Guide for exporting olive oil to Colombia

Exporting olive oil to Colombia requires aligning the commercial proposal with the market access requirements. The Guide for exporting olive oil to Colombia offers guidance to prepare this process, from the relationship with the importer to calculating the final price and adapting labels.

Defining the segment and calculating the selling price

The guide identifies the presence of private label and manufacturer brands, with an offer that includes different ranges and prices. The references collected in chains such as Carulla, D1, Olímpica and Jumbo show differences between stores and categories. This diversity makes it necessary to specify which buyer each product is aimed at and which references it will compete with.

To assess the viability of the operation, the report distinguishes three cost blocks: acquisition, nationalisation and domestic distribution. To the product's ex-works price, international transport, insurance, customs procedures, applicable taxes and marketing costs in the country must be added.

Working out this calculation with the importer before closing the first order makes it possible to check whether the final price is consistent with the chosen segment and to agree on commercial conditions with greater precision.

Preparing the documentation with the importer

Selecting the local partner also has an administrative dimension. The guide recommends checking that the importer has the necessary business and tax documentation and defining who will manage the import procedures and the product authorisations.

On the health side, it is necessary to identify the procedure that applies before INVIMA, the Colombian authority responsible for food surveillance. This body differentiates between registration, permit and health notification depending on the product classification. Oils and fats intended for human consumption also have a specific technical regulation. 

The report also emphasises the holder of the health authorisation. Agreeing on this aspect from the outset helps anticipate how possible changes of importer or extensions of distribution will be managed. The commercial invoice, the packing list and the origin documentation are other elements that should be prepared in a coordinated way.

Adapting the label and protecting product quality

Labelling for the Colombian market must be reviewed before preparing the shipment. The guide covers aspects such as product identification, oil category, origin, manufacturer and importer details, contents, batch and information on the product's shelf life.

This review also affects certifications and organic production claims. The report warns that companies must check the recognition conditions of the seals used in Catalonia before incorporating them into the commercial presentation intended for Colombia.

Packaging and transport also serve a preservation function. The document highlights the need to protect the oil from light, air and high temperatures, factors to be considered both during the international journey and in storage and distribution.

Planning samples and the logistics route

Sending commercial samples is a step that also requires documentary preparation. Before shipping product for a presentation or purchase evaluation, it is advisable to agree with the importer on the purpose, quantities and applicable requirements.

As regards logistics, the guide points to Cartagena and Buenaventura as sea options to consider depending on the final destination of the goods. By air, it highlights Bogotá as an entry point for operations with national distribution.

The guide helps order the decisions prior to export and identify the issues to be resolved with the commercial partner. The economic data it contains correspond to 2025; therefore, the budget for each operation must be based on up-to-date costs, rates and requirements.