Planning to buy in the United States and bring your products to Colombia? Before you pay, it pays to know the tax cost — because the store price is not the final price. This guide explains, in plain English, how customs duty and VAT work, what the US$200 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) threshold means, and how to estimate the total before you buy.
Important note: this guide is informational and was updated on June 3, 2026. Rates, thresholds and customs regimes change and depend on the product and import regime. Always verify the current rules with Colombia's DIAN or a customs advisor before deciding. For a personalized estimate, use our import tax calculator.
The two taxes you need to know
When importing into Colombia, two taxes carry the most weight:
1. Customs duty (arancel)
A percentage of the product value that varies by tariff classification (the product category). It ranges from 0% on many items to 15%–20% on others such as clothing and footwear. Thanks to the Colombia–US FTA, many US-origin products carry a 0% duty.
2. VAT (19%)
Colombia's VAT is 19% and is calculated on a base that includes the product value, freight, insurance and the duty already added. In other words, VAT applies after the duty — not just on the store price.
The US$200 threshold: express shipments
Under the FTA, shipments from the United States of up to US$200 arriving via express courier are usually exempt from duty. It's one of the most useful benefits for online shoppers: split your purchases wisely and you can save the duty.
Keep in mind:
- The threshold applies to the shipment value, not each item separately.
- VAT may still apply depending on the case and the operator's regime.
- Higher values fall under the corresponding import regimes (express courier, postal, ordinary), each with its own rules.
The brackets by shipment value
A quick way to place yourself before buying is to think in three brackets by shipment value:
| Shipment value (USD) | What to expect (general reference) |
|---|---|
| Under US$50 | Simplified processing; VAT may apply depending on the case |
| US$50 – US$200 | No duty under the FTA on many US-origin products + 19% VAT |
| Over US$200 | Import regime with duty + VAT depending on the tariff classification |
It's a reference, not a fixed rule: the actual result depends on the product (tariff code), the operator's regime and the origin. Estimate your specific case with the calculator.
Step-by-step calculation example
Say you buy headphones for US$150 and freight to Colombia is US$20:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Product value | US$150 |
| International freight | US$20 |
| Duty (0% under FTA, example) | US$0 |
| VAT base (150 + 20 + 0) | US$170 |
| VAT (19%) | US$32.30 |
| Estimated total | US$202.30 |
If that same product carried a 15% duty (for example, certain apparel), you'd add US$22.50 of duty and VAT would be calculated on a larger base. That's why the product category changes the result so much.
How to pay less (legally)
- Use the US$200 threshold by splitting large purchases into separate shipments when it makes sense.
- Declare the real value: under-declaring is illegal and can trigger holds and penalties at customs.
- Pick the right category: products with 0% duty under the FTA are far cheaper.
- Estimate before you buy with our calculator to avoid surprises.
Does anything change for 2026?
The thresholds (US$200), the 19% VAT and the import regimes hold as a base reference as of this update. Even so, rates, tariff codes and customs procedures can be adjusted during the year. Before a large purchase, confirm the current rules with DIAN and check your product's exact category.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay when bringing a product from the US to Colombia?
It depends on the value and the product. Up to US$200 per shipment under the FTA, many US-origin products enter duty-free, but the 19% VAT may still apply depending on the regime. Above US$200, import regimes apply with duty + VAT. Use the PrimeBox calculator for an estimate before you buy.
What counts toward the US$200 threshold?
The threshold applies to the full shipment value, not each item separately. If a single shipment exceeds US$200, the applicable regime changes.
Are products under US$50 exempt?
Low-value shipments usually get simpler treatment, but VAT may apply depending on the case and the operator. Don't assume full exemption: verify with DIAN or estimate with the calculator.
Is under-declaring the value to pay less tax legal?
No. Under-declaring is illegal and can cause your package to be held, fines and customs problems. Always declare the real value.
Is VAT calculated only on the product price?
No. The 19% VAT is calculated on a base that includes the product value, freight, insurance and the duty already added. That's why the effective tax is higher than 19% of the store price.
The easy way: a Miami mailbox
With a virtual mailbox in Miami you shop at any US store, we receive your package, declare it correctly and ship it to Colombia, handling the customs process for you. You'll know the full cost up front, in pesos, with no surprises at customs.
Ready to price your next purchase? Estimate your taxes and shipping here.
