IMPORT INTERMEDIATION
IN COLOMBIA
Importing into Colombia is possible even if you are not authorized by the DIAN to do so; with our Import Intermediation service, the process is easier than you might think.
In a logistics process (export-import), the documentation and the payment must align. The documentation is regulated and monitored by the DIAN, while the payment is regulated and monitored by the Banco de la República (the Central Bank) for a period extending from the document date up to five years later. Therefore, to provide the Import Intermediation service, the buyer must pay CLM Cargo in Colombia for the merchandise and logistics costs using a local Colombian account. We then pay the overseas supplier, who sends us all the relevant documentation. We ship the cargo from origin to destination (via air, sea, or land transport) and handle customs clearance (nationalization) under CLM Cargo’s name; once the cargo is cleared and nationalized, we invoice you for the merchandise and logistics.
If you have already paid for the merchandise and the process cannot be reversed, an alternative method involves an endorsement: the payment and documents are issued in your name, but upon the cargo's arrival in Colombia, the documents are endorsed to CLM Cargo so we can handle customs clearance. Once the cargo is cleared, we invoice you for it.
We explain the process below:
The first option we offer involves CLM Cargo acting as the importing intermediary, ultimately invoicing you for both the cargo and the logistics.
Points to consider with this arrangement:
Since CLM Cargo acts as the importing intermediary, the goods are invoiced together with the transport costs, and the entire amount is subject to VAT; conversely, if you were the direct importer, domestic and international transport services would be VAT-exempt.
If you are not VAT-registered, the VAT charged on our invoice becomes a cost to you, as you cannot claim it back for accounting purposes.
The second option we offer involves CLM Cargo acting as the importing intermediary with administrative representation.
Key points regarding this arrangement:
The goods and transport services are invoiced to your end customers including VAT. The profit margin—the difference between the cost of goods plus logistics and the final retail price—accrues to you (the buyer). To receive this profit, you must issue an invoice or a payment request for the amount; to process the actual payment, you must comply with all legal requirements (such as social security contributions, etc.). As this payment constitutes a commission, it is subject to withholding tax.
While the goods are being sold, invoiced, and collected upon, they will be stored and safeguarded by us.
Profit payouts are made upon receipt of payment from the customers.
