When a Package Gets Held by Customs in Colombia: DIAN, 4-72 and Import Taxes

Quick Answer: If your international shipment is delayed with a status like Retenido en aduana or Pendiente pago tributos, Colombia's tax authority (DIAN) or national postal operator (4-72) requires tax clearance or document verification. Personal shipments under USD $200 from the United States enter tax-free under the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (0% tariff, 0% IVA). Shipments under USD $200 from non-FTA countries (such as China or Europe) pay 0% tariff but incur 19% IVA. Packages valued between USD $201 and USD $2,000 incur a standard 10% tariff plus 19% IVA on the declared FOB value plus shipping and insurance. To unblock a 4-72 parcel, download your official tax liquidation letter from 4-72.com.co, pay via PSE online banking, and email your receipt, ID copy, and signed form to programacionesenvios@4-72.com.co.

Understanding Colombia's Package Import Taxes and Thresholds

When shipping personal goods, clothing, or electronics into Colombia via postal traffic or urgent delivery (tráfico postal y envíos urgentes), tax calculations depend on three factors: the declared FOB value, the origin country, and whether the items are for personal use or commercial distribution.

To qualify for postal clearance rather than formal commercial entry, a parcel must not exceed USD $2,000 in FOB value, 50 kilograms in weight, or 1.50 meters in any single dimension.

Package Category	Import Tariff	IVA	Key Requirement
US origin ≤ USD $200	0%	0%	US-Colombia FTA personal shipment
Non-FTA origin ≤ USD $200	0%	19%	Decreto 1090 tariff exemption
All origins USD $201–$2,000	10%	19%	FOB value + shipping + insurance
Commercial quantities (>6 identical units)	Varies	Varies	Formal customs entry may be required

Under Decreto 1090 de 2020 and Ley 2155 de 2021, as confirmed in DIAN Concepto 1470 de 2026, personal non-commercial orders originating in the United States valued at or under USD $200 are exempt from both import duties and IVA. Orders from non-FTA regions like China or Europe under USD $200 avoid the 10% tariff but are assessed 19% IVA.

Top Reasons DIAN Holds Packages at Customs

Tax assessment is not the only reason a package gets flagged. DIAN officers inspect manifests to enforce postal restrictions and safety requirements. Common reasons include:

• Underdeclared value or missing invoices: DIAN may halt the parcel and request evidence or revalue it.
• The 6-unit commercial rule: More than 6 identical units can move the parcel out of personal postal traffic and into formal customs entry.
• Controlled goods: Food, medicines, supplements, or cosmetics may require INVIMA authorization.
• Mobile phones: Only one phone may be imported per postal shipment, and its IMEI must appear on the waybill.

If you are sending household goods, correct local recipient details still matter. Our Colombia address and package delivery guide explains how to prevent carrier misrouting before DIAN processing.

How to Unblock a Package Held by 4-72

When 4-72 receives a parcel flagged by DIAN for tax payment, do not wait for a physical notice; monitor the guide online.

Step 1: Verify status on the official portal

Enter your 13-character tracking code in Sigue tu envío at 4-72.com.co. Look for En revisión aduanera, Retenido en aduana, or Pendiente de pago de tributos.

Step 2: Download the tax letter

Download the official Carta de liquidación de impuestos, which itemizes the tariff and IVA assessed for the shipment.

Step 3: Pay through PSE

Use 4-72's official online payment module and confirm the domain before entering banking credentials.

Step 4: Email the documents

Attach a copy of the recipient's cédula, cédula de extranjería, or passport; the payment receipt; and the signed form from the liquidation letter. Send them to programacionesenvios@4-72.com.co with the tracking number and recipient name. Release timing varies, especially when DIAN requires physical inspection or further document validation.

Unblocking Shipments with Private Couriers

DHL, FedEx, and UPS run their own brokerage workflows. Contact the courier through its official tracking page when a shipment is held; it will tell you which invoice, identity document, authorization, or tax payment is missing. Do not assume the postal 4-72 email workflow applies to a private courier.

If you ship frequently, a freight forwarder may consolidate documentation. Our casillero virtual shipping guide explains the tradeoffs between a mailbox service and direct postal traffic.

How to Spot Customs Phishing Scams

Package holds are a common hook for SMS and WhatsApp phishing. A message may claim your parcel cannot be delivered until you pay a small urgent fee through a short link.

• Check the domain: Process a 4-72 tax liquidation only through 4-72.com.co.
• Match the guide: Open tracking independently and confirm the same status and amount.
• Avoid personal accounts: Do not send customs payments to an individual's Nequi number, Western Union account, or crypto wallet.

Buying Locally vs. Importing Heavy or Restricted Goods

For specialized electronics or personal items, importing can make sense. For furniture, appliances, fitness equipment, or heavy tools, freight, tax exposure, and clearance friction can erase the advantage.

According to active Colombia Move listings dated August 2026, the mudanzas category currently has 0 active listings and 0 recent listings, a real supply gap for people seeking local logistics help.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How do I know if my package is held by customs (DIAN) in Colombia?

Track the waybill on the official 4-72 portal or your courier's website. A hold normally appears as Retenido en aduana, En revisión aduanera, or Pendiente de pago de tributos.

❓ How much import tax do I pay on a package sent to Colombia?

US-origin personal packages at or under USD $200 pay 0% tariff and 0% IVA. Non-FTA parcels at or under USD $200 pay 19% IVA; parcels from USD $201 to $2,000 generally face 10% tariff plus 19% IVA on FOB value, freight, and insurance.

❓ Why does 4-72 ask for my passport or cédula?

It verifies the recipient/importer's identity for the customs clearance record. Submit the copy only through the documented official workflow and avoid sending identity documents to unverified addresses.

❓ Can I import supplements, medicines, or cosmetics by post?

These goods may require INVIMA authorization and can be retained when the required permit is missing. Check the product and quantity before shipping instead of assuming personal use guarantees admission.

❓ How do I pay DIAN package taxes online through PSE?

Track the guide on 4-72.com.co, download the liquidation letter, use the official PSE option, and email the receipt, ID copy, and signed form to programacionesenvios@4-72.com.co.

❓ How long does 4-72 take after taxes are paid?

There is no guaranteed release time. Document validation may finish quickly, but a physical DIAN inspection or missing information can extend clearance from days to several weeks.