International Moving from NYC to Colombia

This can be a daunting task due to the logistics involved. It is imperative to have a reliable moving company to ensure a smooth and safe transition. That is why Sea & Air Relocation in NYC can be the perfect partner to move your belongings. They have years of experience and specialize in residential and commercial moving services. 

We Offer International Relocation Services

International Moving from NYC to Colombia

Our team of professionals provides efficient and reliable relocation services. You can rely on us for a variety of moving services, such as pre-move planning, customs clearance management, customs documentation, packing, etc. With our team’s experience, we can assist you with any international relocation need, no matter how complex or simple. 

Important Information About Colombia

It is pertinent to note that household goods imported into Colombia are subject to taxes and duties. You will need a valid visa to enter Colombia. You must also obtain a Certificate of Immigration from the Colombian consulate in your home country to leave the country. Additionally, some items may not be allowed to enter the country, such as firearms, explosives, and certain medications. All things to consider prior to making this exciting move!

Furthermore, it is highly recommended to hire a customs broker or moving company that handles customs to ensure your move goes smoothly. This helps the process remain problem-free throughout your move to Colombia. Our team will ensure that all the necessary paperwork is in order for your move so you don’t have to. In addition, we provide you with information on what items are and are not allowed in the country. 

Why Colombia Is A Great Country

Colombia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and vibrant cities. It offers a great quality of life along with an affordable cost of living, and a variety of activities and attractions to explore. It is also an ideal location for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and retirees, thanks to its favorable tax laws. Additionally, Colombia is a great place to learn a new language, as Spanish is its official language. With its stunning natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people, Colombia is a great place to live. Whether you are moving for work or pleasure, you will surely find happiness here. 

Call Today For A Quote 

Need help with your upcoming international move? Call Sea & Air of NYC today for a quote! Make sure you don’t fall victim to the numerous regulations and customs related to an international move. Let our team do what they do best and make your move as simple as possible.

Customs Information

Articles that are not considered personal effects and household goods, such as; firearms, motorcycles, motor vehicles, and liquor may be imported once the shipper has obtained an import license before shipping.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS OF FOREIGN AND COLOMBIAN CITIZENS (NOT DIPLOMATS)
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
  • A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values.
  • Original passport with Visa is valid for a minimum of one year for each family member.
  • The Colombian returning citizens must prove that they have lived abroad for a minimum of 2 years. In case the importer has come to Columbia during these two years for vacations, not having stayed per year more than 15 calendar days in whatever of the arrivals. It means that if the person has come to Columbia several times, the person could not have stayed more than 15 calendar days in each stay.
  • Now Colombian citizens are required proof of previous residence outside Columbia, and this certificate must be issued by the Colombian Consulate at the origin.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • All these shipments pay customs duties and taxes.
  • 15% of the customs duties and taxes must be paid on the CIF value.
  • The customs inspector decides the value of each item of household goods.
  • Partial customs clearance is not permitted, and it must be done at the airport or port of arrival.
  • The shipper must be here in Columbia at the moment of customs clearance because it’s required to have an original passport. There is not any exception.
  • The time limit for the arrival of HHGDS is 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after the arrival of the owner’s shipment.
  • As soon as the shipment is here in Columbia, the customs gives a time limit to clear the shipment of 30 calendar days from the day of its arrival at the airport or port.
  • Only one shipment of household goods can be imported per family each five (5) years.
  • Only one bedroom per family member.
  • It is only authorized to import one unit per each electrical domestic appliance, but there is an exception for TVs only, the shipper can bring two (2) TVs no more. It is very important that the inventory list must indicate the make and serial number of each electrical appliance.

REMARKS

  • People under 18 years old are not allowed to import household goods.
  • Once the physical customs inspection is done, the customs officer will calculate the value of the goods on which the duties and taxes are charged.
  • The customs officer will proceed immediately to apply the customs penal code (confiscation of goods in the following cases: Excess of the allowance authorized (more than one electrical appliance); Destined for different purposes to those for which goods were imported; Arrival outside the established period of time (120 days after or 30 days before).
  • Never send a vehicle or a motorcycle along with HHGDS before consulting the agent in Columbia.
  • No commercial quantities are allowed.
  • Firearms collected weapons, import prohibited unless an approved authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Defence is given before shipping.
  • Liquor and foodstuffs are prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs do not consider them as part of the shipment. This kind of thing is defiantly prohibited to import into the shipment. Customs will confiscate them, besides there will be big fines and the rest of the shipment will be delayed to clear.

UNACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE OF FOREIGN AND COLOMBIAN CITIZENS (NOT DIPLOMATS):

  • Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
  • A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values.
  • The original passport with Visa is valid for a minimum of six months.
  • Foreign and Colombian citizens must prove that they were out of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days.
  • It is required a customs format called “DECLARATION DE VIAJEROS O DE EQUIPAJES NO ACOMPANADOS”. The shipper will have to complete this form upon his arrival at the airport and stamp the same by the customs authorities at that moment, it is not possible to do it the next day of his arrival. Customs requires an original of this format along with the original passport to clear the shipment.
  • • The cost of this shipment can not exceed the amount of US$ 2.500,- when the importer has been out of the country until seven (7) calendar days exactly and US$ 4.000.- when the importer has been out of the country for more than seven (7) calendar days.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • All these shipments pay customs duties and taxes.
  • 15% of the customs duties and taxes must be paid on the CIF value.
  • The customs inspector decides the value of each item of unaccompanied baggage.
  • Partial customs clearance is not permitted, and it must be done at the airport or port of arrival.
  • The shipper must be here in Colombia at the moment of customs clearance because it’s required to have the original passport. There is not any exception.
  • The time limit for the arrival of unaccompanied baggage is 30 calendar days before or 30 calendar days after the arrival of the owner’s shipment.
  • As soon as the shipment is here in Columbia, the customs gives a time limit to clear the shipment of 30 calendar days from the day of its arrival at the airport or port.
  • Only one shipment of unaccompanied baggage can be imported per family each year.
  • It is allowed to include in this personal shipment personal effects like clothes, books, electric appliances, etc. But nothing of furniture, chinaware, glassware, small rugs, carpets, and paintings.
  • It is only authorized to import one unit per each electric domestic appliance. It is very important that the inventory list must indicate the make and serial number of each electrical appliance.
  • All points mentioned for HHGDS shipments are the same for this kind except the following points: First (1) point, which depends on the special student permission that the importer has. (Please consult us before shipping); Third (3) point part c: that for this case applies: “Arrival outside the established period of time (30 calendar days before or after arrival of owner’s shipment).

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND UNACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE OF COLOMBIAN CITIZENS AND DIPLOMATS

  • Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
  • A typewritten inventory in Spanish without values
  • Original passport

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

  • Commercial Invoice and Proof of property (Title).
  • They can also import new vehicles under a standard import regulation for this commodity.
  • The diplomatic shipments for Foreign citizens are cleared by customs with a diplomatic permit, which must be obtained by the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, etc., at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is required that the shipment be here in Colombia before getting the diplomatic permit. That means when the shipment arrives, it will be transferred to our bonded warehouse by the airline if it comes by sea; while we will prepare all customs forms for the Embassy, consulate, etc. Those forms will be signed by the Ambassador, and the embassy, consulate, etc., will submit them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The permit will take 18 or 20 working days approx. to be approved by the Ministry. Just with this permit in our hands, we would begin with all customs clearance formalities.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS:

  • All these shipments do not pay customs duties and taxes.
  • The customs clearance will be done without any physical inspection and must be done at the airport or port of arrival.
  • The diplomatic shipments for Colombian Returning Citizens. The importer has to obtain directly by himself a permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For these cases, it is necessary that the importer begins to get this diplomatic permit before the shipment arrives because it is very delayed to get this permit. It can take 15 working days to get its approval.
  • Besides, Colombian Returning Diplomats have less than six (6) months from the date of finishing the work contract with the embassy, consulate, International Organization, etc., at the origin country to use the diplomatic permit and bring the shipment without paying customs duties/taxes.
  • This category is applicable to Consular personnel. Persons protected by special regulations due to the contracts established between the Colombian Government and Foreign Countries or Entities. All members of technical missions and International Organizations. (Please consult us in advance).
  • The time limit for the arrival of these shipments depends on each case. So, please consult us first.
  • As soon as the shipment, be here in Colombia, the customs gives a time limit to clear the shipment of 30 calendar days from the day of its arrival at the airport or port.

MOTOR VEHICLES OR MOTORCYCLES OF FOREIGN AND COLOMBIAN CITIZENS (NOT DIPLOMATS)

  • It is required an import license approved by customs. Before departure at the origin.
  • Original invoice detailed and preferably in the US dollar.
  • A list of contents with all characteristics and specifications. (Please find enclosed the format required)
  • Original AWB or two original B/Ls.
  • It is required for all autos a special certificate called “Anti-pollution Control”. The owner of the auto must get this certificate from the Assembler Company directly in the origin country. This certificate must certify that all its parts and accessories are okay And the most important is that DO NOT AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT. This certificate must be legalized by the Colombian Consulate at its origin.
  • It is very important that you send the originals of the commercial invoice, a list with all its specifications, and the certificate of Antipollution Control to get the import license approved by this “Incomex Institute” and when it is approved to go to the department of Environment here in Colombia to get its approval, and they will give us a quality certificate to import the auto or motorcycle.
  • Getting the approval from “Incomex” takes 15 working days approx. And to get the quality certificate from the Department of Environment takes 5 working days approx.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Customs duties and taxes for cars are between 15% to 85% on the CIF value, it depends on each auto.
  • In the case that the importer wants to bring the car along with the household goods shipment, please consult the agent in Colombia before shipping.
  • The time limit for the arrival of cars and motorcycles into Colombia for foreign and Colombian citizens, not diplomats, is as soon as the import license is approved by the special institute called “Incomex”. When it is approved, we send a fax to the agent authorizing or giving green light to dispatch the auto to Colombia before the agent can not dispatch it.
  • As soon as the auto is here in Colombia, the customs give a time limit to clear the auto of 60 calendar days from the day of its arrival at the airport or port.
  • It is important that you send all documents by fax first to see if they are OK or not. Then when we check them, we send a fax advising that you can send all originals to begin to get the import license, etc.
  • It is possible to import into Colombia only, NEW CARS OR MOTORCYCLES ( O KMTS ONLY), for foreign and Colombian citizens (not diplomats), but for them, it is not allowed to import used cars and used motorcycles.
  • Never send a vehicle or motorcycle without consulting us before.

MOTOR VEHICLES OR MOTORCYCLES OF FOREIGN AND COLOMBIAN CITIZENS’ DIPLOMATS’ DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • The diplomatic autos for Foreign Diplomats are cleared by customs with a diplomatic permit, which must be obtained by the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, etc., at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is required that the auto or motor be here in Colombia before getting the diplomatic permit. That means when the auto arrives, it will be transferred to our bonded warehouse by the airline, if it comes by air, or it stays at the port of arrival if it comes by sea; while we will prepare all customs forms for the embassy, consulate, etc. Those forms will be signed by the ambassador, and the embassy, consulate, etc., will submit them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The permit will take 18 or 20 working days approx. to be approved by the Ministry. Just with this permit in our hands, we would begin with all customs clearance formalities.
  • Foreign Diplomats do not require an import license approved before shipping.
  • Foreign Diplomats do not pay customs duties and taxes.
  • Foreign Diplomats do not require Antipollution control.
  • The diplomatic autos for Colombian returning diplomats. The importer has to obtain directly by himself a permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For these cases, it is necessary that the importer begins to get this diplomatic permit before the auto or motor arrives in Colombia because: First, To get this diplomatic permit can take 15 working days, and second, we need this permit to get the import license approved by the special institute called “Incomex” and until this import license is approved, you cannot dispatch the auto. It means when it is approved, we send you a fax giving a green light to dispatch the auto.
  • For Colombia returning Diplomats, it is required for all autos a special certificate called “ANTIPOLLUTION CONTROL” IF THE AUTO OR MOTORCYCLE IS FROM THE YEAR 1997 HENCEFORTH. The owner must get this certificate from the Assembler Company directly at the country of origin. This certificate must certify that all its parts and accessories are OK, and the most important is DO NOT AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT. This certificate must be legalized by the Colombian Consulate at its origin.
  • Foreign and Colombian returning diplomats can import new or used cars or motorcycles. It all depends on getting the diplomatic permit.

FOLLOWING THE CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS FOR COLOMBIAN DIPLOMATS
For Colombian diplomats it is very important that we have our hands on the originals of the commercial invoice, the list with all the specifications, the certificate of Antipollution control, and the original diplomatic permit to get the import license approved by the “Incomex” Institute and when they approved it to go to Department of Environment here in Colombia to get its approval, and they will give us a quality certificate to import the motorcycle or auto.

Getting approval from “Incomex” takes 15 working days approx. And to get the quality certificate from the Department of Environment takes 5 working days approx.

Besides Colombian returning diplomats have less than six (6) months from the date of finishing the work contract with the embassy, consulate, International Organization, etc. At the origin country, to use the diplomatic permit and bring the auto without paying customs duties/taxes. Only would have to pay the tax called ‘IVA’, which can be between 15% and 45% on the CIF value depending on the cylinder capacity of the auto.

PETS (DOGS AND CATS) DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Original Veterinary Health Certificate.
  • The Rabies certificate must be up to date at least 30 days prior to the arrival of the pet, not less than this.
  • Original of AWB, if the animal comes as a piece of unaccompanied baggage.
  • Photocopy of the passport of the pet’s owner.
  • If the pet comes to Colombia as a piece of unaccompanied baggage, it is required a letter from the owner’s pet in which authorizes our customs broker to make all customs import formalities (we will give the owner’s pet a copy of this letter).
  • If the pet comes as a piece of accompanied baggage, it means along with the owner, the owner must do all customs import formalities upon his arrival at the airport by himself.
  • If the pet comes as a piece of unaccompanied baggage, the AWB must read: “ALIVE ANIMAL” (ANIMAL VIVO) “DESCARGUE DIRECTO”. In this case, it is required to have an import license made by the agent in Colombia, and the customs clearance can not be done until the next business day of the arrival of the pet.
  • It is very important that when the pet comes as a piece of unaccompanied baggage, the owner sends all documents along with AWB.
  • It is important to send a pre-alert two days before its arrival at the airport to prepare everything and avoid problems with customs when the pet arrives.
  • To import dogs and cats into Colombia, the owner must pay directly at the airport of arrival for a special permit called “PERMISO ZOOSANITARIO,” which costs between US$ 30 and US$ 35.- approx. It must be paid in Colombian Pesos.
  • If the importer has other kinds of pets (it means not dogs or cats), please consult the customs regulations and documents before shipping.

WARNING:
Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law and severe penalties apply.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Sea & Air International cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest Australian customs office for full and current information prior to importation.

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