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Importing exotic cars into Colombia - clarification on rules

There have been some recent posts on importing exotic/used cars. As someone who has investigated this thoroughly in the past, I would like to provide you all with some clarification.

1) No used cars can be imported unless the car can be classified as a Classic and pre 1973 (as at 2008 - could be 1974 now that we are in 2009)
2) A list of approved Classic cars is maintained by the Minsitry of Transport and is compiled in conjunction with the Federacion Colombiana de Clubes de Autos Antiguos y Clasicos
3) I have asked for a copy of the list, but they will not provide one. They can just confirm as to whether your desired import is on the list or not.
4) If your desired import is not on the list, you can lobby for inclusion - GOOD LUCK!!!!
5) If you manage to get approval, import tax on classic cars is only 5%

My advice, don't even try to import an exotic modern car for the following reasons:
1) They will not allow you to
2) If they say that you might be able to, the chances are your car will be stuck at the port and not allowed to ente
3) Parts for these cars (except Porsche) are not possible to buy in Colombia and importing them requires a special import license in many cases
4) There are no workshops with up-to-date diagnostic equipment for Ferrari or Lamborghini. A friend of mine has an F40 in Medellin and can only get basic servicing done - he uses the BMW workshop.

Best wishes
MDF

By medefockinllin on Feb 11, 2009, 04:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

Gator says on Feb 11, 2009, 07:23:

1) No used cars can be imported unless the car can be classified as a Classic and pre 1973 (as at 2008 - could be 1974 now that we are in 2009)

That determination is made on a case by case basis and is a minimum of 25-years old

2) A list of approved Classic cars is maintained by the Minsitry of Transport and is compiled in conjunction with the Federacion Colombiana de Clubes de Autos Antiguos y Clasicos

There is no list, per se. Determination is a case by case basis. The input from the Colombia Auto Club is one factor-there are other that are used.

My advice, don't even try to import an exotic modern car for the following reasons:

Agree with your conclusons

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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jdixon150 says on Feb 11, 2009, 08:51:

As for the Ferrari, having driven one in florida for 2 years and knowing all the prblems with speed bumps and grades, I cant even imagine what it be like in Medellin.

"Life is not a dress rehearsal" Rose Tremain..

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dwmte7 says on Feb 11, 2009, 08:57:

my thoughts exactly......my years in bev hills and west hollywood and the like made me full familiar with boxers, ss, diablos, et al and i was thinkingto myself, HA! what street do you drive one of those 'low boys' on. fantastic if if never moves more than six feet....beyond that,with about 3-4 inches ground clearance, forget it.

maybe one of you who knows the medallo area and the outskirts better than me could point out where that road is. you can pan out in a mercedes. a lamb? never.

patriarch

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lampltr says on Feb 11, 2009, 15:17:

Gator is correct 100%
Was recently investigating my options for importing and spoke with Porsche Club of Colombia who stated the same. Desire an import of a new "Exotic" no problem and is allowed, but may sit in holding for awhile until one pays the 35% Tax & 35% import fee's on top of what you paid for the exotic to begin with hehe.

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vicshere says on Feb 25, 2009, 09:46:

you would wreck your car here in Bucaramanga where some speed bumps are 6 inchs high

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