Importing a used car from the US to Colombia

Colombia’s rule on used vehicles

The Código Nacional de Tránsito (Ley 769 de 2002, article 37) says that under no circumstances can a used vehicle be given an initial registration. The exception written into that article is fire-service vehicles donated from abroad and no more than 20 years old. Without that first registration, a car can’t get Colombian plates.

On the trade side, used goods need a prior import licence (licencia previa) under Decreto 925 de 2013, and MinCIT’s Comité de Importaciones decides. For cars and motorcycles, article 16 limits licences to a short list:

• Certain special and off-road vehicle types, and donated fire trucks up to 20 years old
• Antique and classic vehicles that meet the Ministry of Transport’s requirements
• Vehicles of Colombian diplomats returning from a mission

An ordinary used car or SUV isn’t on that list. The same decree treats repaired, rebuilt and remanufactured goods as goods in special market conditions, so a late-model salvage car from Copart or IAAI, repaired or not, has no route to Colombian roads.

Antique and classic cars: the realistic route

Ley 769 defines an antique car (automóvil antiguo) as one that has turned 35 years and keeps its original factory specifications, presentation and operation. A classic has turned 50, is equally original, and belongs to a make, series and model catalogued internationally as a classic.

For imported ones, a 2014 Ministry of Transport resolution (1667) required a classification certificate signed by the Federación Colombiana de Clubes de Vehículos Antiguos y Clásicos, and registration in the year after import. These requirements can change, so confirm the current ones with a customs agent before you buy.

“Original” is the word that decides it. A car with a swapped engine, a modern interior or heavy modifications may fail that test, and from abroad the auction photos are often the only way to see it.

History checks on an older car

• VIN format. NHTSA’s decoder works for model years 1981 and later, when the 17-character VIN standard took effect. An older VIN may not decode or return a history report.
• Mileage. US federal odometer disclosure doesn’t apply to cars of model year 2010 and older once they are 10 years old, so the mileage on a classic’s paperwork is usually unverified.
• Title brands. A classic can carry a salvage or flood brand like any car. A brand doesn’t change the age rule, but it tells you what was repaired.
• Photos. Rust, flood lines, replaced panels and non-original parts show in the lot photos before the car is shipped.

Ports and taxes

Cars arrive by sea. The Buenaventura port operator lists a 20,000 m² yard for storing vehicles, and the Santa Marta port publishes ro-ro routes. The customs value is the base for duty, and IVA at 19% is charged on the customs value plus the duty. Other taxes can apply, so ask your customs agent for the full figure before you bid.

Checklist before you bid

1. Check the car has turned 35 years (antique) or 50 (classic) and is still original.
2. Ask a customs agent to confirm the licencia previa route and the current Ministry of Transport requirements.
3. Contact the club federation about the classification certificate before you buy, not after.
4. Decode the VIN with the VIN decoder and, for a 17-character VIN, run a history report.
5. Study the auction photos for originality: engine bay, interior, wheels, paint.
6. Treat the mileage as unverified unless records support it.
7. Get the title in hand: CBP needs it at least 72 hours before the car sails.

What our reports cover

CARFAX and AutoCheck reports cover vehicles sold in the US and Canada, with title brands, total-loss and auction events and recorded mileage. The auction report shows a Copart or IAAI lot as it was sold: photos, recorded damage, title and odometer at sale. We don’t handle licences, customs or shipping.