North Carga SAS, Globalia member in Bogota, Colombia, has announced an important update regarding new customs regulations issued by the Colombian Customs Authority. This new decree, issued on May 22, mandates that all air and sea shipments arriving in Colombia must have an advance declaration submitted 72 hours prior to arrival. This report outlines the details of the decree and provides insights from Michelle Camargo, Corporate Business Director at North Carga SAS.
New requirements for shipment documentation
Under the new decree, all shipments to Colombia must be accompanied by complete documentation, including final House Bill of Lading (HBL) and Master Bill of Lading (MBL) releases, no later than the day of departure from the origin. While the decree is not yet in effect, implementation is expected to begin in October. To ensure compliance, North Carga SAS will begin trial runs this month.
Key provisions of the decree
Michelle Camargo, Corporate Business Director of North Carga, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the decree’s provisions to avoid substantial penalties. “We are committed to aligning our processes with the new regulations to avoid any disruptions or penalties,” she stated. “The penalty for non-compliance is approximately USD 5000 per House Air Waybill (HAWB) or HBL.”
The decree specifies that HAWB, MAWB, MBL, and HBL numbers must remain consistent and must not change. Additionally, cargo must be labeled with a serial number when applicable. Any approved changes to these numbers must be promptly reported, detailing the specific alterations made. Lastly, cargo release and issuance must occur at the time of departure or up to five days prior to arrival.
Detailed Reporting Requirements
The following fields must be accurately reported in the advance declaration:
- Total quantity of pieces
- Total gross weight in weight measurement unit (kg)
- Description of merchandise
- NCM (Mercosur Common Nomenclature)
- CBM (cubic meters)
- Total freight value
- Freight payment form (CC/CP)
Preparing for Implementation
North Carga SAS is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with the new decree. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation in adapting to these new requirements,” Michelle Camargo noted. “We will remain vigilant for any updates regarding the implementation of the decree and ensure that our processes are fully compliant.”
The company is preparing its team and systems to handle the advance declaration process efficiently. This preparation includes conducting trials to refine their procedures and mitigate any potential issues before the decree comes into full effect.
Conclusion
The new decree by the Colombian Customs Authority represents a significant change in the documentation and reporting requirements for shipments arriving in Colombia. North Carga SAS is dedicated to ensuring compliance and minimizing disruptions for its clients. With thorough preparation and cooperation from all stakeholders, the transition to these new regulations can be managed smoothly and effectively.
For further information and updates on the implementation of this decree, please contact North Carga SAS.