Overview - Shipping to Colombia from Nigeria

Colombia is one of South America's largest economies and an important trade gateway connecting North and South America through major ports on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country has a well-developed import system, but customs authorities carefully review commercial shipments, especially cosmetics, food products, health-related products, electronics, and business inventory. There is a growing Nigerian community, students, and business connections in Colombia, creating demand for personal and commercial shipping between both countries.

Shipping from Nigeria to Colombia is simple with Routely and possible from anywhere in Nigeria.

This guide explains what you need to know about shipping costs, customs charges, required documents, what you can ship, delivery timelines, tracking, and how Routely helps make the process easier.

How Can I Send a Package from Nigeria to Colombia?

Yes, you can ship virtually anything from Nigeria to Colombia with Routely. And here is how:

To ship a package now, simply visit → https://ship.routely.co

Once you are in:

• Click the light yellow button “Ship Now”

• Enter the pickup location and delivery address

• Fill in the sender and receiver details

• Clearly describe what you are sending

• Pay and your shipment is booked

Routely supports Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo options depending on the item, destination, and available route.

Using Routely helps simplify international shipping through its AI-enabled and automated shipping system.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Colombia?

Shipping cost depends on:

• Package weight

• Package size

• Shipping method

• Type of item

• Sending location in Nigeria

• Delivery location in Colombia

• Whether customs duties are already covered on the route selected

Express shipping is faster and best for urgent shipments.

Cargo shipping is usually more affordable for larger or heavier items.

Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps you compare different shipping routes and options in one place.

To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options to Colombia instantly, visit → https://ship.routely.co

You can also check the route details to see whether the selected option already includes customs duty coverage, where applicable.

If you are not sure which shipping option is best for your item, simply start a chat with Routely before shipping.

About Customs When Shipping to Colombia

Shipping into Colombia is regulated by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN), Colombia's national customs and tax authority. Proper declaration and accurate documentation help reduce customs delays, inspections, additional charges, and clearance issues. Colombia uses a structured customs system and commercial shipments are often reviewed carefully, especially when they contain regulated products or appear undervalued.

Will I Pay Customs Charges When Shipping to Colombia?

All packages except Documents are generally dutiable. However, whether or not a shipment will attract customs duties, taxes, or import charges depends on:

• What is being shipped

• The declared value

• Quantity

• Shipment purpose

• Shipment route selected

• The discretion of customs officials in Colombia

Some shipments may attract customs charges while others may not.

If you ship through certain Cargo routes on Routely, customs duties may already be covered or estimated as part of the shipping cost, where available.

You can easily check the route details to see whether the selected option already includes customs duty fees.

Using Routely, with its AI-enabled shipping system, helps ensure your shipment is booked correctly and properly declared. This reduces the chances of unnecessary customs issues or unwarranted duties.

What Customs Duty or Tax System Does Colombia Use?

Colombia generally applies:

• Customs Duty (Arancel)

• Value Added Tax (IVA)

• Customs processing and clearance fees where applicable

• Regulatory inspection fees for certain products

• Health and agricultural inspection fees for controlled goods

The standard IVA (VAT) rate in Colombia is generally 19%.

Customs charges are commonly calculated using the CIF value, which includes:

• Cost of goods

• Insurance

• Freight or shipping cost

The customs duty rate depends on the product classification and HS code assigned by customs.

What Is the Likely Customs Duty Amount in Colombia?

Customs duty rates in Colombia may range from approximately 0% to 20% depending on the product category and HS code.

IVA (VAT) is generally 19%.

Examples include:

• Clothing and fashion items: approximately 15%–20%

• Footwear: approximately 15%–20%

• Cosmetics and beauty products: approximately 10%–15%

• Electronics: approximately 5%–15%

• Food products: approximately 5%–20%

• Machinery and equipment: approximately 0%–10%

Additional taxes or regulatory fees may apply to:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tobacco products

• Certain luxury goods

• Controlled chemicals

• Health-related products

The final amount depends on the item classification, declared value, origin, and customs assessment.

Is There a Low-Value Duty-Free Threshold in Colombia?

Colombia has a low-value threshold of about USD 200 for certain qualifying courier and postal shipments.

However:

• Taxes or handling fees may still apply

• The threshold rules may vary depending on shipment origin and category

• Regulated goods may still require approvals regardless of value

Thresholds may change at any time, so always check current rules before shipping.

Are Personal Shipments Treated Differently from Commercial Shipments?

Personal shipments may sometimes receive simpler handling, especially where they are low value and not intended for resale.

Commercial shipments are usually checked more strictly and may require additional documentation, especially when they contain:

• Multiple units of the same item

• Inventory for resale

• Business stock

• High-value goods

• Regulated products

Common Shipments That May Attract Duties

The following commonly imported products often attract customs duties and taxes:

• Phones and mobile devices

• Laptops and electronics

• Fashion items

• Ready-to-wear clothing

• Ankara clothing

• Couture apparel

• Men's kaftans

• Shoes and sneakers

• Handbags and beaded bags

• Human hair, wigs, and hair extensions

• Makeup products

• Skincare products

• Nigerian-made skincare products

• Herbal products

• Supplements

• Perfumes

• Food products

• Packaged snacks

• Machinery

• Commercial inventory

Approximate duty ranges may include:

• Fashion products: 15%–20%

• Footwear: 15%–20%

• Cosmetics: 10%–15%

• Electronics: 5%–15%

VAT of 19% may also apply.

Some Shipments That May Sometimes Pass With Lower or No Duties

• Documents

• Educational materials

• Certain personal effects

• Some low-value personal shipments

• Some gifts subject to customs discretion

• Certain books and printed materials

Customs assessment remains at the discretion of Colombian authorities.

How Strict Is Customs in Colombia?

Colombia maintains a relatively structured and regulated customs environment.

Customs authorities commonly:

• Inspect commercial shipments

• Verify declared values

• Review invoices

• Check regulated products carefully

• Assess additional documentation requirements

Particular attention is often given to:

• Food products

• Agricultural products

• Cosmetics

• Medicines

• Health products

• Electronics

• Commercial inventory

Colombian customs may reassess the value of a shipment if they believe the declared value is too low.

Vague descriptions such as "gift," "fashion items," or "personal goods" may lead to delays or inspections.

Customs officials in Colombia may reassess the value of your shipment if the declared amount appears too low or the item description is unclear.

Receiver Responsibility

In many cases, the receiver may be required to pay customs duties, taxes, or import charges before delivery can be completed.

The receiver may also be contacted by customs or the delivery carrier for:

• Payment of duties or taxes

• Additional documents

• Proof of value

• Identification

• Clarification of item use

Please note that customs policies, import charges, and duty thresholds may change at any time without prior notice.

Learn More About Customs Rules in Colombia

Please note that customs duties, taxes, and import regulations in Colombia are determined by local customs authorities and may change without prior notice. For the latest customs regulations, import policies, duty rates, and updates, visit the official customs website of Colombia:

https://www.dian.gov.co/aduanas/Paginas/Importacion.aspx

What Documents Are Required When Shipping to Colombia?

Generally Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice

• Packing List

• Air Waybill or Bill of Lading

These shipping documents are generally automatically created for you when you create a shipment on Routely.

Some shipments may require additional special documents depending on what you are sending.

Shipment-Specific Required Documents

• Food items, spices, agricultural products, seeds, and plants may require phytosanitary certificates

• Medicines and health products may require approvals from INVIMA

• Cosmetics may require additional regulatory review

• Animal products may require veterinary approvals

• Commercial shipments may require additional customs declarations

• Some textile shipments may require certificates of origin

• Electronics and communication equipment may require regulatory approvals

• Supplements and herbal products may require additional checks

If you are not sure whether your shipment requires additional documents, simply start a chat with Routely before shipping.

General Required Information

Your shipping documents must clearly include:

• Sender’s full name, address, email address, and phone number

• Receiver’s full name, delivery address, email address, and phone number

• Clear description of the items

• Correct declared value of the items

• Country of manufacture where required

• Purpose of shipping

• Whether the shipment is insured

• Terms of trade where applicable

• Who will pay customs duties and taxes

Item descriptions must be clear and specific.

Example:

✅ Female dress made of cotton Ankara fabric

❌ Gift

❌ Personal items

❌ Clothe

Incorrect, vague, or incomplete information may lead to:

• Customs delays

• Inspections

• Additional charges

• Shipment return

Using Routely makes international shipping much easier. In most cases, all you need to know is:

• Where you are shipping from

• Where the package is going

• What you are sending

Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps generate the generally required shipping documents automatically for your selected route, including carrier waybills, invoices, and packing lists where applicable.

Depending on the shipping option selected, your shipment may move through different carriers or logistics providers. You can click the “More Info” section while checking rates to see the carrier or shipping route connected to that option.

What Can You Ship to Colombia?

You can ship many types of general items to Colombia through Routely.

You may be wondering:

• Can I ship clothes to Colombia?

• Can I ship food items to Colombia?

• Can I ship electronics to Colombia?

• Can I ship cosmetics to Colombia?

• Can I ship personal items to Colombia?

• Can I ship Nigerian foodstuff and spices to Colombia?

• Can I ship artworks to Colombia?

In general, yes — many everyday items can be shipped through Express or Cargo routes as long as they follow Colombian customs rules.

Routely supports different shipping routes including Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo for many types of shipments depending on the route available.

Commonly Shipped Items

• Ready-to-wear clothing

• Ankara fashion

• Couture dresses

• Men's kaftans

• Shoes

• Bags

• Beaded bags

• Fascinators

• Human hair

• Wigs

• Hair extensions

• Makeup products

• Skincare products

• Nigerian-made beauty products

• Phones

• Laptops

• Electronics

• Documents

• Household items

• Personal effects

• Packaged food products

• Garri

• Egusi

• Dried pepper

• Crayfish

• Seasoning products

• Snacks

Art-related shipments such as:

• Original paintings

• Sculptures

• Handmade crafts

• Ceramic works

• Wooden artworks

• Gallery pieces

• Framed artworks

can also be shipped through supported routes depending on the shipment type and packaging quality.

However, some items are prohibited or restricted.

🚫 Items That Cannot Be Shipped

• Illegal drugs and narcotics

• Counterfeit products

• Fake branded goods

• Hazardous explosives

• Weapons and ammunition without authorization

• Certain toxic substances

• Materials prohibited by Colombian law

⚠️ Items That May Require Extra Checks

• Medicines

• Supplements

• Herbal products

• Cosmetics

• Food products

• Agricultural products

• Seeds

• Plants

• Animal products

• Communication devices

• Drones

• Commercial quantities of goods

Colombia applies strict checks on food products, medicines, cosmetics, agricultural items, and commercial imports.

If you are unsure whether your item can be shipped, start a chat with Routely before booking your shipment.

How Should You Package Items for Shipping to Colombia?

• Use strong packaging

• Clearly label sender and receiver details

• Avoid weak or damaged cartons

• Declare all items correctly

• Do not hide restricted items inside packages

Poor packaging or unclear declarations may lead to customs inspection, delays, or damage during transit.

While it is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure proper packaging, Routely also has dedicated handling hubs created to help support shipment inspection and assisted general packaging before handing over shipments to the selected carrier.

Using Routely also helps reduce common shipping mistakes through better shipment guidance and proper shipment setup.

How Long Does Shipping to Colombia Take?

Express Shipments

Typically 3–5 business days, all things being equal.

Cargo Shipments

Typically 8–14 business days for Air Cargo and 8–14 weeks for Sea Cargo, all things being equal (if routes are open).

Transit time varies based on the shipping option or route selected.

See the different timelines and live shipping options available to ship to Colombia on →

https://ship.routely.co

NB: Delivery timelines may also vary due to customs clearance, inspections, weather conditions, airline availability, route availability, security conditions, local regulations, border transit delays, or remote delivery locations.

Using Routely means you benefit from Routely’s AI-enabled automated shipping system which helps support faster processing, smoother shipping experience, and up to 70% faster customs clearance processing time. This helps your shipment, all things being equal, move faster and stay within the estimated delivery timeline.

Can You Track Your Shipment to Colombia?

Yes.

When you ship with Routely, you can monitor the movement of your shipment from origin to destination across supported shipping routes whether Express, Air Cargo, or Sea Cargo.

Routely allows shipment tracking and visibility updates to help you stay informed while your shipment is in transit.

However, do note that:

• Customs inspections may sometimes affect tracking updates

• Customs authorities may contact the receiver for additional information or charges before release

• Tracking update frequency may vary depending on the shipping route or carrier handling the shipment

Before Shipping to Colombia — Important Things to Know

Before shipping:

• Describe your item correctly

• Declare the correct value

• Confirm the receiver’s phone number and address

• Keep invoices or receipts if available

• Check restricted items before shipping

• Confirm whether the route selected already includes customs duty coverage where available

Colombian customs regularly checks commercial shipments and may request supporting invoices or proof of payment. Cosmetics, food products, herbal products, skincare items, and business inventory should always be declared accurately with detailed descriptions.

Using Routely helps simplify international shipping, assists with generally required shipping documentation, and enable compliance, helping reduce common shipping mistakes.

This helps reduce delays and customs problems.

Can I Ship from Colombia to Nigeria?

Yes.

You can also send packages from Colombia to Nigeria with Routely depending on the shipment type, shipping route, and route availability.

Routely supports import shipping into Nigeria through supported Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo routes from many countries worldwide. You can import virtually anything from Colombia to Nigeria including:

• Personal Items

• Gifts

• Personal packages

• Supplier shipments

• Business inventory

• Online orders

• Commercial imports

• Fashion items

• Ready-to-wear clothes

• Kaftans and native wears

• Human hair, wigs, and hair extensions

• Synthetic hair, wigs, and hair extensions

• Shoes, bags, and fashion accessories

• Skincare and beauty products

• Makeup products

• Nigerian-made products returning to Nigeria

• Foodstuff and packaged food items

• Phones and electronics

• Machinery and equipment

• Household items

Many Nigerian businesses and online vendors also use Routely to import goods from Colombia into Nigeria for resale, personal use, business operations, or customer fulfillment.

To check available shipping options from Colombia to Nigeria, simply visit → https://ship.routely.co

Common Questions About Importing from Colombia to Nigeria

• Can someone send me a package from Colombia to Nigeria?

• Can I import goods from Colombia to Nigeria?

• Can my suppliers ship from Colombia to me in Nigeria?

• Can I buy products from Colombia and ship them to Nigeria?

• Can I receive cargo from Colombia in Nigeria?

• Can I import Colombian coffee products into Nigeria?

• Can I import fashion items from Colombia?

• Can I import skincare products or cosmetics from Colombia?

• Can I import machinery and industrial products from Colombia?

• Can I import food products from Colombia?

Yes.

Routely supports import shipping into Nigeria from Colombia and you can have your package delivered to your doorstep anywhere in Nigeria.

How Much and How Can I Import from Colombia to Nigeria?

How and how much to ship from Colombia to your doorstep in Nigeria is dependent on your preferences. To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options from Colombia to Nigeria and ship from Colombia to Nigeria, visit → https://ship.routely.co

Get Started | Ship Now

Shipping with Routely is simple, smooth, and stress-free.

Go to → https://ship.routely.co to ship anything from anywhere in Nigeria to Colombia or from Colombia to your doorstep, anywhere in Nigeria.