How to Ship from the US to Colombia: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Colombia is one of the most promising markets in Latin America for US shippers, with a population of over 51 million people and a rapidly modernizing economy. The country has experienced strong e-commerce growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, a growing middle class, and Colombian consumers' desire for American and international brands. Colombia is also home to a significant diaspora in the United States, with over 1 million Colombian Americans who regularly send packages, gifts, and goods to family and friends.

The US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CTPA), implemented in 2012, has significantly facilitated trade between the two countries, reducing or eliminating tariffs on many product categories. However, Colombia's customs system has its own unique characteristics, including the distinctive 4x72 regulation that affects how packages are received by individuals. Understanding these regulations is critical for avoiding delays, additional taxes, and potential seizure of goods.

Colombia's logistics infrastructure varies significantly by region. Major cities like Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena have modern delivery networks, while rural areas and smaller cities may experience longer delivery times and limited carrier coverage. This guide provides comprehensive information on shipping from the US to Colombia in 2026.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Colombia

USPS is the most affordable option for lightweight packages. Priority Mail International delivers in 6 to 10 business days, and Priority Mail Express International delivers in 3 to 5 business days. First-Class Package International Service handles items under 4 pounds with transit times of 10 to 21 days. USPS partners with 4-72 (Colombia's national postal operator, which replaced the former Adpostal) for final delivery. Service quality with 4-72 can be inconsistent, particularly outside major cities.

UPS offers UPS Worldwide Express (2-4 business days), UPS Worldwide Expedited (3-7 business days), and UPS Worldwide Saver. UPS has a well-established network in Colombia, particularly in major cities. UPS handles customs brokerage, which significantly simplifies the import process and reduces clearance times.

FedEx provides FedEx International Priority (2-4 business days) and FedEx International Economy (4-7 business days). FedEx has strong operations in Colombia with coverage in all major cities. FedEx's customs expertise is valuable for navigating Colombia's import requirements.

DHL Express delivers in 2 to 4 business days and has a comprehensive network throughout Colombia. DHL is well-known for reliable customs clearance in Latin America and is a popular choice for both personal and commercial shipments to Colombia.

Servientrega is Colombia's largest domestic courier company with extensive coverage throughout the country, including rural areas. Some cross-border logistics services partner with Servientrega for last-mile delivery in Colombia.

Casillero (Mailbox) Services: Many Colombian consumers use casillero services (virtual US mailbox addresses) provided by companies like MyBox, MiCasillero, and others. These services provide a US shipping address where packages are sent, then consolidated and forwarded to Colombia. They often handle customs clearance on behalf of the recipient and can be cost-effective for multiple small purchases.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Shipping to major Colombian cities like Bogota and Medellin is typically at the lower end of transit time estimates, while delivery to smaller cities and rural areas can be at the upper end or beyond.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

Colombia's customs system is administered by DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) and has several unique features.

The 4x72 Regulation: This is one of the most important and distinctive aspects of shipping to Colombia. Under Decree 1165 of 2019 and subsequent regulations, the 4-72 postal network and authorized couriers can process imports for individuals under a simplified regime. The key rules are:

• Individuals can receive up to 6 shipments per six-month period through the simplified postal import regime
• Each shipment must not exceed $200 USD in declared value
• Each shipment must not exceed 20 kg (44 lbs) in weight
• Shipments within these limits are subject to a flat 10% combined tax (covering both duties and VAT)

This 4x72 simplified regime is significantly more favorable than the standard import process. Shipments that exceed the $200 value or 20 kg weight limit, or shipments to individuals who have exceeded their six-shipment quota, are subject to the standard customs process with higher duties and taxes.

Standard Import Duties: For shipments exceeding the simplified regime limits, Colombia applies customs duties ranging from 0% to 35% depending on the product category. Under the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, many US-origin goods qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. Common duty rates include 0-10% for electronics, 15-20% for clothing, and 10-20% for footwear.

VAT (IVA): Colombia's standard VAT rate is 19%. For standard imports (outside the simplified regime), VAT is calculated on the CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable customs duties.

Total Tax Under Standard Regime Example: For a $300 electronic item:

• Customs duty (FTA rate, ~5%): $15
• Subtotal: $315
• IVA (19%): ~$60
• Total taxes: ~$75 (25% effective rate)

Under the simplified regime (if qualifying, $200 max), the flat 10% tax on a $150 item would be just $15.

Documentation: All shipments require a customs declaration with detailed item descriptions, declared values, and the recipient's Colombian ID number (cédula de ciudadanía or cédula de extranjería). Including the recipient's cedula number is important for customs processing.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Colombia enforces the following import restrictions:

• Prohibited: Narcotics and drug precursors (Colombia has extremely strict anti-narcotics laws), weapons and ammunition (require military authorization from INDUMIL), counterfeit goods, toxic waste, and certain pesticides and chemicals banned under international conventions.
• Restricted: Medications (require INVIMA registration; personal quantities with prescription may be allowed), food products (subject to INVIMA and ICA regulations), alcohol and tobacco (require import permits and face excise taxes), electronics (certain telecommunications equipment requires ANE approval), cosmetics (require INVIMA notification for commercial import), plants and animal products (require ICA phytosanitary or zoosanitary certificates), and used clothing (commercial import is restricted).
• Colombia-Specific: Colombia has strict controls on the import of chemical substances that could be used as drug precursors, including certain solvents, acids, and laboratory equipment. These items may be flagged and require additional documentation. Colombia also restricts the import of certain types of body armor and surveillance equipment.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Package shipments to Colombia in sturdy boxes with thorough cushioning. Colombian customs may inspect packages, so ensure contents are well-organized and match the customs declaration. Humidity can be a concern in certain regions of Colombia, particularly coastal areas, so consider moisture-protective packaging for sensitive items.

Colombian addresses use the following format: recipient name, street type and number (e.g., Calle 80 #12-34, Carrera 15 #45-67), neighborhood (barrio), city, department (departamento), and "COLOMBIA" as the country. Colombian address numbers indicate the street name and distance from a cross street (e.g., Calle 80 #12-34 means Calle 80, 12 blocks from Carrera, building 34). Always include the recipient's phone number and cedula number.

Tracking and Insurance Options

USPS provides tracking that transfers to 4-72 in Colombia. Tracking through 4-72's system can be unreliable, and updates may stop once the package enters the domestic network. Express carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL) provide detailed end-to-end tracking with customs clearance status updates, which is highly recommended given the complexities of Colombian customs.

Insurance is important for shipments to Colombia. USPS includes up to $200 for Priority services. Express carriers offer declared value coverage. For valuable items, consider additional third-party insurance coverage.

How to Save on International Shipping

Stay within the simplified regime: If possible, keep individual shipment values at or below $200 to qualify for the 4x72 simplified import regime's flat 10% tax rate. This is dramatically cheaper than the standard import process. If you need to send goods worth more than $200, consider splitting into multiple shipments (within the 6-shipment limit per six months).

Use Atoship for rate comparison: Atoship's platform lets you compare rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other carriers, typically saving 20% to 40% on shipping costs to Colombia.

Leverage the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: For commercial shipments of US-origin goods, ensure you claim FTA preferential tariff rates. Include a certificate of origin to benefit from reduced or zero duty rates on qualifying products.

Use casillero services for e-commerce: If your Colombian customers regularly buy from the US, recommend they use casillero services. These services consolidate multiple purchases and handle customs, often more efficiently than individual direct shipments.

Accurate declarations are essential: Colombian customs scrutinizes undervalued declarations. Accurate values help avoid delays, additional inspections, and potential fines.

Ship to major cities when possible: Delivery to Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla is faster and more reliable than to smaller cities. If your recipient can receive packages in a major city, delivery will be smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 4x72 regulation in Colombia? The 4x72 regulation (named after Colombia's national postal operator) establishes a simplified import regime for individuals. Under this regime, individuals can receive up to 6 shipments per six-month period, each valued at $200 or less and weighing under 20 kg, with a flat 10% combined tax. This is significantly cheaper than the standard import process with separate duties and 19% VAT.

How long does it take to ship from the US to Colombia? Express carriers deliver in 2 to 7 business days. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6 to 10 business days. Economy services take 10 to 21 days. Customs clearance in Colombia typically adds 1 to 5 business days. Delivery to major cities is at the faster end of these ranges.

Do I need the recipient's cedula number? Including the recipient's cedula (Colombian ID number) on customs documentation is strongly recommended. While not always strictly required for postal shipments, having the cedula number significantly speeds up customs clearance and reduces the likelihood of the package being held. Express carriers typically require the recipient's cedula for customs brokerage.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Colombia? For lightweight items under 4 pounds, USPS First-Class Package International is the most affordable starting around $15. For heavier packages, comparing rates on Atoship can save 20-40%. Keeping shipment values under $200 to qualify for the 4x72 simplified import regime saves the recipient significantly on taxes (10% flat vs. ~25-40% under standard import).

Can my recipient use a casillero service instead of direct shipping? Yes, casillero (virtual mailbox) services are extremely popular among Colombian online shoppers. Services like MyBox, Envios de America, and others provide a US-based shipping address where your recipient can have packages sent. The casillero service then consolidates multiple purchases, handles customs documentation, and ships everything to Colombia, often via air freight. Casillero services typically charge a per-pound rate ($3-8/lb for air freight) plus a handling fee. For recipients who frequently order from multiple US retailers, casilleros can be more cost-effective than individual international shipments and simplify the customs process. The casillero company handles customs clearance on behalf of the recipient.

What items sell best when shipping from the US to Colombia? Colombian consumers are particularly interested in electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles), clothing and footwear from American brands (Nike, Levi's, Ralph Lauren), health and beauty products, vitamins and supplements, children's toys and clothing, and specialty items not readily available in the Colombian market. Price-sensitive Colombian shoppers calculate whether the total cost including shipping and taxes still offers savings compared to buying locally. Electronics and branded fashion items typically offer the best value proposition because Colombian retail prices for these items can be significantly higher than US prices even after taxes and shipping.