The Ministries of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and of Transportation would like to remind all operators and users of Colombia's foreign trade sector that, during the 19-day period of mandatory preventive isolation established by the National Government, all foreign trade operations may continue through to their final destination.
Therefore, export, import, and customs transit operations of goods are permitted through ports, airports, and border crossings, as well as the domestic transportation of cargo related to foreign trade, provided that the operation is supported by the corresponding documentation.
Important to note:
International trade is essential to meeting the country’s supply needs, and due to its dynamic nature, measures must be taken to ensure its continuity.
Likewise, it is not possible to select specific products from a shipment arriving at a port or airport based on the exceptions set forth in Decree 457 of March 2020.
Storage capacity at ports, airports, and border crossings is limited, and foreign trade activities must continue.
For control purposes, import, export, and customs transit operations must be supported by copies of the relevant documentation, such as the import, export, or customs transit declaration, or the shipping or transfer form, as applicable. These documents will be required by law enforcement and the Transit and Transportation Directorate, who have oversight on the country’s highways, to verify compliance with the restrictions.
Transportation of cargo not related to a foreign trade operation, or not classified as essential goods or supplies required for healthcare services, is not permitted.
The transportation of imported and exported goods may be carried out in any type of vehicle authorized for cargo transport. The biosafety protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for unloading, storage, and transportation activities must be strictly followed.