This year, the DIAN updated some of the rules governing foreign trade operations from Colombia. And, as is often the case when regulations change, questions, comments, and some myths have also emerged: that exporting is now more complicated, that these rules only affect large companies, or that the new changes increase the risk of fines.
At Ágilex, we work every day with entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, and e-commerce companies that ship their products around the world, so we’re very familiar with the most common questions. Here, we’ll tell you straight up what’s true and what isn’t.
Myth 1: «Exporting is only for large companies»
False: Any individual with a RUT can export from Colombia. You don’t need a foreign trade department or a large-scale operation; today, small brands, online stores, and startups are doing it. The process has clear steps, and with the right guidance, it’s much more accessible than it seems.
Myth 2: «The DIAN’s new rules are designed to impose more penalties»
False: The DIAN’s new sanctions regulations do strengthen oversight of foreign trade, but they also offer benefits to compliant businesses: fewer grounds for sanctions and the opportunity to correct errors in a timely manner. For those who export correctly, the change is more of a safeguard than a threat.
Myth 3: «If my shipment is small, none of the rules apply.»
False: It does apply. The value or size of the shipment does not exempt it from complying with the relevant documentation and requirements; what changes is the specific procedure, not the obligation to do it correctly. The United States, for example, adjusted its conditions for low-value packages, so today even small shipments must be in compliance. The advantage is that Colombia has trade agreements that make it easier to ship to various countries without paying high tariffs, provided the shipment is handled correctly.
Myth 4: «Other countries» rules aren’t my problem”
False: They are. Sometimes the country you're shipping to adjusts its own entry requirements, and that can cause delays even if everything is in order in Colombia. That's why it's helpful to have a logistics partner who can provide you with personalized guidance throughout the international shipping process.
What You Really Need to Know
With so many changes, it’s not about memorizing decrees or laws. What makes the difference is having clarity on three points: what documents your shipment needs, what costs apply, and who is guiding you through the process. The rest is taken care of with the right guidance.
How Ágilex Makes It Easy for You
You don't need to become an expert in customs regulations to export successfully. At Ágilex, we take care of that for you:
- Expert guidance for every shipment, so your documentation is correct from the start.
- International payment processing, so you can collect payment for your global sales and receive the funds in Colombia seamlessly.
- Shipping with taxes included to the United States, Mexico, Ecuador, and other destinations, with real-time tracking from start to finish.
The DIAN's changes are not an obstacle if you have a clear understanding of the process and good guidance. Exporting from Colombia remains a real possibility for any business, regardless of its size.
Do you want to export but don't know where to start? Talk to an Ágilex advisor, and we'll help you work through it step by step.
