CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO COLOMBIA

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: Afghanistan to Colombia

When exporting goods from Afghanistan to Colombia, exporters must navigate Colombia's tariff structure and customs requirements. Colombia maintains a consolidated tariff system with varying rates depending on product classification. Understanding these regulations, required documentation, and applicable trade agreements is essential for successful international trade operations between these nations.

General Duty Rates in Colombia

Colombia's customs duties are organized into three primary tariff levels based on product classification. The following table outlines typical duty rates for common product categories:

Product Category	Duty Rate Range	Notes
Capital Goods	0-5%	Industrial goods and raw materials not produced in Colombia
Industrial Goods	0-5%	Raw materials not produced domestically
Manufactured Goods	10%	Standard rate with some exceptions
Consumer Goods	15-20%	Classified as "sensitive" goods
Agricultural Products	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific rates
Information Technology Products	0%	Colombia is a WTO ITA member (as of March 2012)

According to the World Trade Organization, Colombia's simple average most-favored-nation (MFN) applied tariff rate is 5.8 percent overall, with 14.3 percent for agricultural goods and 4.7 percent for non-agricultural goods.

Required Documentation

Exporters from Afghanistan must prepare and submit the following documentation to Colombian customs authorities:

• Commercial Invoice (original and copies) with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing List specifying contents, weights, and dimensions of each shipment
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill as proof of shipment
• Certificate of Origin documenting the country of manufacture
• Import License or permit (if required for specific product categories)
• Customs Declaration Form completed according to Colombian requirements
• Insurance documents (if applicable)
• Product-specific certifications or compliance documents
• Harmonized System (HS) code classification for all goods

Important Regulations and Restrictions

Exporters must comply with Colombia's customs regulations and restrictions:

• Prohibited and Restricted Imports: Certain goods may be prohibited or restricted entry into Colombia. Verify product eligibility before shipment.
• Labeling and Marking Requirements: All products must comply with Colombian labeling standards, including language requirements and content specifications.
• Standards Compliance: Goods must meet Colombian technical standards and safety requirements applicable to the product category.
• Customs Valuation: Declared values must reflect the actual transaction price and comply with WTO customs valuation methods.
• Documentation Accuracy: All customs documents must be accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties.
• Temporary Entry: Temporary imports may be subject to different regulations and bonding requirements.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Access

While Afghanistan does not currently have a bilateral free trade agreement with Colombia, exporters should be aware of Colombia's trade framework:

• WTO Membership: Both Afghanistan and Colombia are WTO members, ensuring most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment for goods.
• Information Technology Agreement: Colombia joined the WTO Information Technology Agreement in March 2012, eliminating tariffs on qualifying IT products on an MFN basis.
• Regional Agreements: Colombia is party to various regional trade agreements that may affect tariff rates for goods from specific countries.
• Tariff Rate Quotas: Certain agricultural products may be subject to duty-free or reduced-rate tariff rate quotas (TRQs).

For specific tariff rates and product-specific information, consult the Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool or contact trade specialists familiar with Afghanistan-Colombia commerce.