🇨🇴 How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Colombia?
Combined import taxes in Colombia run about 64%–70% of a vehicle's CIF value. On a $10,000 (CIF) car that is roughly $6,400–$7,000 in duties and taxes — before ocean freight and local clearance. Below is the full 2026 breakdown, then a free calculator for your exact car.
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Key import facts for Colombia
- Combined import taxes (petrol/diesel): ~64%–70% of CIF
- Electric vehicles: ~5%–7% of CIF (EV incentives apply)
- Maximum vehicle age: 1 years
- Used-car imports: restricted — verify conditions
- Driving side: left-hand drive (LHD)
- Local currency: COP
Ocean freight to Colombia
| Destination port | RoRo (1 car ≈ 12.5 CBM) | 40HQ container (2–3 cars) | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | $1,125–$1,400 | $2,650–$3,250 | 28–40 days |
| Buenaventura | $1,100–$1,375 | $2,650–$3,250 | 28–40 days |
RoRo cost shown for a midsize car (~12.5 CBM). A 40-foot high-cube container is shared across multiple cars. Figures marked * are estimates — confirm live rates with your forwarder.
Before you buy: entry rules for Colombia
These decide whether a vehicle can enter at all. Getting them wrong costs a container, not a margin.
- Age limit: 1 years — counted from the year of manufacture. Used-vehicle imports are prohibited outside change-of-residence, diplomatic and free-zone regimes.
- Pre-shipment inspection: Registro de Importación (VUCE) + environmental clearance (MinCIT / ANLA) — An import registration is filed through the VUCE single window with VIN photographs and rubbings, the homologation sheet and original manufacturer catalogues; ANLA issues the environmental visto bueno.
Worked example: a $10,000 car, step by step
Every figure below is derived, not asserted — this is the same arithmetic our calculator runs. Base: $10,000 CIF (vehicle + freight + insurance at the destination port), a mid-size petrol car, new.
| Line | Rate | Charged on | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | 40% | CIF | $4,000 |
| VAT | 19% | CIF + duty + excise | $2,660 |
| Para-fiscal levies | 0.4% | CIF — statistical, community and shipper-council levies | $40 |
| Duties and taxes | 67% | of CIF | $6,700 |
| Terminal charges | — | per 40HQ | $575 |
| Customs broker | — | per entry | $275 |
| Landed cost | — | CIF + taxes + port + clearance | $17,550 |
Excludes inland delivery, registration and any age-penalty tax. Change the vehicle, engine size or year in the calculator to re-derive this for your own unit.
Port charges and clearance in Colombia
On top of duties and taxes you pay the terminal and your broker. These are not part of the tax figures above.
| Charge | Typical range | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal / carrier charges (THC, DO, security) | $450–$700 | per 40HQ |
| Customs broker / clearance fee | $200–$350 | per entry |
| Combined | $850 typical | per container |
Paperwork you must have
- VUCE filing
- hybrid quota confirmation (if applicable)
Important: Confirm the hybrid quota position before committing — outside quota the duty can revert to the 35–40% band.
Ask your carrier for 14–21 days of destination free time (demurrage/detention) at booking — congested ports and high inspection rates make this the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Frequently asked questions
How much are import duties and taxes on a car in Colombia?
Combined import taxes (duty, excise and VAT) run about 64%–70% of the car's CIF value. On a $10,000 (CIF) car that is roughly $6,400–$7,000 in duties and taxes, before ocean freight and local port/clearance fees.
What is the maximum age of car you can import into Colombia?
Colombia allows imported vehicles up to 1 years old. Older units are typically refused at customs.
How long does it take to ship a car to Cartagena, Colombia?
Ocean transit to Cartagena is typically 28–40 days, depending on the origin port and sailing schedule.
Can I import a used car into Colombia?
Used-car imports into Colombia are restricted — extra conditions or approvals may apply, so verify the current rule with a licensed customs broker before buying.
Does Colombia require left-hand or right-hand drive vehicles?
Colombia drives on the right, so left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles are the standard.
Compare with nearby markets
Duty, VAT and age rules change sharply across a border — the same car can land 20 points cheaper one country over.
- Bolivia — combined import tax 37.5%–48.5% of CIF
- Chile — combined import tax 20%–21% of CIF
- Costa Rica — combined import tax 52%–53% of CIF
- Ecuador — combined import tax 60%–80% of CIF
- Peru — combined import tax 23.9%–66% of CIF
Related guides
- Used-car age limits by country
- Importing Chinese EVs: incentives and traps
- How import taxes are calculated (CIF, duty, VAT, excise)
- RoRo vs container: which is cheaper for cars
Estimate your exact cost
Tax rates, car age and engine size all change the final number. Use the free AutoLanded calculator to get a line-by-line landed cost for your specific vehicle and destination port.