Colombia FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: How do I obtain information on the Colombian market?
A: The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia identifies the industry sectors that offer the most potential for U.S. products and services, and prepares the Country Commercial Guide (CCG) every year. If you would like to receive market intelligence about export opportunities for your particular product or service, CS Colombia can conduct customized market research for your firm.
Q: Which industry sectors offer the best opportunities?
A: The Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG) lists the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment in Colombia. Access the section Doing Business in Colombia for the short standalone articles that make this comprehensive report.
Aside from the best prospect sectors, U.S. firms should also be aware of opportunities in other sectors of the Colombian economy. Contact us for information on the market of opportunities for your particular product or service.
Q: How do I find Colombian buyers/distributors/representatives?
A: The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia provides many services to help U.S. companies identify potential Colombian partners. Our business matchmaking services are designed to help you locate, screen, and meet with potential buyers, representatives, distributors, and joint venture partners.
Q: How do I establish a company in Colombia?
A: Foreign and domestic investors have free and equal rights to establish and own businesses in Colombia, or to acquire and dispose of interest in businesses without discrimination. An individual must be appointed as the company’s legal representative, but assignment of capital to a branch office is not necessary.
You will find further information about establishing a company in Colombia in the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG) in the section Selling U.S. Products and Services.
Q: Do any import restrictions apply to my product?
A: You will find a summary of the most important Colombian import regulations and import restrictions in the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), section Customs, Regulations and Standards.
If you need counseling from an expert in customs issues, contact us to request a list of Colombian customs brokers. Please be advised that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.
Q: Which safety regulations and standards apply to my product?
A: You will find information about safety regulations and standards in the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), section Customs, Regulations and Standards.
Q: Where can I obtain financial/commercial references for a Colombian company?
A: The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia can investigate the capabilities, legitimacy and financial strength of your potential Colombian business partners through an International Company Profile (Full and Partial). The report will contain available sales, profit figures, potential liabilities, and other financial information.
Q: Where can I find a list of business hotels in Colombia?
A: For information on hotels in Colombia, please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with the information you need for a successful business trip.
Q: How can I obtain a list of trade shows in Colombia?
A: Participating in local trade shows is an excellent way to contact Colombian potential buyers and to gain market exposure. Every year U.S. Commercial Service Colombia supports a number of trade shows and events carefully selected by its team of country experts. For more information on local trade shows, please contact us.
Q: Can USCS help me resolve a complaint against a Colombian company?
A: If your firm is having difficulties with a Colombian company, please feel free to contact us and provide detailed information about the situation, contact data, and documented proof of unsuccessful attempts at resolving the problem. We will analyze your case and provide assistance accordingly. Please be advised that the Embassy, by its own initiative, does not intervene in questions arising from private transactions. It does however, attempt to clarify misunderstandings.
Q: Where can I find a list of law firms in Colombia?
A: If you need legal advice, please contact us. We can provide you with a list of the major law firms located in Colombia. Please take into account that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.
Q: How do I find Colombian suppliers?
A: The U.S. Commercial Service does not help U.S. companies find foreign suppliers. ProColombia this is the Colombian government office that supports Colombian exporters.
Q: Where can I find a list of U.S. companies based in Colombia?
A: The American Chamber of Commerce in Colombia and the Colombian Embassy in the United States can provide you with the names of U.S. companies established in Colombia.
Q: Where can I find the list of Colombian companies that are in the U.S. economic sanctions list?
A: Release of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List Search Tool.
Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has released an online search application called, “SDN Search” on its website which allows persons to more easily search if the name of an individual or company in Colombia or anywhere in the world is on one of our U.S. economic sanctions list (such as terrorists, narcotics traffickers, weapons proliferators, or front companies for Iran, Sudan, Burma, or any one of the over 30 U.S. sanctions programs maintained by Treasury’s OFAC). This application provides an online interface to search the SDN list across several criteria. These results are viewable on-screen, are printable, and can be saved as a spreadsheet.