). 
Applications for import registration (automatic licences) must be accompanied by the documents 
attesting to the specific conditions of each operation; for example, where the product being imported 
is subject to a technical regulation, it must be accompanied by certificates of conformity attesting to 
its compliance with the relevant requirements. For non -refundable operations, it is no longer 
necessary to indicate the reason why they are non -refundable or to provide the VUCE with any 
documentation justifying the non -refund, without prejudice to any verification or exchange control 
carried out by the competent authority (see section 1.4 of Circul ar No.  023 of 2018, available at 
http://www.vuce.gov.co/ ). 
Users are informed by circular and news published on the website ( http://www.vuce.gov.co/ ) of the 
documents to be app ended to import applications. This is without prejudice to the provision in 
Article 5 of  Decree No. 925 of 2013 authorizing requests that the importer supply any additional 
information needed to assess the application.  
11. The documents required upon actua l importation are set out in Article 556  of 
Decree  No. 1165  of 2019  (Customs Regime), as amended by Decree No. 360 of 2021, and its 
Implementing Order No. 46 of 2019  of the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN),  and 
include: import registration or li cence, where applicable; commercial invoice, where 
applicable ; transport document; packing list, where applicable;  certificate of origin or 
certificate of health, where applicable;  documents required by special provisions; power of 
attorney, where there is  no customs endorsement and the import declaration is submitted 
through a customs agency or a representative; Andean Value Declaration and supporting 
documents, where applicable; sales contract or document attesting that foreign products 
subject to consump tion tax are destined for third countries, where applicable, in 
 
4 The Circular and the annexes thereto are available at 
https://www.mincit.g ov.co/normatividad/circulares/2022 . G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  accordance with Article 18 of Law No. 677 of 2001, as amended by Article 1 of 
Law No. 1087 of 2006;  and import declaration.  
12. A fee of approximately USD 6.40 is charged for electronic import registrations.  
13. The issuing of registrations is not subject to any deposit or advance payment.  
Conditions for the issuing of licences  
14. The period of validity of automatic import licences is established in Decree  No. 925 of 2013. 
At present, it extends for six months from the date of approval of the registration. Import licences 
for capital goods on the special list issued by the Higher Council for Foreign Trade are valid for 
12 months starting automatically on th e date of approval of the registration.  
Automatic licences or registrations may be used throughout the period of their validity, regardless 
of any change in the import regime, for part or all of the goods covered.  
Automatic licences or import registrations  may be extended for three months, provided that the 
conditions and requirements in the original registration are met and there has been no change of 
regime for any of the goods covered.  
In duly evidenced cases, a second and final extension may be granted for another three months 
and, in the case of capital goods, further extensions may be granted for successive periods of up to 
three months each, without exceeding 12 months.  
For functional units, indefinite extensions may be granted for successive periods of up to 
three  months each.  
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an automatic licence or import  registration, or a 
portion thereof.  
16. Automatic licences or import registrations may be modified if there is a change of importer, 
provided that they have not been used with the customs authority. In such cases, the relevant 
application must be signed by both the assignor and the assignee.  
17. No, there are no conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
Other procedural requirement s 
18. No.  
19. The MinCIT is not responsible for establishing the availability of foreign exchange for payment 
of imports. There is currently complete availability of foreign exchange to cover the value of imports.  
2. NON-AUTOMATIC LICENSING  
1. When issuing no n-automatic import licences, the MinCIT Imports Committee applies the import 
policy and criteria established by the National Government.  
Purposes and coverage of non -automatic licensing  
2. Chapter II of Decree No.  925 of 2013 covers the imports subject to the prior licensing regime, 
the definition thereof and other relevant information applicable by the MinCIT Imports Committee in 
the processing of non -automatic licences.  
Electronic applications for prior licences must be submitted through the VUCE.  
3. The regime applies to all countries, barring exceptions established in specific provisions.  G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  4. The processing of non -automatic licences is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports. Its purpose is, essentially, to apply foreign trade policy acc ording to clearly established 
criteria and to make it easier for users to complete the procedures for foreign trade operations 
required by the various government agencies involved in foreign trade.  
5. Decree Law No.  444 of 1967 and Law No.  7(a) of 1991 for m the legal basis for the processing 
of non-automatic licences. Law No.  7(a) of 1991 established the Higher Council for Foreign Trade, 
which is the body that governs foreign trade and is in -charge of determining the import regime for 
each product included in the Customs Tariff.  
Article 14 of Decree No.  925 of 2013 establishes which imports are subject to  non-automatic 
licensing. Annex 1 to this Decree lists the tariff subheadings for which the National Government 
established the prior licensing regime.  
Pursuant to Decree No.  723 of 10  April 2014, the following tariff subheadings have been excluded 
from the above -mentioned Annex 1: 8429.11.00.00, 8429.19.00.00, 8429.51.00.00; 
8429.52.00.00, 8429.59.00.00, 8431.41.00.00, 8431.42.00.00 and 8905.10.00.00.  
Decree  No. 2133 of 2016 made mercury imports under subheading 2805.40.00.00 subject 
to non -automatic import licensing.  
Decree No. 613 of 2017 introduced non -automatic licensing for the import of seeds for 
sowing, cannabis plants, cannabis, derivatives of cannabi s and cannabis products.  
These Decrees  are available at http://www.mincit.gov.co/normatividad/decretos  
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Authorizations to import goods subject to prior or non -automatic licensing must be processed 
well ahead of time by the MinCIT Directorate of Foreign Trade, inasmuch as 
Decree  No. 1165  of 2019  provides that, in order to be cleared by customs, the goods must  
be covered by a prior or non -automatic licence valid on the date of customs clearance.  
However, there is no regulation to prevent a non -automatic licence from being obtained if the 
import is permissible, even if the goods are in Colombia.  
(b) If goods sub ject to prior or non -automatic licensing arrive at a port without a licence, the 
importer may apply to the MinCIT Imports Committee for a prior licence, on the importer's 
own account and under the importer's own responsibility. If the licence is granted, t he goods 
must be cleared within one month of their arrival. Otherwise, the importer must opt for 
reshipment, abandonment or legalization, as provided in the customs legislation 
(Decree  No. 1165 of 2019 ). 
(c) There are no limitations as to the time of year when licence applications may be made.  
(d) Applications for import licences, amendments thereto or cancellations thereof are  submitted 
through the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE). Licence applications are examined by a 
single administrative body, na mely the Imports Committee of the MinCIT Directorate  of 
Foreign  Trade, unless the goods to be imported require permits or prior authorizations from 
the relevant authorities. In these cases, the entities forming part of the VUCE must process 
applications fo r import under the non -automatic licensing (prior licensing) regime within 
two working days of the competent entity receiving the application via the VUCE, provided 
that the applicant has met all the relevant requirements. The MinCIT must then decide withi n 
one working day on the import licence applications, accompanied where applicable by the 
approvals delivered by the VUCE entities. The requirements, permits and authorizations are 
specified in Article  25 of Decree No.  925 of 2013.  
8. Non -automatic import licences may be refused if the legal requirements for their authorization 
are not met or if the data supplied by the importer are incorrect or inaccurate.  G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  Applicants are always informed of the reason for the refusal. They may appeal against refusals under 
the Administrative Disputes Code. If all applications for redress to government bodies fail, they may 
apply for judicial review by the administrative courts, the procedures for which are established in 
the Administrative Disputes Code.  
Eligibility of impor ters to apply for a non -automatic licence  
9. Any natural or legal person in the private or public sector may apply for a prior or 
non-automatic  import licence, either directly or through a customs agency or a duly accredited 
special  representative.  
Exclusi vity is conferred on the National Government for the import of armaments, raw materials for 
explosives, explosives, etc., through Industria Militar (INDUMIL), in accordance with 
Decrees  Nos. 2535 of 1993 and 1809 of 1994.  
10. Applications for import regist ration must be submitted electronically through the Single  Window 
for Foreign Trade (VUCE) to the MinCIT Imports Committee. This Single Window was created by 
Decree No.  4149 of 10  December  2004. The computer software designed for that purpose enables 
the u ser to send the application to the entities responsible for granting permits, authorizations or 
prior approval for the importation of goods where required before it is examined by the Imports 
Committee. The import licence application form and the relevant instructions can be accessed at 
http://www.vuce.gov.co/vuce/vuce -2-0. 
Applications must be accompanied by the documents attesting to the specific conditions of each 
operation; for example, in the case of  goods under special market conditions, the supporting 
documents must include a technical data sheet, catalogues, etc. (Article 5  of Decree No.  925 
of 2013).  
Users are informed by circular of the documents to be appended to import applications. This is 
without prejudice to the provision in Decree No.  925 of 2013 authorizing requests that the importer 
supply any additional information needed to assess the application.  
11. The documents required upon actual importation are set out in Article 556 of  Decree No. 1165 
of 2019  (Customs Regime) and its Implementing Order No. 46 of 2019  of the National Tax and 
Customs Directorate (DIAN) , and include: import registration or licence, where applicable ; 
commercial invoice, where applicable ; transport document; packing li st, where applicable;  
certificate of origin or certificate of health, where applicable ; documents required by special 
provisions; power of attorney, where there is no customs endorsement and the import 
declaration is submitted through a customs agency or a representative; Andean Value 
Declaration and supporting documents, where applicable; sales contract or document 
attesting that foreign products subject to consumption tax are destined for third 
countries, where applicable, in accordance with Ar ticle 18 of Law No. 677 of 2001, as 
amended by Article 1 of Law No. 1087 of 2006;  and import declaration.  
12. A fee of approximately USD 7.50 is charged for applications for non -automatic licences. With 
the implementation of the VUCE  2.0 platform, the purc hase of software for the mass transmission 
of applications was abolished, since importers can use the platform for this purpose. Importers were 
notified of this change through Circular No.  037 of 2018 of the MinCIT Directorate of Foreign Trade.  
13. The iss uing of licences is not subject to any deposit or advance payment.  
Conditions for the issuing of non -automatic licences  
14. The period of validity of prior or non -automatic import licences is established in 
Decree  No. 925 of 2013. Under Article 6 of the De cree, non -automatic licences are valid for a period 
of six  months starting on the date of approval.  G/LIC/N/3/COL/16  
 
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  Licences for capital goods on the special list issued by the Higher Council for Foreign Trade have a 
period of validity of 12 months starting on the date of  approval. Licences covering imports 
of substances classified as narcotics precursors are valid for a period of three months. In the case 
of products subject to requirements, permits or authorizations by other control entities, the validity 
of the licence will depend on the date on which the permit was granted, without  exceeding the 
aforementioned time limits.  
Import licences may be extended by the Imports Committee for a period of three months, provided 
that application is made before the expiry of the lic ence originally granted.  
In duly evidenced cases, a further extension may be granted for another three months and, in the 
case of capital goods, further extensions may be granted for successive periods of up to three months 
each, without exceeding 12 month s. For functional units, indefinite extensions may be granted for 
successive periods of up to three months each.  
15. No sanctions are imposed for the non -utilization or partial utilization of a non -automatic licence.  
16. Non -automatic import licences may be modified if there is a change of importer. In such cases, 
the relevant application must be signed by both the assignor and the assignee. In the specific case 
of goods imported solely through INDUMIL, transfers are n ot allowed.  
In the case of narcotics precursors, no modification may be made to import licences under the 
headings concerning the importer, period of utilization of the licence, or products covered. Approval 
by the National Narcotics Council is needed for any other accepted change.  
17. No, there are no conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
19. The MinCIT is not responsible for establishing the availability of foreign exchange for payment 
of imports. There is cu rrently complete availability of foreign exchange to cover the value of imports.  
__________  