APPENDIX TABLES Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 195 
 
 
  Table AI.1 
Merchandise exports (f.o.b .) by product, 2005-2011 
(US$ million and per cent)  
Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009a 2010a 2011 
Total (US$ million) 21,190 24,391 29,991 37,626  32,853 39, 820 56,954 
 (% of exports and re-exports) 
Total primary products 62.3 61.0 58.1 65.8 67.8 72.7 77.6 
Agriculture 21.7 20.2 19.5 17.8 18.2 14.5 12.4 
Food 17.2 15.8 15.3 14.4 14.8 11.2 10.0 
0711  Coffee, not roasted, whether or not 
decaffeinated;  coffee husks and skins 7.0 6.1 5.8 5.1 4.7 4.7 4.6 
0573  Bananas (including plantains), fres h or dried 2.4 2.2 1.9 1.7 2.5 1.9 1.4 
0612  Other beet or cane sugar and chemically pure 
sucrose, in solid form 0.8 1.0 0.6 0.3 0.8 0.9 0.9 
0713  Extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee 
and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee;  coffee substitutes and 
extracts, essences and concentrates thereof 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.5 
0622  Sugar confectione ry (including white 
chocolate), not containing coco a 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.5 
Agricultural raw materials 4.5 4.4 4.3 3.4 3.4 3.3 2.3 
2927  Cut flowers and foliage 4.3 4.0 3.7 2.9 3.2 3.1 2.2 
Mining 40.6 40.8 38.6 48.0 49.6 58.2 65.2 
Ores and other minerals 0.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.2 0.9 
Non-ferrous metals 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 
6812  Platinum and other metals of the platinum group 
(including metals clad w ith platinum or other 
metals of the platinum group), unwrought, 
unworked or semi-manufactured 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
6842  Aluminium and aluminium alloys, worked 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Fuels 39.2 38.4 36.3 46.0 48.0 56.7 64.1 
3330  Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude 19.0 18.6 18.5 24.7 24.5 33.6 40.4 
3212  Other coal 11.5 11.5 11.1 12.2 16.0 13.9 13.8 
334  Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals 7.1 7.3 5.8 7.3 5.8 7.2 8.0 
3250  Coke and semi-coke (including char) of coal, of 
lignite or of peat, whether or not agglomerated;  retort carbon 0.7 0.4 0.6 1.2 0.5 1.2 0.9 
3432  Natural gas, in the gaseous state 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.8 0.5 0.6 
Manufactures 34.7 35.6 39.2 31.5 27.4 22.0 17.5 
Iron and steel 4.9 5.7 6.5 3.3 2.9 3.1 1.9 
6715  Other ferro-alloys (excluding radioactive ferro-alloys) 3.5 4.5 5.6 2.3 2.2 2.4 1.5 
Chemicals 8.4 8.3 8.0 7.8 8.3 7.1 5.8 
5751  Polymers of propylene or of other olefins 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.9 0.8 
5731  Polyvinyl chloride 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 
5429  Medicaments, n.e.s. 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 0.5 
Other semi-manufactures 5.9 6.3 6.7 6.3 5.3 3.9 3.1 
6429  Articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard or 
cellulose wadding, n.e.s. 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.4 
6673  Precious stones (other than diamonds) and 
semiprecious stones, whether or not worked or 
graded but not strung, mounted or set;  ungraded precious stones (other than diamonds) and 
semiprecious stones 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 
Machinery and transport equipment 6.0 6.2 7.4 5.0 4.3 3.2 3.0 
Power-generating machinery 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 
Other non-electrical machinery 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.2 0.6 0.5 
Office machines and telecommunications equipment 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Other electrical machinery 1.3 1.6 2.0 1.7 1.6 0.9 0.7 
7781  Batteries and electric accumulators, and parts 
thereof 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
7752  Household-type refrig erators and food freezers 
(electrical and other) 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 
Automotive products 3.1 3.1 3.8 1.4 0.8 0.9 0.7 
7821  Motor vehicles for the transport of goods 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 196 
  
  Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009a 2010a 2011 
7812  Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, 
n.e.s. 2.0 2.3 2.6 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.2 
Other transport equipment 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 1.0 
7924  Aeroplanes and other aircraft, 
mechanically-propelled (o ther than helicopters), 
of an unladen weight exceeding 15,00 0 kg 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.9 
Textiles 1.7 1.6 2. 1 2.3 1.9 1.0 0.9 
6552  Other knitted or cr ocheted fabrics, not 
impregnated, coated, covered or la minated 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.2 0.1 
Clothing 4.3 3.9 4.5 3.2 1.8 1.6 1.1 
8414  Men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts,  of textile fabrics, not 
knitted or crocheted 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 
Other consumer goods 3.6 3.5 4.1 3.5 2.9 2.0 1.6 
8931  Articles for the conveyance or packing of 
goods, of plastics;  stoppers, lids, caps and other 
closures, of plastics 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 
8921  Books, pamphlets, maps and globes, printed 
(not including advertising material) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 
Other 3.0 3.4 2.7 2.8 4.8 5.4 4.9 
Gold 3.0 3.4 2.7 2.7 4.7 5.3 4.9 
a Includes re-exports amounting to US$181 million in 2009 and US$344 million in 2010.  
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based on data from the Co mtrade database (SITC Re v.3) and the authorities.  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 197 
 
 
  Table AI.2 
Merchandise imports (c.i.f.) by product, 2005-2011 
(US$ million and per cent)  
Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
Total (US$ million) 21,204 26,162 32,897 39,669  32,898 40, 683 54,675 
 (% of imports) 
Total primary products 15.6 16.3 16.5 18.6 17.0 18.2 19.3 
Agriculture 10.4 10.3 10.5 11.5 11.5 11.0 10.5 
Food 8.7 8.7 9.2 10.1 10.2 9.7 9.3 
0449  Other maize, unmilled 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.3 2.0 2.0 1.7 
0412  Other wheat (including spelt) and meslin, 
unmilled 1.1 1.0 1. 1 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.0 
0813  Oilcake and other solid residues (except dregs), 
whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, 
resulting from the extraction of fats or oils from 
oil-seeds, oleaginous fruits and germs of cereals 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.1 0.9 0.8 
4211  Soya bean oil and its fractions 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.6 
0989  Food preparations, n.e.s. 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.4 
0371  Fish, prepared or preserved, n.e.s.;  caviar and 
caviar substitutes prepared from fish  eggs 0.3 0.3 0. 3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 
Agricultural raw materials 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.2 
2631  Cotton (other than linters), not carded or 
combed 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 
Mining 5.2 6.0 6.0 7.1 5.6 7.1 8.8 
Ores and other minerals 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 
Non-ferrous metals 2.1 2.8 2.6 1.9 1.5 1.7 1.4 
6824  Copper wire 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 
6842  Aluminium and aluminium alloys, worked 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 
Fuels 2.6 2.6 2.8 4.6 3.8 5.1 7.0 
334 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals 1.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 3.8 5.0 6.9 
Manufactures 83.2 82.3 82.1 80.2 81.7 80.4 79.6 
Iron and steel 5.1 4.8 5.5 6.3 4.5 4.8 5.0 
6791  Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of 
iron or steel 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 
6793  Other tubes and pipes (e .g., welded, riveted or 
similarly closed), having internal and external 
circular cross-sections, the external diameter of which exceeds 406.4 mm, of iron or steel 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.6 
Chemicals 20.8 20.0 18.5 18.7 18.6 18.3 16.8 
5429  Medicaments, n.e.s. 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.9 1.6 1.4 
5416  Glycosides;  glands or other organs and their 
extracts;  antisera, vaccines and simila r products 0.5 0.6 0. 7 0.7 1.2 1.2 1.0 
5111  Acyclic hydrocarbons 1.4 1.5 1.2 1.3 0.7 1.0 0.8 
Other semi-manufactures 6.5 6.7 6.5 6.2 6.5 6.5 6.4 
6252  Tyres, pneumatic, new, of a kind used on buses 
or lorries 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 
6251  Tyres, pneumatic, new, of a kind used on motor 
cars (including station wagons and raci ng cars) 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 
Machinery and transport equipment 40.4 40.2 41.3 39.2 41.8 40.0 40.7 
Power-generating machinery 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.4 1.2 
7165  Generating sets 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 
Other non-electrical machinery 8.9 8.8 9.8 10.0 10.8 9.6 9.7 
7232  Mechanical shovels, excavators and 
shovel-loaders, self-propelled 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.0 
Agricultural machinery and tractors 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.3 
Office machines and telecommunications equipment 13.1 12.0 11.2 10.5 9.1 10.1 8.5 
7643  Transmission apparatus for radio 5.7 4.8 2.9 2.3 1.2 1.8 1.7 
7522  Digital automatic data-processing machines, 
containing in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, 
whether or not combined 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.1 1.4 1.5 1.3 
7611  Television receivers, colour (including video 
monitors and video projectors), whether or not 
incorporating radio-br oadcast receivers or 
sound- or video-recording or reproducing apparatus 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.2 WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 198 
  
  Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
Other electrical machinery 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.0 3.1 2.8 
Automotive products 9.0 11.0 11.8 8.9 7.8 9.7 11.6 
7812  Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, 
n.e.s. 4.1 4.7 5.3 4.1 3.8 5.2 5.1 
7821  Motor vehicles for the transport of goods 1.9 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.0 2.4 3.1 
Other transport equipment 5.0 3.9 4.0 5.3 9.5 6.1 6.9 
7924  Aeroplanes and other aircraft, 
mechanically-propelled (o ther than helicopters), 
of an unladen weight exceeding 15,00 0 kg 1.9 1.1 0.9 1.9 5.7 3.5 4.4 
Textiles 3.4 3.3 3. 0 2.5 2.5 2.7 2.8 
6513  Cotton yarn, other than sewing thread 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 
Clothing 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 
Other consumer goods 6.4 6.7 6.5 6.4 6.9 7.1 6.7 
8722  Instruments and appliances used in medical, 
surgical or veterinary sciences (including sight-testing instruments but excluding 
electro-diagnostic and radiological instruments 
and apparatus) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 
8996  Orthopaedic appliances (including crutches, 
surgical belts and trusses);  splints and other 
fracture appliances;  artificial parts of the body 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 
Other 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.1 
Source :   WTO Secretariat estimates based on data from the Comtrade database (SITC Re v.3) and the authorities.  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 199 
 
 
  Table AI.3 
Merchandise exports (f.o.b.) by trading partner, 2005-2011 
(US$ million and per cent)  
Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009a 2010a 2011 
Total exports (US$ million) 21,190 24, 391 29,991 37, 626 32,853 39, 820 56,954 
 (% of exports and re-exports) 
America 77.5 74.2 72.4 76.6 72.3 71.5 70.9 
United States 41.8 40.8 35.4 38.0 39.9 43.1 38.5 
Other America 35.7 33.4 37.0 38.7 32.3 28.5 32.3 
Canada 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.3 1.1 
Chile 1.4 1.1 1.3 2.3 1.9 2.3 3.9 
Panama 1.2 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 2.4 3.4 
Ecuador 6.3 5.1 4.3 4.0 3.8 4.6 3.4 
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 9.9 11.1 17.4 16.2 12.3 3.6 3.1 
Aruba 0.6 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 3.0 
Peru 3.4 2.8 2.7 2.3 2.4 2.8 2.5 
Brazil 0.7 0.8 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.6 2.4 
Trinidad and Tobago 0.9 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.2 0.6 1.8 
Mexico 2.9 2.4 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.2 
Europe 14.7 17.4 18.8 16.0 18.7 15.4 18.6 
EU(27) 13.4 14.4 15.2 12.8 14.4 12.6 15.6 
Netherlands 2.1 2.1 2.8 2.0 4.1 4.1 4.4 
Spain 1.6 2.1 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.4 3.0 
United Kingdom 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.8 2.3 1.7 2.1 
EFTA 0.8 2.4 3.0 2.6 3.2 2.2 1.7 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein 0.7 2.3 3.0 2.5 3.2 2.1 1.7 
Other Europe 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.2 
Turkey 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 
Russian Federation  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Africa 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.5 0.9 0.6 
Côte d'Ivoire  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.3 
Nigeria 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Middle East 1.1 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.3 
Israel 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 1.2 
Asia 4.3 5.0 5.3 4.8 6.6 10.3 7.2 
China 1.1 1.9 2.6 1.2 2.9 4.9 3.5 
Japan 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.3 0.9 
Six East Asian Traders 1.3 1.4 1.0 2.5 1.0 2.9 1.4 
Singapore 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.2 0.3 1.1 0.5 
Republic of Korea 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.5 
Chinese Taipei 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.9 0.1 0.5 0.2 
Hong Kong, China  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 
Thailand 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Malaysia 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 
Other Asia 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.2 1.7 1.2 1.5 
India 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.0 1.4 0.9 1.3 
Australia 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Indonesia 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Other 1.8 1.9 2.0 1.5 0.9 0.6 1.1 
Free zones  1.8 1.9 2.0 1.4 0.9 0.5 0.6 
Areas not elsewhere specified 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 
a  Includes re-exports amounting to US $181 million in 2009 and US$344 million in 2010.  
Source :   WTO Secretariat estimates based on data from the Co mtrade database (SITC Rev. 3) and the authorities. WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 200 
  
  Table AI.4 
Merchandise imports (c.i.f.) by trading partner, 2005-2011 
(US$ million and per cent)  
Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 
Total imports (US$ million) 21,204 26, 162 32,897 39, 669 32,898 40, 683 54,675 
 (% of imports) 
America 63.3 63.5 60.0 58.8 57.5 56.3 57.8 
United States 28.5 26.6 26.2 29.2 28.9 25.9 25.0 
Other America 34.9 36.9 33.7 29.6 28.6 30.4 32.8 
Canada 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.0 1.8 
Mexico 8.3 8.8 9.3 7.9 7.0 9.5 11.1 
Brazil 6.5 7.2 7.3 5.9 6.5 5.8 5.0 
Argentina 1.9 2.2 2.2 2.3 3.2 3.7 3.4 
Ecuador 2.5 2.7 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.1 1.9 
Peru 1.7 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 
Chile 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.6 
Trinidad and Tobago 0.8 0.4 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.9 1.1 
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 5.7 5.7 4.2 3.0 1.7 0.7 1.0 
Europe 15.0 14.5 13.7 14.8 17.1 15.2 14.9 
EU(27) 13.8 13.3 12.4 13.5 15.7 14.0 13.7 
Germany 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.1 
France 1.8 1.6 1.6 2.3 4.6 2.9 3.3 
Italy 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.5 
EFTA 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.1 0.9 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0 0.8 
Other Europe 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 
Turkey  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.7 
Russian Federation 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 
Ukraine 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Africa 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.3 
South Africa  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Middle East 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.5 
Israel 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.3 
Asia 18.1 19.8 21.4 21.4 20.6 23.7 25.1 
China 7.6 8.5 10.1 11.5 11.3 13.5 15.0 
Japan 3.3 3.6 3.7 2.9 2.5 2.8 2.6 
Six East Asian Traders 5.1 5.4 5.2 4.9 4.3 4.8 4.7 
Republic of Korea 2.8 2.9 2.7 2.3 2.1 2.3 2.3 
Chinese Taipei 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 
Thailand 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.8 
Malaysia 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 
Singapore 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Hong Kong, China 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 
Other Asia 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.8 
India 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.8 
Indonesia 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 
Other 1.7 0.7 3.6 3.2 3.1 3.2 0.9 
Free zones  0.6 0.7 3.6 3.2 3.1 3.2 0.9 
Source :   WTO Secretariat estimates based on data from the Co mtrade database (SITC Rev. 3) and the authorities. Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 201 
 
 
  Table AII.1 
Overview of free trade agreements, 1 January 2006 - 12 March 2012  
Trade agreements in force 
Colombia-Chilea 
Parties Colombia and Chile  
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 27 November 2006/ 
8 May 2009 
Transition period for full 
implementation  2012  
Duty-free lines  98.3% (2011) and 100% (2012);  the Andean price band system (SAFP) is applied.  
Goods-related provisions Under the tariff el imination programme, Colombia liberalized (0%) 98.9% of tariff lines in 2009 
(ACE No. 24).  The remaining tariff lines were liberalized on 1 January 2012.b Colombia maintains 
parafiscal contributions in respect of coffee a nd emeralds, and controls on imports of used and 
imperfect goods, remains, scrap, waste and residues, and motor vehicles.  
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  WT/REG272 
Colombia-Cuba 
Parties Colombia and Cuba  
Date of signature/ 
entry into force Second Additional Protoc ol, 1 February 2008/ 
Second Additional Prot ocol, 6 November 2008 
Transition period for full 
implementation  No transition period, this is a Fixed Preferences Agreement.  
Duty-free lines (2011) Some 330 Cuban tariff lines and around 200 Colombian tariff lines have a 100% preference.  This is 
an agreement with fixed tariff preferences. 
Goods-related provisions Supersedes Annex I (Preferences granted by the Re public of Colombia to the Republic of Cuba) and 
Annex II (Preferences granted by the Republic of Cu ba to the Republic of Colombia) of ACE No. 49. 
Also includes provisions on sanitary and phytosanita ry measures, technical st andards and conformity 
assessment procedures, rules of origin, market access (incorporation of new products and broadening 
of existing preferences) and dispute settlement.  Th e tariff elimination programme covers 1,900 tariff 
lines, and preferences range from 40% to 100%. 
Services covered  No 
WTO document series  No t notified to the WTO 
Colombia-Northern Triangle of Central Am erica (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) 
Parties Colombia and El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras  
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 9 August 2007/ 
12 November 2009 (Guatemala) / 1 February  2010 (El Salvador) / 27 March 2010 (Honduras) 
Transition period for full 
implementation  Up to 20 years  
Duty-free lines (2011) 64% with El Salvador, 63% with Guatemala and 76% with Honduras  
Goods-related provisions Progressive  tariff elimination for agricultural and industr ial products (Annexes 3.4 and 3.04).  Under  
the partial scope agreements signed with El Salva dor and Honduras in 1984, Colombia continues to 
grant preferential treatment to 15 tariff lines fo r El Salvador and 6 tariff lines for Honduras.  
Colombia maintains parafiscal contributions in re spect of coffee and emeralds (Annex 3.11), controls 
on imports of used goods, vehicles, and coffee expor ts (Annex 3.3), and actions authorized by the 
WTO Dispute Settlement Body (Annex 3.3).  
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  No t notified to the WTO  
Colombia-Mexico   
Parties Colombia and Mexico (Proto col to the Agreement between Colomb ia and Mexico which entered into 
force on 1 January 1995) 
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 11 June 2010/ 
2 August 2011 
Transition period for full implementation  2020 
Duty-free lines (2011) Around 95%  
Goods-related provisions Trade liberalization under the original agreement for both parties is around 95% when the full 
transition period is considered.  The Protocol amends/supplements the original agreement and 
improves market access.  In Mexico's case, tariffs ar e eliminated for a further 57 tariff lines, while in 
Colombia's case, they are eliminated for 45 tariff  lines.  The tariff elimination programme varies 
from immediate elimination upon the entry into fo rce of the agreement, to a maximum transition 
period of 10 years for other products, which w ill be exempt from levies by 2 August 2020. WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 202 
  
  Trade agreements in force 
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  WT/REG289 
Colombia-European Free Trade Association (EFTA)  
Parties Colombia and Iceland, Li echtenstein, Norway and Switzerland 
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 25 November 2008/ 
1 July 2011 (Switzerland and Liechtenstein)c 
Transition period for full 
implementation  17 years until 2027 
Duty-free lines (2011) 67.41%  
Goods-related provisions Progressi ve tariff elimination programme  for processed agricultural products (Annex III), fishery and 
other marine products (Annex IV), industrial pr oducts (Annex VIII) and agricultural commodities.d 
Preferential treatment and/or reductions applied to the base rate of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.  
Colombia excludes from tariff elimination 84  tariff lines under HS Chapters 29, 33, 35, 38, 41, 43 
and 50-53 (Annex II).  Colombia maintains parafiscal contributions in respect of coffee and emeralds 
(Annex IX), controls on imported goods (e.g. impor t licensing for used, imperfect, repaired, rebuilt 
or refurbished goods), vehicle imports and coffee exports, and measures relating to the taxation of 
alcohol (Annex X). 
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  WT/REG299  
Colombia-Canada 
Parties Colombia and Canada  
Date of signature/ entry into force 21 November 2008/ 
3 August 2011 
Transition period for full 
implementation  2032 (Colombia);  2027 (Canada) 
Duty-free lines (2011) 66.89% 
Goods-related provisions Progressive tari ff elimination programme for agricultura l and industrial products (Annex 203);  
certain agricultural products are excluded from tariff elimination.  Contains an agricultural transversal clause applicable to tariff lines under HS Chapters 02, 07, 17 and 22 (Annex 203).  
Colombia will eliminate tariffs on beef (high quality , standard quality, offal and entrails) and beans 
in 12 equal annual stages;  certain specific quantitie s will, however, remain duty-free in any calendar 
year (Annex 203).  Colombia may apply agricultural sa feguard measures in the form of an additional 
tariff (120% or 150% of the tariff quota) to impor ts of beef (high quality, standard quality, offal and 
entrails) and beans (Annex 217).  Colombia maintain s parafiscal contributions in respect of coffee 
and emeralds (Annex 210), contro ls on imported goods (e.g. import licensing for used, imperfect, 
repaired, rebuilt or refurbished goods), vehicle im ports and coffee exports, measures relating to the 
taxation of alcohol, and actions authorized by  the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (Annex 202). 
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  WT/REG301 
Signed trade agreements 
Colombia-United States  
Parties Colombia and the United States 
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 22 November 2006/ 
not in force   
Transition period for full 
implementation  The agreement has not yet entered into force.  United States 15 years;  Colombia 19 years 
Duty-free lines (2011) 73% 
Goods-related provisions Progre ssive tariff elimination programme for agri cultural and industrial products and textiles 
(Annex 2.3).  Colombia may apply agricultural safegua rd measures in the form of an additional tariff 
(120%, 130% or 140% of the tariff quota) to imports of standard quality beef, poultry at the end of its 
productive cycle, chicken leg quarters, dry beans,  and rice (Annex 2.18).  Colombia maintains 
parafiscal contributions in respect of coffee and emeralds (Annex 2.11), controls on imports of used 
goods and vehicles and coffee exports, measures re lating to the taxation of  alcohol, and actions 
authorized by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (Annex 2.2). 
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series  Not notified to the WTO, although a pr eliminary announcement of the signing of the agreement has 
been made.  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 203 
 
 
  Trade agreements in force 
Colombia-European Union  
Parties Colombia and the European Union 
Date of signature/ 
entry into force 24 March 2011/ 
not yet in force 
Transition period for full 
implementation  Mainly 10 years;  17 years for other products 
Duty-free lines (2011) 60.7% 
Goods-related provisions Progressive  tariff elimination programme for agricultural,  industrial and fishery products (Annex 1).  
Reduction applied to the base rate.  Colombia may apply agricultural safeguard measures in the form 
of an additional tariff (20% of the tariff quota) to  imports of tariff lines under HS Chapters 04 and 19 
(Annex 4). 
Services covered  Yes 
WTO document series No t notified to the WTO 
a The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) forms Additional Protocol No . 9 to the Economic Complementarity Agreement (ACE No. 24) 
between Colombia and Chile which entered into force on 6 D ecember 1993.  The FTA annuls Articles 1, 7-9, and 11-40 of 
ACE No. 24;  however, Articles 3-6 and 10,  Annexes 1-5, and the a dditional protocols to ACE No. 24 remain in effect. 
b Between September 2004 and August 2006, Co lombia suspended concessions granted to Chile (HS subheadings 0808.10.00.00, 
0808.20.10.00, 0806.10.00.00, 2106.90.20.10, 2204.21.00.10, 2402.20.20.00 and 8704.21.00.10) in response to the restriction imposed by Chile on sugar and mixtures of sugar from Colomb ia (Decrees No. 3.146 of 2004, No. 3.234 of 2004 and No. 2.777 
of 2006). 
c Not ratified by Norway or Iceland. d Trade in agricultural commodities is covered by complementary agreements to the FTA. 
Source : WTO Secretariat based on information from the WTO Regional Trade Agreements Information System, viewed 
online at:  http://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicMaintainRTAHome .aspx;  information from the Ministry of Commerce, 
Industry and Tourism, " Comercio Exterior " (Foreign trade), viewed online at:  
http://www.mincomercio.gov.c o/eContent/minihome.asp?i dcompany=7;  informati on from the Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and Tourism, " Tratado de Libre Comercio:  Acuerdo Colombia-Cuba " (Free Trade 
Agreement:  Colombia-Cuba), viewed online at:  http s://www.mincomercio.gov.co/ publicaciones.php?id=1888;  
information from the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), " Integración y Comercio:  Acuerdos:  
Disposiciones de Internalizac ión, Sumarios y Textos:  Ac uerdos Actuales:  Colombia " (Integration and trade:  
Agreements:  Internalization provisions, summaries and text s:  Current agreements:  Colombia), viewed online at:  
http://www.aladi.org/nsfaladi /textacdos.nsf/vpaises/colombia;  inform ation from the Organization of American 
States, " Foreign Trade Information System:  Trade Policy Developments:  Andean Countries - European Union ", 
viewed online at:  http://www.si ce.oas.org/TPD/AND_EU/AND_EU_e.ASP;   WTO document WT/REG289/1 of 
9 January 2012;  and information provided by the Colombian authorities. WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 204 
  
  Table AIII.1 
Import modalities and other regimes 
Import modality Description 
Duty-free importation Total or partial ex emption from customs duties under a treaty, agreement or law.  Goods remain in 
restricted circulation unless otherwise specified in the relevant rules.  Where goods are left in free 
circulation, the importer is required to pay the exempted customs duties. 
Reimportation after outward 
processing Reimportation of goods exported temporarily for manufact uring, repair or processing;  customs duties are 
payable only on the value added abroad, including cost s relating to such operations, for which the rates 
corresponding to the tariff subheading of the reimporte d finished product are applied.  In cases duly 
justified before the customs authority, the importa tion of compensating products (i.e. products obtained 
abroad or in a free zone during or as a consequen ce of the manufacturing, processing or repair of goods 
exported temporarily for outward pro cessing) may be authorized, without  requiring the prior exportation of 
the goods that are to be repaired, processed or manufactured. 
Reimportation in the same 
state  Temporarily or definitively exporte d goods in free circulation may be imported without paying customs 
duties provided that they have not been modified abroad, they are clearly the same goods that were 
exported, the internal taxes have been cancelled and the profits obtai ned through exportation repatriated 
(e.g. exemption from income tax through export contra cts and tax reimbursement certificates (CERT)).  
Goods imported in this way remain in free circulation.  
Importation under a 
guarantee Duty-free importation of goods that have been re paired abroad under a manufacturer's or supplier's 
guarantee or which replace other previ ously exported goods that were f ound to be damaged, defective or 
unsuitable for the purpose for which they were  imported.  Free circulation of goods.  
Temporary admission for 
re-exportation in the same 
state Suspension of customs duties for certain goods that ar e to be re-exported within a specified period without 
having undergone any modification ot her than normal wear and tear.  The circulation of such goods is 
restricted.  Fungible goods cannot be  imported under this procedure.  
Temporary admission for 
inward processing  
Temporary admission of 
capital goods for inward 
processing Temporary admission with suspension of customs dutie s for capital goods, parts and spares that are to be 
re-exported after repair or overhaul, for a period of no mo re than six months.  The circulation of such goods 
is restricted.  Where there is good cau se, the customs authority may author ize an extension to the six-month 
period for a length of time not exceeding the period initially granted.  DIAN decides which goods are 
subject to this import procedure.  In order to ensu re re-exportation within the established timeframe, the 
customs authority requires the lodging of a security amounting to 100% of the customs duties payable on 
the imported goods. 
Temporary admission under the special import-export systems (SIEX) Admission with total or partial suspension of customs duties for specific goods that are to be exported fully 
or in part within a certain timeframe after having undergone processing, manufact uring or repair, and the 
inputs required for such operations.  The circulation of goods imported in this way remains restricted.  
Importers of such goods are required to dem onstrate compliance with export commitments. 
Temporary admission for 
industrial processing Temporary duty-free admission for raw materials and inputs that are to be industrially worked, processed or 
manufactured by industries recognized as "high export us ers" or "regular customs users".  Goods that have 
been industrially worked, processed or manufactured by a "high export user" are to be exclusively for 
export.  At least 30% of goods that have been indus trially worked, processed or manufactured by "regular 
customs users" are to be exported.  
Importation for processing or assembly Importation of goods for processing or assembly, by in dustries recognized for that purpose and authorized 
by DIAN.  The circulation of such goods is restricted.  
Postal traffic and urgent 
shipments Letter-post items, items arriving in national territory via the official postal network, and urgent deliveries, 
provided that their value does not exceed US$2,000 and th ey require rapid delivery to their addressee.  
Imported goods remain in free circulation.  
Urgent deliveries If necessary, DIAN may au thorize, without any prior formality, th e direct delivery of certain goods to the 
importer when admitted as aid for disaster or accident  victims or when of a special nature or meeting a 
pressing need.  In the last two cases, the relevant  customs duties will be incurred and Customs, where 
considered appropriate, will require the lodging of a s ecurity to guarantee the completion of the relevant 
import formalities. 
Travellers Travellers entering the country are entitled to bring accompanied baggage of a total value of up to 
US$1,500, or the equivalent thereof, without an impor t registration or licence and duty-free.  Travellers 
entering the country having spent a minimum of five  calendar days abroad are entitled to bring as 
accompanied or unaccompanied baggage, without an im port registration or licence and upon payment of a 
one-off duty of 15%, up to three units of each of the following goods:  items for domestic use, whether or 
not electrical;  sports equipment;  and items pertaining to  their activity or occupati on, up to a total value of 
US$2,500 or the equivalent thereof.  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 205 
 
 
  Import modality Description 
Special Customs Zones  
Free port of San Andrés, 
Providencia and Santa Catalina Imports are duty-free and only liable to a consumption ta x of 10% of their c.i.f. value.  The Department 
collects, administers and supervises these revenues.  The following are exempt from the tax:  food items;  
building materials;  machinery and items used to provi de public services in the Department;  machinery, 
equipment and spare parts used to promote local i ndustry and fishing activity;  electric generators in 
non-commercial quantities;  medicines;  vessels for transporting ordinary or mixed cargo and passengers 
which operate a scheduled service to the free port;  and foreign goods arriving in transit for future shipment 
to foreign ports.  No import registration or licence or any other authorization or certification is required, 
except when importing alcoholic beverages, which must be accompanied by the relevant health certificate. 
Special Customs Zones of 
the region of Urabá, and of 
Tumaco and Guapí Imports entering the zone are only subject to sale s tax on the customs value of the goods, upon the 
presentation and acceptance of a simplified import declar ation.  No vehicles, household appliances, spirits 
or cigarettes may be imported under this regime.  No  import registration or licence, or other permit, 
authorization or certificate is required. 
Special Customs Zones of Maicao, Uribia and Manaure Imported goods are only subject to an entry tax of 4%  of the customs value.  Imports of capital goods, 
machinery, equipment and parts thereof for the cons truction of public infrastructure and works for 
economic and social development, and capital goods fo r establishing new industries or expanding existing 
ones, for use exclusively within the zone, are exempt from the tax.  This  regime does not apply to imports 
of vehicles, which are subject to the relevant  customs duties and the ordinary import regime. 
Special Customs Zone of 
Leticia Imports of consumer goods are exempt from cu stoms duties and import licensing and registration 
requirements.  A simplified import declaration is required under the duty-free modality when the f.o.b. 
value of the goods exceeds US$1,000. 
Inírida - Guainía, Puerto 
Carreño, La Primavera and 
Cumaribo Imports of goods destined for municipalities in the zone will remain exempt from custom duties until 
28 October 2015.  Sales tax is payabl e on the customs value of the goods. 
Source :  Decree No. 2.685 of 26 December 1999 (and amendments thereto) and information provided by the Colombian 
authorities.  WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 206 
  
  Table AIII.2 
Main SPS measures in force 
Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Animals (including aquatic animals), 
products and by-products.  External 
Circular No. 037/11 lists the products 
subject to this requirement Animal health import document ( Documento Zoosanitario de 
Importación - DZI) valid for 90 days.  Physical inspection and 
issuing of health inspection certificate.  The Colombian 
Agricultural Institute (ICA) is responsible for animal health 
controls at the point of entry into the country.  Resolution 
No. 3.336/04 establishes the animals and products of animal 
origin that do not require a DZI ICA Resolution No. 1.558 of 
07/05/10 
Animals used for fur;  semen and 
embryos Prior sanitary import permit issu ed by the ICA.  Animals from 
countries where exotic diseases are present must comply with 
pre-quarantine requirements in the country of origin and quarantine requirements upon arrival in Colombia  Ministry of Agriculture 
Resolution No. 361 of 19/07/84 
Terrestrial or aquatic animals and the 
products thereof or other products posing a risk to the country's animal 
health Foreign establishments exporting to Colombia must register 
with the ICA. ICA Resolution No. 000004 of 
04/01/05 
Animals and animal products Airports, seaports , river ports and border crossings authorized 
for the importation of these products  ICA Resolution No. 003365 of 
09/09/09 
Animals, products and by-products Pest risk analysis ICA Resolution No. 01277 of 
09/06/04 
Birds for breeding, first-generation 
commercial birds and fertile eggs for 
incubation  Registration of importer and produc ts with the ICA, valid for 
three years ICA Resolution No. 3.019 of 
17/12/99 
Live "spent" poultry Importation prohi bited ICA Resolution No. 000003 of 
04/01/05 
Bovine animals, bovine semen and embryos, milk and dairy products, hides and skins, gelatine and 
collagen, protein-free tallow, 
dicalcium phosphate, food for cats and dogs, meat and meat products Specific sanitary requirements ICA Resolution No. 1.281 of 
13/04/10 
Meat of bovine animals and products thereof from Canada Export safety certificate issued by the Canadian Food 
Inspection Agency (CFIA).  Products must be fit for human consumption.  Packing, packaging, labelling and transport 
requirements Decree No. 3.525 of 15/09/09 
Meat of bovine animals, goats, sheep 
and poultry, and products and 
by-products thereof Sanitary inspection in the country of origin conducted by 
official Colombian veterinarians ICA Resolution No. 2.418 of 
07/09/06  
Fresh poultry meat, live poultry, eggs for incubation and consumption, and 
poultry meat products from Canada Importation prohibited.  ICA Resolution No. 01103 of 09/06/04 
provides for a number of exceptions ICA Resolution No. 00554 of 
24/03/04 
Fresh poultry meat, live poultry, eggs for incubation and consumption, and 
poultry meat products from the 
United States Importation prohibited.  ICA Resolution No. 00957 of 18/05/04 
provides for a number of exceptions ICA Resolution No. 00374 of 
27/02/04 
Crustaceans and molluscs for human 
consumption Importation prohibited unless heat -processed at a temperature 
of at least 60°C for 30 minutes ICA Resolution No. 01104 of 
10/06/04 
Bovine Spongiform  Encephalopathy 
(BSE).  Live bovine animals for breeding from Canada  Specific animal health requirements ICA Resolution No. 003274 of 
02/09/09 
BSE.  Live bovine animals for breeding from the United States DZI certifying compliance with certain sanitary requirements;  
quarantine requirements ICA Resolution No. 002118 of 
22/06/2010 
BSE.  Meat meal, blood meal, 
steamed bone meal, meat and bone 
meal and mammalian offal meal The country of origin must prove  the existence and operation of 
an official system establishe d specifically for the continuous 
monitoring of BSE ICA Resolution No. 00991 of 
01/06/01 
Foot-and-mouth disease.  Animals and products from Paraguay capable 
of transmitting or carrying the virus Suspension of imports ICA Resolution No. 3.683 of 
20/09/11 (in force until 
20/03/12) Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 207 
 
 
  Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Foot-and-mouth disease.  Animals, 
products and by-products entering 
free zones with or without vaccination Sanitary requirements aimed at  preventing the introduction of 
the virus into the country.  Temperature requirements for meat 
products.  Quarantine requirements ICA Resolution No. 001729 of 
20/08/04  
Foot-and-mouth disease.  Bovine 
animals, swine  and products from 
Uruguay Suspension of imports ICA Resolution No. 00986 of 
30/05/01 
West Nile fever.  Wild and ornamental birds from Spain and Italy Suspension of imports ICA Resolutions No. 3.695 and 
No. 3696 of 21/09/11 (in force until 20/03/12) 
Bovine livestock for genetic enhancement Approval of the Directorate-General of Production at the 
Ministry of Agriculture  Ministry of Agriculture 
Resolution No. 0632 de 11/08/92
Eggs and young larvae of silkworms Certificate i ssued by the competent body in the country of 
origin.  Registration of importer with the ICA (Articles 2 and 7) ICA Resolution No. 2.587 of 
18/05/93 
Ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, 
guinea pigs and gerbils Official health certificate issued  in the country of origin.  
Animal health import document i ssued by the ICA.  Sanitary 
inspection before entry into Co lombian territory.  Post-entry 
quarantine ICA Resolution No. 000842 of 
22/02/10  
Avian influenza.  Poultry and fertile 
eggs Sanitary requirements.  Monitoring at ports, airports and border 
crossings ICA Resolution No. 003655 of 
28/09/09  
Avian influenza.  Live birds, eggs 
from the Netherlands Suspension of imports ICA Resolution No. 00747 of 
26/03/03 
Avian influenza.  Birds and eggs from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua Suspension of imports ICA Resolution No. 00950 of 
07/05/02 
Avian influenza.  Birds and bird 
products from the State of 
Connecticut (United States) Importation prohibited ICA Resolution No. 00748 of 
26/03/03 
Dried milk and milk substitutes Animal health permit issued by ICA animal inspection and 
quarantine offices ICA Resolution No. 2.475 of 
06/05/1993  
Seminal material and embryos Registration of importer with the ICA.  Registrations will be 
issued through a resolution and remain valid indefinitely ICA Resolution No. 02820 of 
11/10/01  
Contagious Equine Metritis.  Horses from the State of Arizona (United States) Importation prohibited (Article 1) ICA Resolution No. 3.231 of 
10/08/11  
Velogenic Newcastle disease.  Birds and bird products at risk of transmitting the virus, from the State 
of Zulia (Bolivarian Republic of 
Venezuela) Suspension of imports ICA Resolution No. 01182 of 
29/05/02  
Newcastle disease.  Poultry and 
fertile eggs Sanitary requirements to prevent the introduction of the virus 
into the country ICA Resolution No. 003654 of 
28/09/09 
Poultry products from Ecuador Official certif ication from the exporting country's health 
authority confirming that the m eans of transport and packaging 
used have been cleaned and di sinfected with products suitable 
for combating hepatitis ICA Resolution No. 02455 of 
13/10/98 
Cane or beet sugar in solid form Sanitary a pproval issued by the Colo mbian Institute for the 
Surveillance of Food and Drugs (INVIMA) INVIMA Resolution 
No. 016.563 of 05/08/02 
Coffee beans Phytosanitary import require ments.  The moisture content must 
not exceed 9%.  Imported shipments of coffee must be fumigated with phosphine and th e treatment must be recorded 
in the phytosanitary certificate of the country of origin.  The 
packaging used must be new and must identify the country of origin and the provenance of the product  ICA Resolution No. 000293 of 
09/02/07 
Natural rubber Phytosanitary permit issued by the ICA Postal Circular SOI No. 067 of 
03/09/84.  Colombian Foreign Trade Institute (INCOMEX) 
Barley for malting or for brewing beer (1003.00.9010) Certificate of traceability issued  by an international quality 
control body Decree No. 2.222 of 05/07/06 WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 208 
  
  Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Citrus fruits from countries where the 
disease citrus leprosis is present  Phytosanitary certificate from th e country of origin confirming 
that the products have undergone a selection, brushing, washing 
and waxing process  ICA Resolution No 3.182 of 
05/11/96 
Wood packaging material ICA inspection at ports, air ports and border crossings ICA Resolution No. 01079 of 
03/06/04 
Beans of the genera Phaseolus spp. 
and Vigna spp. for consumption or 
industrial use Phytosanitary certificate issued by the official agricultural 
health authority in the country of origin.  New and unused 
containers ICA Resolution No. 1.743 of 
24/07/98  
Fresh fruit from Brazil which is host to Bactrocera  Phytosanitary certificate containing an additional declaration 
that the products come from areas free of Bactrocera ICA Resolution No. 1.934 of 
22/09/99 
Germplasm and banana reproduction material Importation prohibited from count ries that have reported the 
presence of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 and Chinese Taipei ICA Resolution No. 2.398 of 
31/03/11  
Live plant material from the Netherlands Antilles, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Belize, China, the 
Philippines, Grenada, Guyana, 
Hawaii, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, the British Virgin Islands, 
Puerto Rico, the Bolivarian Republic 
of Venezuela, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago Measures to prevent the introduc tion into Colombia of the pink 
hibiscus mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus  (Green).  ICA 
inspection at the point of entry into the country ICA Resolution No. 00121 of 
16/01/03 
Nursery stocks of oil palm plants Registration of  importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 000395 of 
10/02/05 
Ornamental plants, cut flowers, foliage and propagation material  Registration of importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 000492 of 
18/02/08 
Plant products Phytosanitary import perm it.  Inspection by the Inspection and 
Quarantine Unit of the ICA Plant Health Department ICA Resolution No. 1.412 of 
19/06/98 
Plant products Pest risk analysis ICA Resolution No. 01277 of 
09/06/04 
Plant products Airports, seaports, river ports and border crossings authorized 
for the importation of these products  ICA Resolution No. 003365 of 
09/09/09 
Plant products.  External Circular No. 037/11 lists the products subject to this requirement  Phytosanitary import document issued by the ICA prior to 
shipment, valid for one shipment only and for 90 days.  Physical inspection and issu ing of sanitary inspection 
certificate.  ICA phytosanitary control upon entry into the 
country ICA Resolution No. 1.558 of 
07/05/10 
Wheat for sowing, consumption or 
industrial use from India  Importation prohibited ICA Resolution No. 1.891 of 
10/07/96 
Clonal fruit-tree propagation material Registration of  importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 2.713 of 
10/10/06 
Forage plant and vegetable seed Registration of importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 1.881 of 
10/07/92 
Seed for sowing and seedlings of 
forest species Registration of importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 002457 of 
21/07/10 
Seed Quality certificate issued in the country of origin showing the 
quality standard, indicating whether the product is a genetically 
modified organism, and conf irming compliance with quality 
and phytosanitary standards.  Registration of importer with 
the ICA  ICA Resolution No. 970 of 
10/03/10 
Alcoholic beverages Sanitary registration of the product with the Ministry of Health.  
Certificate of free sale issued by the health authority in the 
country of origin.  Registration of importers with the Ministry 
of Health.  Labelling requirements Decree No. 3.192 of 21/11/83, as 
amended by Decrees No. 761/93 
and No. 365/94 
Alcoholic beverages Sanitary registration of the product with the Ministry of Health.  
Certificate issued by the hea lth authority of the exporting 
country showing that the product is legally authorized for 
human consumption and freely on sale in that country Ministry of Health Decree 
No. 2.742 of 09/12/91, as amended by Decree No. 2.311 of 
19/12/96.  
Energy drinks for human 
consumption Registration of importer with I NVIMA INVIMA Resolution No. 13.710 
of 13/05/10 Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 209 
 
 
  Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Hydrating energy drinks for sport Sanitary regist ration of product with the Ministry of Health.  
Maximum permissible mineral levels Ministry of Health Resolution 
No. 02229 of 02/04/94  
Alcoholic drinks and liquids  INVIMA approval External Circular No. 0075 of 
29/12/06.  Colombian Foreign 
Trade Institute and INVIMA.  
Amended by External Circulars No. 018/07 and No. 007/11 
Bio-inputs for pest control Regist ration of product with the ICA.  Certificate of free sale in 
the country of origin.  Registration of importer ICA Resolution No. 698 of 
04/02/11 
Dieldrin, chlordan e, dodecachloride, 
pentachlorophenol, dicofol, DDT, 
BHC, heptachlor, lindane and compounds related thereto Importation prohibited Minist ry of Public Health 
Resolution No. 10.255 of 
09/12/93 
Dimetridazole Importation prohibited ICA Resolution No. 00991 of 
19/05/04 
Semi-formulated or finished 
fertilizers and soil conditioners  ICA approval.  Registration of importer with the ICA 
(Article 8) ICA Resolution No. 00150 of 
21/01/03, as amended by ICA 
Resolution No. 968/010  
Maneb and zineb fungicides and 
compounds related thereto Importation prohibited Minist ry of Health Resolution 
No. 09913 of 06/12/93  
Inoculants for leguminous plants Registration of importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 2.713 of 
10/10/06 
Lindane-based pesticides  Importation pr ohibited Ministry of Health Resolution 
No. 04166 of 12/11/97 
Agricultural pesticides and raw materials for the formulation thereof  Sales licence for marketing in the country, issued by the ICA ICA Resolution No. 425 of 
03/03/93 
Agricultural pesticides Registration of importe r with the ICA.  Sales licence issued by 
the ICA ICA Resolution No. 2.713 of 
10/10/06 
Chemical pesticides for agricultural 
use Registration of importer and produc t with the ICA.  Certificate 
of free sale and use issued by the competent authority in the 
country of origin ICA Resolution No. 03759 of 
16/12/03, as amended by 
Resolution No. 000026 of 25/01/05 
Chemical pesticides for agricultural use ICA registration and control of the product Decree No. 502 of 05/03/03, as 
amended by Decree No. 2.404 of 15/07/05 
Pesticides Registration of product with  the Ministry of Health and permit 
for use in the country  Ministry of Health Decree 
No. 1.843 of 22/07/91, as amended by Decree No. 1.482 of 
31/07/98 
Pesticides Product registration issued by the ICA Law No. 9 of 24/01/79.  Health 
Code 
Pesticides Approval issued by INVIMA or sanitary registration as 
indicated in the Annex to the legislative text INVIMA External Circular 
No. 0075 of 29/12/06, as amended by External Circulars 
No. 018/07 and No. 007/11  
Physiological regulators and 
adjuvants for agricultural use Registration of importer with the IC A.  Certificate of free use in 
the country of origin ICA Resolution No. 2.713 of 
10/10/06 
Cosmetics Sanitary registration of prod uct issued by INVIMA.  Certificate 
of free sale in the country of origin Ministry of Public Health Decree 
No. 219 of 30/01/98 
Homeopathic medicines Sanitary registration of product issued by INVIMA, valid for 
ten years.  Certificate of free sale in exporter's country of origin.  
Certificate of good manufacturing practices (GMP) issued by 
INVIMA Decree No. 3.554 of 28/10/04, as 
amended by Decree No. 1.861 of 
09/06/06  
Homeopathic medicines Laboratories impor ting homeopathic medicines must present 
GMP certification issued by the health authority of the country 
of origin Decree No. 1.861 of 09/06/06  
Medicines and cosmetics (with 
exceptions established for each 
product) Approval issued by INVIMA or sanitary registration as 
indicated in the Annex to the legislative text INVIMA External Circular 
No. 0075 of 29/12/06, as 
amended by External Circulars No. 018/07 and No. 007/11  WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 210 
  
  Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Medicines Certificate of compliance with good manufacturing practices 
(CCGMP), valid for three years.  Medicines without a CCGMP 
are not allowed into the country Ministry of Health Decree 
No. 549 of 29/03/01, as amended 
by Decrees No. 162 of 22/01/04 and No. 2.086/10 
Medicines;  cosmetics;  pharmaceutical preparations based on natural resources;  hygiene products Sanitary registration of product issued by INVIMA.  Sanitary 
registration and renewals thereof will be valid for five years Decree No. 677 of 26/04/95, as 
amended by Decrees No. 341/97, No. 2.091/97, No. 1.792/98, 
No. 822/03, No. 2.510/03, 
No. 426/09 and No 2.086/10  
Absorbent personal hygiene products Sanitary registra tion of product issued by  INVIMA.  Certificate 
of free sale issued by the competent authority of the country of 
origin  Ministry of Health Decree 
No. 1.545 of 04/08/98 
Phytotherapeutic products Sanitary re gistration of product issued by INVIMA Decree No. 2.266 of 15/07/04, as 
amended by Decree No. 3.553 of 
28/10/04  
Genetically modified organisms 
(GMOs) Registration of importer with the ICA ICA Resolution No. 1.063 of 
22/03/05  
Live genetically modified organi sms Registration of importer with the ICA.  For marketing purposes, 
the words "genetically modified organism" must be clearly 
displayed on the labelling of live genetically modified 
organisms ICA Resolution No. 000946 of 
17/04/06, as amended by 
Resolution No. 32 of 17/01/12 
Food additives used in the production of food for human consumption Registration of importer with I NVIMA INVIMA Resolution No. 20.072 
of 01/07/10  
Food for human consumption 
originating in or shipped from certain Japanese prefectures in view of the 
risks arising from the accident at the 
Fukushima nuclear power station ICA approval.  Maximum levels of  radioactive contamination.  
Certification signed by the competent authority ICA Resolution No. 3.231 of 
10/08/11  
Slaughtered birds, whole, cut in 
pieces and/or boneless, marinated Composition and quality requirement s.  Sanitary registration 
issued by INVIMA Ministry of Health Resolution 
No. 00402 of 10/04/02 
Meat, edible meat products and meat 
by-products, including of wild 
species, for human consumption Countries interested in exporting to Colombia must submit an 
export application to INVIMA.  After establishing feasibility, 
INVIMA will conduct an "interna tional audit" with a view to 
authorizing the country to export the product.  INVIMA, together with the ICA, will in spect imports and issue a health 
inspection certificate for entr y into national territory  Ministry of Social Welfare 
Decree No. 1.500 of 04/05/07, as 
amended by Decrees 
No. 2.965/08 and No. 2.380/09 
Chocolate and chocolate products for human consumption Maximum levels of heavy metals and contaminants.  
Physico-chemical and microbiological requirements Ministry of Social Welfare 
Resolution No. 1.511 of 
06/05/11 
Powdered milk and powdered dairy 
by-products Sanitary approval issued by INVIMA INVIMA Resolution No. 1.679 
of 25/01/02 
Natural honey for human consumption  Physico-chemical and microbiological health requirements.  
Inspection conducted by INVIMA Ministry of Social Welfare 
Resolution No. 1.057 of 23/03/10 
Panela cane sugar for human consumption (1701.11.10.00) Sanitary requirements.  Conformity assessment certificate 
issued by INVIMA Ministry of Social Welfare 
Resolution No. 000779 of 17/03/06 
Agricultural, agri-food and agro-industrial products Administrative procedures for the drafting, adoption and 
implementation of SPS measures in the agri-food sector  Decree No. 4.003 of 30/11/04  
Food products and raw materials for 
food Sanitary registration of product issued by INVIMA.  Certificate 
of free sale in the country of orig in.  Health certif icate issued by 
the country of origin Decree No. 3.075 of 23/12/97, as 
amended by Decree No. 1.270 of 
17/06/02  
Food products Sanitary inspection at the point of entry into the country and 
laboratory analysis for obtaining the health inspection 
certificate for inward customs clearance.  Laboratory analysis  Decree No. 3.075 of 23/12/97, as 
amended by Decree No. 1.270 of 
17/06/02 
Food products INVIMA approval or sanita ry registration as indicated in the 
Annex to the legislative text INVIMA External Circular 
No. 0075 of 29/12/06, as 
amended by External Circulars 
No. 018/07 and No. 007/11  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 211 
 
 
  Product Summary of the measure Legislative text 
Products and by-products of animal 
origin for human consumption Official health certificate from th e country of origin attesting to 
the washing, sterilization and c ooking processes carried out to 
ensure product safety  Ministry of Agriculture 
Resolution No. 361 of 19/07/84 
Preserved sardines (1604.13.00.00) Sanitary requi rements.  Conformity certificate issued by 
INVIMA Ministry of Social Welfare 
Resolution No. 000337 of 
07/02/06 
Dietary supplements Certificate issued by  the health authority of the exporting 
country.  Sanitary registration of product issued by INVIMA 
(valid for ten years, renewable for the same length of time) Decree No. 3.249 of 18/09/06, as 
amended by Decree 
No. 3.863/08  
Source :   SICE.  WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 212 
  
  Table AIII.3 
State-owned enterprises 
Sector Enterprise State holding 
(%) EICE SEM Regulation  Control  
Agriculture and rural development 
 ALMAGRARIO S.A. 64.62  X .. .. 
 Banco Agrario de Colombia S.A. 99.99 X  
 Central de Abastos de Cúcua S.A. 75.14  X 
 Empresa Colombiana de Productos Veterinarios 
(VECOL) S.A. 82.82  X 
 FIDUAGRARIA S.A. 95.68 X  
 Fondo para el Financiamiento del Sector 
Agropecuario (FINAGRO) 78.24  X 
Mines 
 ECOPETROL S.A. 89.90  X Energy and Gas 
Regulatory 
Commission 
(CREG) Companies 
Supervisory 
Authority 
Energy 
 Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas S.A.  E.S.P. 80.58  X Energy and Gas 
Regulatory 
Commission (CREG) Companies 
Supervisory 
Authority;  Public Services 
Supervisory 
Authority  Centrales Eléctricas de Nariño (CEDENAR) S.A.  
E.S.P.  99.98 X  
 Centrales Eléctricas de Norte de Santander S.A.  
E.S.P. 92.05 X  
 Centrales Eléctricas del Cauca S.A.  E.S.P.  100.00 X  
 Corporación Eléctrica de la Costa Atlántica 
(CORELCA) S.A.  E.S.P.  99.99 X  
 Electrificadora de Santander S.A.E.S.P. 96.86 X  
 Empresa de Energía del Amazonas S.A.  E.S.P. 100.00 X  
 Electrificadora del Caquetá S.A.  E.S.P 72.35  X 
 Electrificadora del Huila S.A.  E.S.P 99.93 X  
 Electrificadora del Meta S.A.  E.S.P 72.38  X 
 Empresa Colombiana de Generación Eléctrica 
(ISAGEN) S.A.  E.S.P. 70.61  X 
 Empresa de Energía de Boyacá (EBSA) S.A.  E.S.P. 99.00 X  
 Empresa de Energía de Cundinamarca S.A. E.S.P. 97.95 X  
 Empresa Distribuidora del Pacífico (DISPAC) S.A.  
E.S.P. 99.99 X  
 Empresa URRA S.A.  E.S.P. 99.38 X  
 Empresa de Energía del Quindío S.A.  E.S.P. 99.57 X  
 Financiera Energética Naci onal (FEN) S.A.  100.00 X  
 Generadora y Comercializadora del Energía del 
Caribe (GECELCA) S.A.  E.S.P.  99.99 X  
 Gestión Energética (GENSA) S.A.  E.S.P. 90.93 X  
 Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA) S.A.  E.S.P. 56.73  X 
Information and communication technology 
 Canal Regional de Televisión del Caribe 
(TELECARIBE) 100.00 X  Communications 
Regulatory 
Commission  Companies 
Supervisory 
Authority  Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A.  E.S.P. 100.00 X  
 Empresa Metropolitana de Telecomunicaciones 
(METROTEL) S.A.  99.99 X  
 Radio Televisión Nacional de Colombia (RTVC) 100.00 X  
 Servicios Postales Nacionales S.A 100.00 X  
 Sociedad Canal Regional de Televisión 
(TEVEANDINA Ltda.) – Canal 13 100.00 X  
 Sociedad de Televisión de Caldas, Risaralda y 
Quindío Ltda. (TELECAFÉ Ltda.) 100.00 X  
 Empresa de Telecomuni caciones de Bucaramanga 
(TELEBUCARAMANGA) 99.99 X  Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 213 
 
 
  Sector Enterprise State holding 
(%) EICE SEM Regulation  Control  
Social welfare  
 Administradora Colombiana de Pensiones 
(COLPENSIONES) 100.00 X  National Council 
for Social 
Security in 
Health;  Health Regulatory 
Commission  National Health 
Supervisory 
Authority 
 Caja de Previsión Social de Comunicaciones 
(CAPRECOM) 100.00 X  
 Instituto de Seguros Sociales (ISS) 100.00 X  
 Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta 100.00 X  
 Instituto Nacional de Cancerología 100.00 X  
 Sanatorio de Agua de Dios E.S.E. 100.00 X  
 Sanatorio de Contratación E.S.E. 100.00 X  
Defence 
 Caja Promotora de Vivienda M ilitar (CAPROVIM) 100.00 X  .. .. 
 Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana 
(CIAC) S.A. 100.00 X  
 Industria Militar (INDUMIL) 100.00 X  
 SATENA S.A 100.00 X  
 Sociedad Hotelera Tequendama S.A. 100.00 X  
Justice 
 Imprenta Nacional de Colombia 100.00 X  .. .. 
Trade, industry and tourism 
 Artesanías de Colombia S.A. 97.43 X  .. Supervisory 
Authority for 
Industry and Trade (SIC)   Banco de Comercio Exterior de Colombia 
(BANCOLDEX) S.A. 99.72 X  
 Fiduciaria de Comercio Exterior S.A. 89.10  X 
 Fondo Nacional de Garantías S.A. 99.97 X  
 Leasing Bancoldex S.A. – Compañía de 
Financiamiento Comercial 99.93 X  
Transport 
 Centro de Diagnóstico Automotor de Cúcuta Ltda. 
(CEDAC) 100.00 X  .. .. 
Financial sector 
 Central de Inversiones (CISA) S.A. 99.99 X  .. Financial 
Supervisory Authority   Fiduciaria La Previsora S.A. 99.99 X  
 Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial (FINDETER) 
S.A. 99.75 X  
 La Previsora Seguros S.A.  99.71 X  
 Positiva Compañía de Seguros S.A. 99.97 X  
 Sociedad de Activos Especiales S.A.S. (SAE) 99.90 X  
.. Not available. 
Note: EICE:  State industrial and trading en terprise.  SEM:  Semi-public company. 
Source : Information provided by the Colombian authorities.  WT/TPR/S/265 Trade Policy Review 
Page 214 
  
  Table AIV.1 
Air transport agreement modalities, 1974-2012 
Countries  Transport Date 
5th freedom 
7th freedom 
Cabotage 
Designation 
Withholding 
Capacity 
Tariffs 
Cooperative 
arrangements 
Exchange of 
statistics 
Signed between 2006 and 2012        
Aruba Passengers 2009 Yes No No Multiple .. FD/PDa COO Yes No 
Singapore Passengers and 
cargo 2009 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes No 
Barbados Passengers and 
cargo 2010 No No No Multiple  .. PD .. Yes Yes 
Iceland Passengers and 
cargo 2010 No No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes 
Panama Passengers and 
cargo 2010 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
Paraguay Passengers and 
cargo 2010 No No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
Costa Rica  Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
El Salvador Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
United Arab 
Emirates  Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
Israel Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
Qatar Passengers 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes Yes 
Turkey Passengers 
Cargo 2011 
2011 Yes
No No 
No No 
No Multiple
Multiple .. 
.. PD 
PD COO 
COO Yes 
Yes Yes
Yes 
Reviewed between 2006 and 2012          
Belgium Passengers and 
cargo 2007 No No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes 
Chile Passengers 2007 Yes No No  Multiple .. FD COO No No 
Netherlands 
Antilles 
(Curaçao) Passengers and 
cargo 2008 No No No Multiple .. PD/FDb DA No No 
United 
Kingdom Passengers  2008 Yes No No Single .. PD DA Yes No 
Germany Passengers 2010 Yes No No Multiple SOEC PD DA Yes No 
Argentina Passengers  2010 Yes No No Multiple .. PD DA Yes No 
United States Passengers and 
cargo 2010 Yes No No Multiple SOECc PD/FDd DAe Yes No 
Mexico Passengers and 
cargo 2010 No No No Multiple .. FD DA Yes Yes 
Brazil  Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes 
Ecuador Passengers and 
cargo 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes No 
Dominican 
Republic Passengers 2011 Yes No No Multiple .. FD/PDf COO Yes Yes 
Spain  Passengers  2012 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes 
Cuba Passengers and 
cargo 2012 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO No No 
Netherlands Passengers and 
cargo 2012 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes 
Luxembourg Passengers and 
cargo 2012 Yes No No Multiple .. PD COO Yes Yes Colombia WT/TPR/S/265 
 Page 215 
 
 
  Countries  Transport Date 
5th freedom 
7th freedom 
Cabotage 
Designation 
Withholding 
Capacity 
Tariffs 
Cooperative 
arrangements 
Exchange of 
statistics 
Agreements prior to 2006          
Suriname Passengers and 
cargo 1974 Yes No No Single .. PD DA No No 
Italy Passengers and 
cargo 1980 No No No Single SOEC PD COO Yes No 
Bolivarian 
Republic of 
Venezuela Passengers and 
cargo 1993 Yes No No Multiple SOEC FD COO Yes No 
Portugal Passengers and 
cargo 1997 No No No Single SOEC PD DA No No 
Switzerland Passengers and 
cargo 2000 Yes No No Single SOEC PD DA Yes No 
Uruguay Passengers and 
cargo 2001 Yes No No Multiple .. PD DA Yes No 
Plurinational 
State of Bolivia Passengers and 
cargo 2004 No No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes No 
Peru Passengers and 
cargo 2004 Yes No No Multiple .. FD COO Yes No 
Republic of 
Korea Cargo  2004 No No No Mu ltiple .. FD .. No No 
France Passengers and 
cargo  2005 Yes No No Multiple SOEC PD DA Yes Yes 
.. Not available. 
a Free determination (FD) for flights between Colombia and Ar uba, and Aruba and Colombian t ourist destinations (Armenia, 
Cartagena, San Andrés and Santa Marta, but not Barranquilla).  Pre-determination (PD) for f lights between Aruba and other 
Colombian cities. 
b Free determination for flights between the Netherlands Antilles and Colombian tour ist destinations (Armenia, Cartagena, 
San Andrés and Santa Marta, but not Barranquilla). 
c Except for foreign investment from countries with open skies agreements. 
d FD from 1 January 2013. e Tariff freedom applied from 1 January 2013. 
f Pre-determination for flights from/to the two capitals. 
Note: FD:  free determination;  PD:  pre-de termination;  SOEC:  substa ntial ownership and effective control;  COO:  country of origin;  
 DA:  double approval.  The table only covers  provisions relating to passenger traffic. 
Source : WTO Secretariat and information provided by the Colombian authorities. 
 
__________