Colombia is currently one of the most EV-favorable import markets anywhere in Latin America. Under Colombia's national electromobility law (Law 1964 and subsequent decrees), qualifying fully-electric vehicles benefit from a 0% import duty and a reduced 5% VAT rate, compared to the standard 19% VAT applied to most other vehicle categories. For non-electric or non-qualifying vehicles, the picture is very different: used-vehicle duty runs closer to 35%, and used commercial passenger-vehicle import is generally prohibited outright. In practice, this makes Colombia a market where the EV incentive is the headline story for anyone importing a BYD.

Colombia Duty, VAT and Age-Limit Facts

  • Qualifying fully-electric vehicles: 0% import duty under national electromobility law
  • Used-vehicle duty (non-qualifying): approximately 35%
  • VAT for qualifying EVs: reduced to 5% (vs. standard 19% for other vehicle categories)
  • Used commercial passenger-vehicle import: generally prohibited
  • EV note: 0% tariff + 5% VAT for qualifying pure-EVs under Law 1964 is one of the strongest EV import incentives in the region
  • Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
  • Steering configuration: left-hand drive (LHD)

How the Landed Cost Formula Works for a Qualifying EV

Applying the standard formula with Colombia's EV rates: FOB price + $1,450 fixed freight + insurance (1.1% of FOB) + import duty (0% x CIF for a qualifying EV) + VAT (5% x (CIF + duty)) + $650 fixed clearance = Total Landed Cost.

Worked illustration using an indicative FOB of $22,000 for a qualifying fully-electric model (illustrative only):

  • FOB price: $22,000
  • Freight (fixed): $1,450
  • Insurance (1.1% of FOB): $242
  • CIF value: $23,692
  • Import duty (0% for qualifying EV): $0
  • VAT (5% x CIF, i.e. 5% x $23,692): $1,185
  • Customs clearance (fixed): $650
  • Estimated Total Landed Cost: approximately $25,527

Compare that to what a non-qualifying combustion vehicle would carry at 19% VAT and applicable duty — the EV pathway can save several thousand dollars on an order of this size, which is why confirming that a specific BYD model qualifies as a fully-electric vehicle under Colombian law is the single most important step before ordering.

Why Qualification Confirmation Matters

The 0%/5% treatment applies specifically to vehicles classified as fully electric under the relevant Colombian tariff schedule — plug-in hybrids and other electrified-but-not-fully-electric categories may not qualify for the same treatment. Since BYD's export lineup includes both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models, it's worth confirming the exact classification of the model you're ordering with a licensed Colombian customs broker before finalizing your budget.

What This Means Compared to Other Latin American Markets

Colombia's combined 0% duty and 5% VAT for qualifying EVs is meaningfully more favorable than the general rates seen in Mexico or Chile, and it stands out even against Peru's FTA-driven 0% duty because Peru's 18% IGV still applies in full. For a fleet buyer or dealer comparing several Latin American destinations for the same electric BYD model, Colombia's total tax burden on a qualifying unit is likely to come out lowest of the group — provided the specific model and shipment documentation clearly support fully-electric classification at the point of entry.

Documentation for a Colombia EV Order

Beyond the standard commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, a Colombian EV import file typically needs technical documentation confirming the vehicle's fully-electric powertrain classification to support the preferential duty and VAT treatment. Your Colombian customs broker will confirm the exact certificate or technical datasheet format required for the specific BYD model in your order.

Shipping Timeline to Colombia

Sea freight to Colombian ports typically runs 38-50 days transit, in line with the broader Latin America range, plus local port clearance time.

Rates shown are indicative only — always confirm current duty, VAT and any EV incentives with a licensed customs broker in-country before ordering.

BYD Global Export is an independent export trading company and is not an authorized dealer or representative of BYD Auto Co., Ltd.

To confirm EV qualification for your chosen model and get a full landed cost quote for Colombia, reach out via WhatsApp.