Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 9/14/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** CO4010

CO4010

**Colombia**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Annual**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)David J. Mergen

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Alberto Restrepo

**Report Highlights:**

Live bovines and beef product imports are banned since December 2003 due
to BSE related restrictions. Live poultry and poultry product imports
are not permitted from states with Avian Influenza outbreaks in the last
two years. No other major changes have been introduced in the way food
and agricultural imports are made in Colombia, although changes may be
introduced in 2005 or 2006 due to the free trade agreement currently
under negotiation between the U.S. and Colombia.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Bogota \[CO1\]

\[CO\]

Table of Contents

[SECTION I. FOOD LAWS AND IMPORT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
3](#section-i.-food-laws-and-import-licensing-requirements)

[SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS
4](#section-ii.-labeling-requirements)

[SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS
4](#section-iii.-packaging-and-container-regulations)

[SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS
4](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS
6](#section-v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminants)

[SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
6](#section-vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[Product Health Registration 6](#product-health-registration)

[Importer Registration, Import Registration and Import Licensing
7](#importer-registration-import-registration-and-import-licensing)

[Sanitary Permit 8](#sanitary-permit)

[Pre-Shipment Certification 8](#pre-shipment-certification)

[Import Duties 8](#import-duties)

[SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS
9](#section-vii.-other-specific-standards)

[SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
9](#section-viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

[Patents and Trademarks 9](#patents-and-trademarks)

[Copyrights 9](#copyrights)

[SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC COMMODITY GROUPS
10](#section-ix.-import-procedures-for-specific-commodity-groups)

[High-Value, Consumer-ready Food Products for Retail Sale
10](#high-value-consumer-ready-food-products-for-retail-sale)

[Processed food items for institutional use
11](#processed-food-items-for-institutional-use)

[Beef and Pork, Transformed (fresh, chilled or frozen)
12](#beef-and-pork-transformed-fresh-chilled-or-frozen)

[Import Requirements for Poultry Meat (whole birds), not transformed
13](#import-requirements-for-poultry-meat-whole-birds-not-transformed)

[Poultry Parts (fresh, chilled or frozen)
14](#poultry-parts-fresh-chilled-or-frozen)

[Mechanically Deboned Chicken or Pork
15](#mechanically-deboned-chicken-or-pork)

[Fresh Fruit and Vegetables 16](#fresh-fruit-and-vegetables)

[Processed Fruit and Vegetables 16](#processed-fruit-and-vegetables)

[APPENDIX I. GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS
18](#appendix-i.-government-regulatory-agency-contacts)

DISCLAIMER: This report was prepared by the Office of Agricultural
Affairs of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Bogota, Colombia,
for U.S. exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While
every possible care was taken in the preparation of this report,
information provided may not be completely accurate, either because
policies have changed since its preparation, or because clear and
consistent information about these policies was not available. It is
highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import
requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best
equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any
goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO
THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS, AS INTERPRETED BY BORDER
OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.

# 

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS AND IMPORT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Food Legislation: The basic piece of legislation dealing with food
products and human health in Colombia is Law 9 of January 24, 1979. All
decrees and regulations produced since then are based on the above
mentioned Law.

**Import Licensing**: The Colombian Government maintains control over
imports through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MOCIT).
All responsibilities in dealing with Colombian foreign trade have been
transferred to the MOCIT including the issuance of import licenses and
the registration of imports and exports as well as the handling of the
export incentives and administration of the certificates of sugar quota
eligibility (CQE's).

Because most, if not all, agricultural commodities require permits or
have to be approved by another government agency (i.e., the Ministry of
Agriculture), they need an import registration at the MOCIT to be
cleared through customs. There are three categories of imports in
Colombia:

**Free (libre) Imports**. Free imports are products whose importation is
not limited and do not need prior approval by the MOCIT. Free import
products must be registered at the MOCIT only if they are under the
special import-export program. The majority of agricultural product
imports require authorization or permits from official institutions
(Ministry of Agriculture or Ministry of Social Protection/INVIMA) and
import registration at MOCIT.

**Prior License (licencia previa) Imports**. Import products which
require import registration with the Ministry of Agriculture or Invima,
in addition to approval of the MOCIT.

INVIMA - Import registration with INVIMA (the equivalent of FDA in the
U.S.) in the Ministry of Social Protection applies to most products
destined for the final consumer, such as meat and food products for
retail sales. While the registration process can sometimes be
complicated and costly (particularly for products destined for retail
sale), Invima has not used this process to prohibit imports.

ICA, Colombian Agricultural Institute -- ICA is the Ministry of
Agriculture agency responsible for sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues
(the equivalent of FSIS and APHIS). ICA is responsible for products
requiring sanitary or phyto-sanitary registration such as meat and fresh
fruits and vegetables. ICA currently prohibits imports of beef and beef
products from the U.S. due to BSE related restrictions under ICA
Resolution 3865 of Dec. 24, 2003.

Ministry of Agriculture/General -- Products subject to import
registration in order to restrict imports for non-scientific reasons,
either to protect local production from import competition or to
regulate imports under tariff-rate quotas. These include products such
as milk powder and poultry parts which are banned and products subject
to tariff-rate quotas (beef, corn, sorghum, rice and cotton).

**Prohibited (prohibida) Imports**. Imports on the "prohibited list"
\`are not allowed entry into Colombia. No food and agricultural products
are included into this category.

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

The Government of Colombia (GOC) requires country-of-origin labeling for
processed foods. The GOC, however, does not classify frozen vegetables
as a processed food and, therefore, no country of origin labeling is
required. Also, fresh fruit and vegetables do not require country of
origin labeling.

Imported processed food products that are not destined for further
processing must carry a sticker indicating the producer/processor's name
and address, the importer's name and address, product composition, the
GOC's sanitary registration number, and the original sales label. GOC
labeling requirements for processed foods do not address the question of
ingredient origin. Therefore, if an imported food item contains
ingredients from more than one country, for example, U.S. and Canadian
peas in the same frozen package, the label must only identify the
processor's name and address. The GOC's product labeling requirements
for imported processed foods do not require that the exporter
identification information be affixed in a specific part of the package.

Product labeling information on imported processed products must be
present at the point of retail sale. The responsibility for this
labeling information rests with the importer, not the retailer. Many
Colombian importers arrange for this information to be placed on the
product by the exporting firm, before it enters Colombia.

For processed products shipped with Spanish labels, the following
information must be shown: product name, name and address of importer,
name and address of producer, net contents in metric units, list of
ingredients, Ministry of Social Protection (INVIMA) registration number,
any recommended method of storage/conservation, and product expiration
date, if appropriate.

Imports that are destined for further processing, such as mechanically
deboned chicken, do not require country-of-origin labeling. The GOC also
does not require country-of-origin labeling for imported bulk-packed or
consumer-packed fresh fruits and vegetables. The GOC does not require a
sticker/label indicating country of origin on individual pieces of fresh
fruit. Colombian consumers, therefore, seldom are aware of the origin of
imported fruit and vegetables.

# SECTION III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS

INVIMA, which regulates food products for human consumption, has no
specific requirements for food packages or containers. Pet food is
regulated by ICA, the Colombian Agricultural Institute, which requires
prior approval of packages and consumer presentations. Sales of bulk pet
food are not allowed.

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

The Ministry of Social Protection (previously known as Ministry of
Health) is the Colombian government ministry in charge of food additive
legislation. Within the Ministry, the National Institute for the
Surveillance of Drugs and Food (INVIMA) was established in 1993 to
guarantee the quality and safety of drugs, food and medical supplies in
the Colombian market. INVIMA is the implementing agency for the food and
drug legislation issued by the Ministry of Social Protection.

All GOC decrees and resolutions, as well as regulations by the Ministry
of Social Protection and the related agencies on food additives, must be
published in the Official Gazette (Diario Oficial), in order to become
effective. Subscription to the "Diario Oficial" can be obtained at the
following address: Diagonal 22 Bis No.67-70 (Ave Esperanza--Ave 68),
Bogota, D.C., Colombia. Tel: (57-1) 457-8000. E-mail:
<correspondencia@imprenta.gov.co> [or web page:
www.imprenta.gov.co]{.underline}

The basic food additive legislation is Decree 2106 of 1983 issued by the
previous Ministry of Health. Decree 2106 defines and classifies food
additives. It also regulates the use and manufacturing of food
additives, as well as their importation. Decree 2106 also regulates the
transportation and marketing of food additives. It indicates what
information is required in order to ask the authorization of a new food
additive.

Besides the basic Decree 2106, the Government of Colombia has issued
other decrees that list specific kinds of food additives, e.g., food
dyes and anti-oxidants, along with specific requirements for their use.

Colombian regulations do not specifically state that CODEX food
additives are accepted. Nevertheless, Article 5 of Decree 2106 states
that the current recommendations of the Food Chemical CODEX and the
CODEX Alimentarius or any other pertinent scientific publications will
be taken into consideration in the formulation of regulations governing
the use of food additives. Additionally, Articles 7 and 8 of Decree 2106
establish an Advisory Committee to suggest changes to Colombian
requirements for food additives.

Decree 2106 applies to food additives manufactured in and imported into
Colombia, as well as those processed, transported, packed or bottled in
Colombia. Food additives sold or consumed in the Colombian territory are
subject to this decree.

Food additives are all substances or a mix of substances\--with or
without nutritional value\--added intentionally in a minimum quantity to
food products with the purpose to avoid their alterations or to preserve
them; to grant or intensify their aroma, color or flavor; to modify or
preserve their general physical presentation; or to perform any role
necessary for the good technology in food production. Casual
contaminants, such as pesticides and fertilizers, are not considered to
be food additives nor are vitamins or minerals added to enhance food
nutritional value, nor any alien substance that has come in contact with
food by accident.

The Ministry of Social Protection (formerly Ministry of Health)
elaborates and updates continuously the list of food additives that can
be used in Colombia, as well as their levels of use and tolerances and
to which foods they can be added. These regulations take into account
technological developments, as well as current publications of the Food
Chemical CODEX and the CODEX Alimentarius or any other pertinent
scientific source.

If someone is interested in using a food additive not included in the
official list of authorized additives he/she must request its inclusion
by applying to the Director of Environment Protection (Direccion de
Saneamiento Ambiental) of the Ministry of Social Protection (previously
known as Ministry of Health). The applicant must specify:

\- Purpose in using the additive,

\- Justification for its use,

\- Food list in whose preparation the additive will be used and food
composition (food ingredients),

\- Additive physical-chemical properties, and

\- Technical bibliography to prove additive effectiveness and
harmlessness.

The Advisory Committee will study the application and submit a
recommendation to the Ministry of Health, which will take the final
decision on inclusion or exclusion of the requested food additive.

Decree 2106 also lists the maximum level of a mixture of food additives
that can be used in a given food product. Exceptions to this norm must
be specifically approved by the Ministry of Social Protection.

Food additives are forbidden when they:

\- interfere with the food's nutritional value,

\- serve to disguise food processing failures or mishandling,

\- disguise alterations, changes, contamination or falsification of the
food's raw material or the finished product,

\- lead to consumer error, confusion or fraud, and

\- do not meet the specifications of this decree.

Additives to food products must be listed on the label, according to the
role they are supposed to perform, and labeling regulations from the
Ministry of Social Protection must be followed.

# SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS

Colombia does not have national standards for MRL (pesticide Maximum
Residue Limits). Colombia applies the Codex Alimentarius regulations on
maximum residue levels. If for some reason there are no Codex MRL
information for a specific product (either imported or domestically
produced) or there are serious doubts about its pesticide content, a
sample is taken and analyzed by the National Laboratory for Farming
Inputs (known by the Spanish acronym LANIA) or the National Laboratory
for Livestock Inputs (known by the Spanish acronym LANIP) which are
administered by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) of the
Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The analysis
fee must be paid by the interested party (i.e., producer and/or
importer/exporter). Information about the specific fees charged by ICA
can be found in ICA's web page:
[www.ica.gov.co/normatividad/tarifas/acuerdo](http://www.ica.gov.co/normatividad/tarifas/acuerdo)
4 of june, 2004.

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

## Product Health Registration

All processed retail food items, including products imported in bulk for
repackaging for retail use without further processing, must be
registered and approved by the National Institute for the Surveillance
of Drugs and Food (INVIMA), an agency of the Ministry of Social
Protection (decree 3075/97). According to Decree 3075 of 1997, product
registration is not required for:

•Products that are not subject to any transformation, such as grains,
fruits, fresh vegetable, honey, etc.

•Products of animal origin which are not subject to any transformation
process.

•Products used as raw materials by the food industry or HRI sector in
food preparation.

A transformed product is defined by the GOC as having been subjected to
processing that resulted in a change in its internal structure.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for the INVIMA registration,
he must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533
pesos or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the specifications (e.g.,
presentation and size) mentioned in the registration. If another
presentation of the same product is to be imported, the registering
company needs to inform INVIMA in writing of the new product.

INVIMA registration of processed foods requires: (1) a written document
from the manufacturer stating that it manufactures the product; and (2)
a certificate of free sale stating that the products are approved for
human consumption in the United States. This certificate needs to be
issued by a U.S. government (state, local or federal) health authority.
Although not strictly required, INVIMA registration is facilitated if a
description of the manufacturing process and a list of the ingredients,
including any additives, preservatives, and colorings (dyes), is
submitted. Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5,
1961 with Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation,
the above listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The
"apostille" stamp fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by
different authorities in each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary.
This procedure replaced the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a
Consulate in the United States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Bogota. These documents must be translated into Spanish by a translator
approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

INVIMA charges a registration fee ranging from \$479.00 to \$1,005.00
per product. After the submission of all required documentation, product
registration by INVIMA takes about three working days (although we have
received reports that this can take longer). Most of the product
registration process can be carried out by Internet. After issuing the
product registration, INVIMA analyses the documents provided by the
importer and may request additional information within a given period.
Some importers complain that this procedure may result in additional
requirements which become a non-tariff barrier to trade.

## Importer Registration, Import Registration and Import Licensing

Every Colombian importer must be registered with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MOCIT). U.S. exporters seeking to sell
to a Colombian firm should ascertain that the Colombian importer has
obtained the legal authority to import agricultural products by
completing the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism registration
process. Once registered, the importer or importing company enjoys the
legal right to import any agricultural product.

Most agricultural imported products require an import registration form
(cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75) issued by the MOCIT. Import
registration approval takes about two working days.

## Sanitary Permit

Products used as raw materials by the food industry or HRI sector in
food preparation do not need an INVIMA registration, but they do need a
sanitary permit from the Ministry of Agriculture's Colombian
Agricultural Institute (ICA). ICA is responsible for the issuance of
import sanitary permits for animal products, vegetables, fruits, and
grains. The permit details the phyto-sanitary and zoo-sanitary (SPS)
import requirements for the specific product. The Colombian importer
must first obtain the import permit from ICA, before requesting an
import registration from the MOCIT. The ICA import permit is supplied by
the importer to the exporter for submission to USDA. USDA then issues a
sanitary export certificate referencing the requirements in ICA's import
permit. No shipments should be loaded and transported without the
submission of the sanitary permit. Whenever, ICA issues new health
requirements, the health agency in the US is notified to see if it can
comply with the new requirements.

For ICA approval, the product must: (1) come from a USDA inspected
facility; (2) be free of disease; (3) be inspected by USDA prior to its
shipment and be accompanied by a USDA health certificate; and (4) be
inspected by an ICA veterinarian upon arrival in Colombia.

## Pre-Shipment Certification

Beginning on July 1, 1999, the Colombian Government eliminated the
inspection and certification of imported food products at the loading
port as part of an effort to ease import procedures.

## Import Duties

Most processed foods are assessed a 20 percent ad‑valorem import duty.
However, some high-value food product imports, such as fresh/chilled and
frozen pork and chicken parts, are subject to the Andean Community\'s
price band and reference price system, which can markedly increase the
Colombian import duty. The U.S. Government views the reference price and
price band systems applied by Colombia to be inconsistent with
Colombia\'s World Trade Organization obligations. The price band system
distorts trade and does not operate in a transparent manner. Colombian
processed food imports from Chile and other country members of the
Andean Community (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela) enter
duty‑free. This, combined with lower transport charges, provides a
significant cost incentive for local importers to turn to regional
suppliers rather than to purchase from the United States. This is
particularly true for fresh and processed fruit, wine, and at times for
meat.

For those U.S. products subject to the price band system, import duties
are calculated based upon the CIF adjusted floor, ceiling, and reference
price levels determined by the Andean Board of Directors. Under this
system, import duties are levied on calculated reference prices and not
on actual invoice prices. The Andean Community establishes annual
ceiling and floor prices every April. Reference prices are adjusted by
the Andean Community every two weeks. If, the applicable reference price
falls within the floor and ceiling price band, the import duty is
calculated by applying the common external tariff rate for the Andean
Community to the reference price. When the reference price falls below
the floor price, a variable levy, or surcharge, is applied, which is
based on the difference between the floor price and the reference price.
This surcharge is levied in addition to the applied duty. Conversely,
when the reference price exceeds the ceiling price, a reduction is made
to the applied duty, based on the difference between the reference and
the ceiling prices.

The following illustrates how Colombia\'s import duties are calculated
for those U.S. food products subject to the price band system. In the
example below, we have calculated Colombia\'s import duty treatment that
would be assessed against imports of chicken parts (if they are approved
for imports) arriving at Colombian ports September 1 through 15, 2004:

Price Band Ceiling Price \$1,493 per ton

Price Band Floor Price \$1,344 per ton

Reference Price \$793 per ton

Basic Duty Rate 20 percent

Variable Surcharge = (Floor Price - Reference Price) \* (1+Basic Duty
Rate)/Reference Price

Total Import Duty (104 percent) = Basic Duty Rate (20 percent) +
Variable Surcharge (84 percent)

The Total Import Duty is updated and published on the web page of the
Andean Community
(http://www.comunidadandina.org/politicas/franja_circular.htm) twice a
month. The duty paid is the total import duty (104 percent) times the
declared import value.

# SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS

No other specific standards are noted.

## SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

## Patents and Trademarks

The agency in charge of patents and trademarks is the Superintendence of
Industry and Commerce ([www.sic.gov.co](http://www.sic.gov.co/)). This
entity is now under the MOCIT, but it used to be under the Ministry of
Economic Development. Two Andean Community decisions on the protection
of patents and trademarks and of plant varieties have been in effect in
Colombia since 1994. They provide a 20-year term of protection for
patents.

Trademark protection requires registration and use of a trademark in
Colombia. In a recent decree, Colombia announced that registration of a
trademark must be accompanied with its use in order to prevent parallel
imports. Trademark registrations have a ten-year duration and may be
renewed for successive ten-year periods. Priority rights are granted to
the first application for a trademark in an Andean Community country.
Colombia is a member of the Inter-American Convention for Trademark and
Commercial Protection and the Treaty of Patent Cooperation. The Andean
Community decision on patent and trademark protection also provides for
protection of industrial secrets.

## Copyrights

Andean Community Decision 351/94 and Colombia Law 44/93 regulate
protection of copyrights in this country. Law 44/93 extends computer
software protection to 50 years, but does not classify it as a literary
work. Colombia belongs to both the Berne and the Universal Copyright
Conventions. This decision provides a generally Berne-consistent system.

Law 44/93 significantly increased penalties for copyright infringement,
specifically empowering the Attorney General's office to combat piracy.
Ineffective anti-piracy enforcement in Colombia adversely affects
employment, job creation and revenues, both in the United States and
Colombia. U.S. companies suffered trade losses due to copyright piracy
exceeding \$108 million in 2003 in Colombia.

# SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC COMMODITY GROUPS

## High-Value, Consumer-ready Food Products for Retail Sale

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants the Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. This registration can be done by
either the exporter or the importer. INVIMA registration requires: (a) a
written document from the manufacturer stating that they manufacture the
listed products; and (b) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States. This
certificate needs to be issued by a U.S. Government (local, state or
federal) health authority. Although not required, INVIMA registration is
facilitated if a description of the manufacturing process and a list of
the ingredients, including any additives, preservatives, and colorings
is submitted.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 with
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label also may be submitted. An INVIMA
registration fee must be paid. This fee covers the cost of preparing an
analysis of the product. The product does not need to be analyzed before
registration approval is given. The registration cost depends on the
item, but ranges from \$479 for ready to be consumed food products to
\$1,005 for enriched food items per product. After all required
documentation is submitted, product registration by INVIMA takes about
three working days (we have, however, received reports that this process
can take significantly longer for some products).

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

(a) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
    must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533
    pesos or about \$32.72).

(b) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
    initiate a new registration process specifying his new importer(s).
    Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
    advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal
    representative in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form and INVIMA clearance to
ICA (phytosanitary permits cost 43,100 pesos or about \$16.88 and
zoosanitary permits for animal products cost 27,000 pesos or about
\$10.57). ICA then issues a sanitary permit. This process normally takes
about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form, INVIMA clearance and ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
MOCIT will then issue an import registration or license approval. This
process normally takes about 48 hours.

If the meat is sold in retail packages, it must be labeled. Labels must
be in Spanish and contain the product name, name and address of
importer, name and address of producer, net contents in metric units,
list of ingredients, INVIMA (Ministry of Social Protection) registration
number, recommended method of storage, and product expiration date. This
information may be provided by the application of a sticker to the
package.

Note: Consumer-oriented food products are assessed a 20 percent import
duty. If they are under the Andean Price Band System, then the import
duty is assessed as previously shown.

### Processed food items for institutional use

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer then submits the completed import registration form to the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This import registration
approval takes about 2 days.

Note: a. Processed food products are assessed a 20 percent import duty.

Products used as raw materials by the food industry or HRI sector in
food preparation do not require an Invima product registration (decree
3075 of 1997).

c\. Beef and Pork, Not-Transformed (Fresh, Chilled or Frozen)

HS: 02.01-/02-/03

A transformed product is defined by the GOC as having been subjected to
processing that resulted in a change in its internal structure.

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MOCIT). This grants Government of
Colombia authorization to the company to import any and all agricultural
products.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents to ICA his completed import registration form and
is issued a sanitary permit (cost 27,000 pesos or about \$10.57). This
process normally takes about 48 hours. Note: The Colombian sanitary
agency (ICA) is strict in certifications dealing with trichinae in pork
and pork products. Beef imports are banned under ICA's Resolution 3865
of December 24, 2003, which prohibited imports of live bovine, ovine,
goats, etc. and their products due to BSE related restrictions for the
U.S.

The importer presents the completed import registration form and the ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
(MOCIT). The Ministry of Commerce will then issue an import registration
approval. This process normally takes 48 hours. The imported meat
product is inspected by an ICA veterinarian upon arrival in Colombia.
The ICA official ensures that the product comes from U.S. inspected
production facilities, is free of disease, has been inspected by USDA
prior to its shipment, and is accompanied by a USDA (FSIS) health
certificate. If the port inspector takes samples of the product to be
analyzed by an official laboratory, the analysis cost must be paid by
the importer.

If the meat is sold in retail packages, it must be labeled. Labels must
be in Spanish and contain the product name, name and address of
importer, name and address of producer, net contents in metric units,
list of ingredients, INVIMA (Ministry of Social Protection) registration
number, recommended method of storage, and product expiration date. This
information may be provided by the application of a sticker to the
package.

Imports of beef also require import approval by the Ministry of
Agriculture under Decree 1133 of May 21, 2003 which established a TRQ of
3,000 tons for fine beef cuts (the in-quota duty was set at 20 percent
and the out-of-quota duty was raised 80 percent for beef and beef
offals) (See Voluntary report CO-3007 of 6/6/03) and Decree 3673 of
December 19, 2003, which established a TRQ of 4,000 tons for beef offal
(the in-quota duty was set at 20 percent and out-of-quota duty at 70
percent).

Poultry meat and pork are subject to a variable duty under the Andean
price band system. Currently, total import duties stand at 104 percent
for poultry meat, and 0 percent for pork due to high world prices.

## Beef and Pork, Transformed (fresh, chilled or frozen) 

HS: 02.10-

A transformed product is defined by the GOC as having been subjected to
processing that resulted in a change in its internal structure. Beef
imports are currently prohibited due to BSE related restrictions.

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MOCIT). This grants Government of
Colombia authorization to the company to import all agricultural
products.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. This registration can be done by
either the exporter or the importer. INVIMA registration requires: (a) a
written document from the manufacturer stating that they manufacture the
listed products, and (b) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States. This
certificate needs to be issued by a U.S. Government (state, local or
federal) health authority.

Although not required, INVIMA registration is facilitated if a
description of the manufacturing process and a list of ingredients,
including any additives, preservatives, and colorings is submitted.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 with
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label also may be submitted. An INVIMA
registration fee must be paid. This fee covers the cost of preparing an
analysis of the product. The product does not need to be analyzed before
registration approval is given. The registration cost depends on the
item, but ranges from \$479 for ready to be consumed food products to
\$1,005 for enriched food items per product. After all required
documentation is submitted, product registration by INVIMA takes about
three working days, although we have heard reports that this can take
significantly longer.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83.533 pesos
or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form and INVIMA clearance to
ICA (cost 27,000 pesos or about \$10.58). ICA then issues a sanitary
permit. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form, INVIMA clearance and ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
MOCIT will then issue an import registration approval. This process
normally takes about 48 hours.

If the meat is sold in retail packages, it must be labeled. Labels must
be in Spanish and contain the product name, name and address of
importer, name and address of producer, net contents in metric units,
list of ingredients, INVIMA (Ministry of Social Protection) registration
number, recommended method of storage, and product expiration date. This
information may be provided by the application of a sticker to the
package.

## Import Requirements for Poultry Meat (whole birds), not transformed

A transformed product is defined by the GOC as having been subjected to
processing that resulted in a change in its internal structure.

The Ministry of Agriculture must approve chicken (or other poultry)
imports. Whenever this Ministry determines that domestic supplies are
sufficient to meet local demand and/or that imports of this product
would economically damage local poultry industry, imports are not
approved. Except for selected ports (San Andres, Portete, Leticia), the
Ministry of Agriculture has not approved fresh/frozen chicken part
imports since 1994.

The GOC, however, does approve imports of processed or prepared poultry
parts. Duty treatment for these products is subject to the application
of the Andean Community price band and reference price systems.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents to ICA his completed import registration form and
is issued a sanitary permit (cost 27,000 pesos or about \$10.58). This
process normally takes about 48 hours. The importer presents the
completed import registration form, the ICA sanitary permit, and the
Ministry of Agricultural approval to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Tourism. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will then
issue an import registration approval. This process normally takes 48
hours. The imported meat product is inspected by an ICA veterinarian
upon arrival in Colombia. The ICA official ensures that the product
comes from U.S. inspected production facilities, is free of disease, has
been inspected by USDA prior to its shipment, and is accompanied by a
USDA health certificate.

If the meat is sold in retail packages, it must be labeled. Labels must
be in Spanish and contain the product name, name and address of
importer, name and address of producer, net contents in metric units,
list of ingredients, INVIMA (Ministry of Social Protection) registration
number, recommended method of storage, and product expiration date. This
information may be provided by the application of a sticker to the
package.

All meats are assessed a 20 percent import duty. Poultry meat is also
subject to a variable duty under the Andean price band system.
Currently, the total import duty stands at 104 percent for poultry meat.

## Poultry Parts (fresh, chilled or frozen)

HS: 02.07-13./14./26./27.35./36. and 16.02-31.00.10/32.00.10/39.00.10

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products. The
products under this HS codes are subject to the prior licensing approval
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Imports of poultry
parts are not normally authorized.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. This registration can be done by
either the exporter or the importer. INVIMA registration requires: (a) a
written document from the manufacturer stating that they manufacture the
listed products, and (b) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States. This
certificate needs to be issued by a U.S. Government (local, state or
federal) health authority.

Although not required, INVIMA registration is facilitated if a
description of the manufacturing process and a list of ingredients,
including any additives, preservatives, and colorings is submitted.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 with
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label also may be submitted. An INVIMA
registration fee must be paid. This fee covers the cost of preparing an
analysis of the product. The product does not need to be analyzed before
registration approval is given. The registration cost depends on the
item, but ranges from \$479 for ready to be consumed food products to
\$1,005 for enriched food items per product. After all the required
documentation is submitted, product registration by INVIMA takes about
three working days.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533 pesos
or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form and INVIMA clearance to
ICA (cost 27,000 pesos or about \$10.58). ICA then issues a sanitary
permit. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form, INVIMA clearance and ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will then issue an import
license approval. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

If the meat is sold in retail packages, it must be labeled. Labels must
be in Spanish and contain the product name, name and address of
importer, name and address of producer, net contents in metric units,
list of ingredients, Ministry of Health registration number, recommended
method of storage, and product expiration date. This information may be
provided by the application of a sticker to the package.

Note: Poultry parts (fresh, chilled or frozen) are assessed a basic 20
percent import duty, plus an additional import duty calculated by the
Andean Price Band System. Currently, the total import duty for chicken
parts is 104 percent.

## Mechanically Deboned Chicken or Pork

HS: 16.02.39-

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. INVIMA registration requires: (1) a
written document from the manufacturer certifying that it manufactures
the product, and (2) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States. This
certificate needs to be issued by a U.S. Government (local, state or
federal) health authority. Although not required, product approval is
facilitated if a description of the manufacturing process and a list of
the ingredients, including any additives, preservatives, and colorings
are detailed.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 with
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label may be submitted. A registration fee
must be paid. This fee covers the cost of preparing an analysis of the
product. The analysis need not be done prior to registration approval.
INVIMA registration charges depend on the item, but The registration
cost depends on the item, but it ranges from \$479 for ready to be
consumed food products to \$1,005 for enriched food items per product.
After all required documentation is submitted, product registration by
INVIMA takes about three working days.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533 pesos
or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form and INVIMA clearance to
ICA (cost 27,000 pesos or about \$10.58). ICA then issues a sanitary
permit. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form, INVIMA clearance and ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will then issue an import
license approval. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

Note: Processed meats are assessed a basic 20 percent import duty.

## Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

HS: 07./08.

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import any and all agricultural
products.

The importer purchases an import registration form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents to ICA his completed import license form and is
issued a sanitary permit (cost 43,100 pesos or about \$16.88). This
process normally takes about 48 hours. The importer presents the
completed import license form and the ICA sanitary permit to the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The Ministry of Commerce,
Industry and Tourism will then issue an import license approval. This
process normally takes 48 hours.

The imported produce is inspected by an ICA official upon arrival in
Colombia. The ICA official ensures that the product meets the
wholesomeness conditions and is free of disease/pest, has been inspected
by USDA prior to its shipment, and is accompanied by a USDA plant health
certificate.

Note: a. Fresh produce products are assessed a 15 percent import duty.

No labeling requirements are specified by the GOC for fresh produce
imports.

## Processed Fruit and Vegetables

HS: 20.

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. This registration can be done by
either the exporter or the importer. INVIMA registration requires: (a) a
written document from the manufacturer stating that they manufacture the
listed products, and (b) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States. This
certificate needs to be issued by a U.S. Government (state, local or
federal) health authority.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 by
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label also may be submitted. An INVIMA
registration fee must be paid. This fee includes an analysis of the
product. Product does not need to be analyzed before registration
approval is given. Costs depend on the item, but ranges from \$479 for
ready to be consumed food products to \$1,005 for enriched food items
per product. After all the required documentation is submitted, product
registration by INVIMA takes about three working days. The registration
can be made by Internet.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533 pesos
or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import license form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form and INVIMA clearance to
ICA (cost 43,100 pesos or about \$16.88). ICA then issues a sanitary
permit. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form, INVIMA clearance and ICA
sanitary permit to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will then issue an import
license approval. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

Note: Processed produce products are assessed a 20 percent import duty.
The GOC, however, does not classify frozen vegetables as a processed
food and, therefore, no country of origin labeling is required. Frozen
vegetables are assessed a 15 percent import duty.

**Wine** (HS: 22.04)

The Colombian importer must register his company with the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. This grants Government of Colombia
authorization to the company to import all agricultural products.

The product must be registered with INVIMA, the National Institute for
the Surveillance of Drugs and Food. This registration can be done by
either the exporter or the importer. INVIMA registration requires: (a) a
written document from the manufacturer stating that they manufacture the
listed products, (b) a certificate of free sale stating that the
products are approved for human consumption in the United States, (c) a
product analysis certificate, (d) manufacturer authorization for selling
the product in the country by the importer included, and (e) three
copies of the product label. Certificates need to be issued by a U.S.
Government (local, state or federal) health authority. Although not
required, INVIMA registration is facilitated if a description of the
manufacturing process and list of the ingredients, including any
additives, preservatives and colorings is submitted.

Since Colombia implemented the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961 with
Law 455 of August 4, 1998, facilitating import documentation, the above
listed documents must carry an "apostille" stamp. The "apostille" stamp
fee amounts to \$20 each and it is produced by different authorities in
each State, i.e. a Notary or a State Secretary. This procedure replaced
the notarization by the Colombian Embassy or a Consulate in the United
States and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota. These documents
must be translated into Spanish by a translator approved by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. A sample label also may be submitted. An INVIMA
registration fee of about \$621.74 must be paid. After all the required
documentation is submitted, product registration by INVIMA takes about
three working days.

INVIMA registration is valid only for the applicant (exporter or
importer) and the manufacturer specified in it. Whenever the U.S.
exporter wants to change its Colombian importer, there are two
possibilities:

\(a\) If the U.S. exporter is the applicant for INVIMA registration, he
must submit an application for modification to INVIMA (cost 83,533 pesos
or about \$32.72).

\(b\) If the Colombian importer is the applicant, the U.S. exporter must
initiate a new registration process, specifying his new importer(s).
Afterwards, he may change his importer(s) whenever he deems it
advisable. The U.S. exporter must apply through his legal representative
in Colombia or a lawyer.

The importer purchases an import license form at the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Tourism (cost 30,000 pesos or about \$11.75).

The importer presents the completed MOCIT form to INVIMA for clearance.
This process normally takes about 48 hours.

The importer presents the completed MOCIT import registration form and
INVIMA clearance to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will then issue an import
registration approval. This process normally takes about 48 hours.

Wine must be labeled. Labels must be in Spanish and contain the product
name, name and address of importer, place of production, percentage of
alcohol, net contents and a statement indicating that excessive
consumption of alcohol is harmful to the health. The warning should
occupy at least 10 percent of total label. All of this information must
be printed on the label prepared by the wine producer/exporter. Imported
bottled wine is permitted in containers not exceeding two litters.

Note: Wines are normally assessed a 20 percent import duty. Wines
imported from Andean Community countries and Chile enter duty free. We
have been told by importers that the registration process can be longer
than for other products.

# APPENDIX I. GOVERNMENT REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Mario Aranguren, Director General | Julio C. Aldana, Director General |
|                                   |                                   |
| Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas  | INVIMA                            |
|                                   |                                   |
| Nacionales (DIAN).                | Carrera 68 No. 17-21              |
|                                   |                                   |
| (Customs and Tax Directorate)     | Bogotá, Colombia                  |
|                                   |                                   |
| Carrera 8 No. 6-64, Piso 5        | Tel: (57-1) 294-8700 Ext.         |
|                                   | 3822/3885                         |
| Bogotá, Colombia                  |                                   |
|                                   | Fax: (57-1) 294-8700 Ext. 3896    |
| Tel: (57-1)                       |                                   |
| 297-1220/341-7521/607-9999        | E-mail:                           |
|                                   | [In                               |
| Fax: (57-1) 286-5789              | vimadg@invima.gov.co]{.underline} |
|                                   |                                   |
| E-mail:                           | Web site:                         |
| [dian@dian.gov.co]{.underline}    | [www.invima.gov.co]{.underline}   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Web site:                         |                                   |
| [www.dian.gov.co]{.underline}     |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Deyanira Barrero, Coordinadora    | Jaime Cárdenas                    |
|                                   |                                   |
| Riesgos Zoosanitarios             | Inspección y Cuarentena Vegetal   |
|                                   |                                   |
| ICA                               | ICA                               |
|                                   |                                   |
| Calle 37 No. 8-43, Piso 4         | Calle 37 No. 8-43, Piso 4         |
|                                   |                                   |
| Bogotá,. Colombia                 | Bogotá. Colombia                  |
|                                   |                                   |
| Tel: (57-1) 288-4334              | Tel: (57-1) 232-4709              |
|                                   |                                   |
| Fax: (57-1) 288-4334              | Fax: (57-1) 288-1753              |
|                                   |                                   |
| E-mail:                           | E-mail:                           |
| [sanid                            | [sanida                           |
| ad.animal@ica.gov.co]{.underline} | d.vegetal@ica.gov.co]{.underline} |
|                                   |                                   |
| Web site:                         | Web site:                         |
| [www.ica.gov.co]{.underline}      | [www.ica.gov.co]{.underline}      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

APPENDIX II. OTHER CONTACTS

Office of Agricultural Affairs

U.S. Embassy -- Bogota

Unit 5119

APO AA 34038

Tel: (57-1) 315-2138 or 315-4147

Fax: (57-1) 315-2181

E-mail: agbogota@fas.usda.gov