Embassy of the United States

What is the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)?

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration. The U.S. Commercial Service is a global network of 1,800 trade professionals located in more than 250 cities worldwide, dedicated to assisting U.S. exporters and supporting U.S. business interests abroad. In the United States, the U.S. Commercial Service operates an extensive network of Export Assistance Centers that offer companies easy access and efficient response to exporting and international trade inquiries. Overseas, the Commercial Service is present in nearly 80 countries, representing more than 95 percent of the world market for U.S. exports.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia is co-located with the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. Our mission is to create jobs in the United States by advancing commercial opportunities in Colombia and strategically assisting firms export U.S. products and services. Commercial Service Colombia has developed many services designed specifically to assist companies such as yours do business in Colombia.

Who does the USCS serve?

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) primarily serves exporters of U.S. goods and services, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. We have a global network of professional consultants in nearly 300 domestic and overseas offices. Our in-depth counseling includes specific information to help you market your products and services in the global market.

The U.S. Commercial Service Colombia staff provides a combination of cost-effective basic and customized services to help you obtain market information, participate in trade events, and identify potential partners.

Our commercial specialists have extensive local market expertise and can provide you with comprehensive market analysis and matchmaking assistance in all industries.

We also help Colombian companies source U.S. suppliers and import U.S. goods and services.

How do I obtain information on the Colombian market?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia identifies the industry sectors that offer the most potential for U.S. products and services, and prepares market research reports on an on-going basis. If you would like to receive market intelligence about export opportunities for your particular product or service, CS Colombia can conduct customized market research for your firm.

Which industry sectors offer the best opportunities?

The Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG) lists the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investment in Colombia. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in Colombia for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Aside from the best prospect sectors, U.S. firms should also be aware of opportunities in other sectors of the Colombian economy. Contact us for information on the market of opportunities for your particular product or service.

How do I find Colombian buyers/distributors/representatives?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia provides many services to help U.S. companies identify potential Colombian partners. Our business matchmaking services are designed to help you locate, screen, and meet with potential buyers, representatives, distributors, and joint venture partners.

Does Colombia import my product? How much? Who are the major potential buyers?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia uses a variety of resources, including in-country databases and local expertise, to provide you with import statistics and a list of the top ten potential importers for your product.

Please complete this New Client Data Form. The information you provide on this short form will help us to better understand your company and its needs. It will also allow us to include your company in our client database, which will enable us to contact you should any business opportunities arise in the future. Our databases are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), so please include the corresponding NAICS code for the product/service you are interested in exporting to Colombia or that which best describes your business. To search NAICS, please visit the official U.S. Government NAICS web site: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

How do I establish a company in Colombia?

Foreign and domestic investors have free and equal rights to establish and own businesses in Colombia, or to acquire and dispose of interest in businesses without discrimination. An individual must be appointed as the company's legal representative, but assignment of capital to a branch office is not necessary.

You will find further information about establishing a company in Colombia in Chapter 3 of the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), which deals with Selling U.S. Products and Services. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in Colombia for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Do any import restrictions apply to my product?

You will find a summary of the most important Colombian import regulations and import restrictions in Chapter 5 of the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in Colombia for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify import duties and taxes applicable to your specific product, please complete this New Client Data Form. The information you provide on this short form will help us to better understand your company and its needs. It will also allow us to include your company in our client database, which will enable us to contact you should any business opportunities arise in the future. Our databases are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), so please include the corresponding NAICS code for the product/service you are interested in exporting to Colombia or that which best describes your business. To search NAICS, please visit the official U.S. Government NAICS web site: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

If you need counseling from an expert in customs issues, contact us to request a list of Colombian customs brokers. Please be advised that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

Which safety regulations and standards apply to my product?

You will find information about safety regulations and standards in Chapter 5 of the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Trade Regulations and Standards. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in Colombia for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

If you would like to identify the standards applicable to your specific product, please complete this New Client Data Form. The information you provide on this short form will help us to better understand your company and its needs. It will also allow us to include your company in our client database, which will enable us to contact you should any business opportunities arise in the future. Our databases are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), so please include the corresponding NAICS code for the product/service you are interested in exporting to Colombia or that which best describes your business. To search NAICS, please visit the official U.S. Government NAICS web site: http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

Where can I obtain financial/commercial references for a Colombian company?

The U.S. Commercial Service in Colombia can investigate the capabilities, legitimacy and financial strength of your potential Colombian business partners. Our report will contain available sales, profit figures, potential liabilities, and other financial information. Learn more...

Where can I find a list of business hotels in Colombia?

For information on hotels in Colombia, please contact us. We will be happy to provide you with the information you need for a successful business trip.

How can I obtain a list of trade shows in Colombia?

Participating in local trade shows is an excellent way to contact Colombian potential buyers and to gain market exposure. Every year U.S. Commercial Service Colombia supports a number of trade shows and events carefully selected by its team of country experts. Click here to view the current list of local events.

Where can I find a list of business publications to promote my products?

Advertising in local trade publications is an excellent way to gain market exposure for your product or service in Colombia. You will find a brief list of the leading Colombian newspapers and business magazines Chapter 3 of the Colombia Country Commercial Guide (CCG), Selling U.S. Products and Services. Access Chapter 1: Doing Business in Colombia for a brief synopsis of the information contained in this comprehensive report.

Please contact us for a list of business publications in your specific industry sector. We can supply detailed information, such as the publisher contact data, circulation, frequency, advertising rates, and more.

Can USCS help me resolve a complaint against a Colombian company?

If your firm is having difficulties with a Colombian company, please feel free to contact us and provide detailed information about the situation, contact data, and documented proof of unsuccessful attempts at resolving the problem. We will analyze your case and provide assistance accordingly.

Please be advised that the Embassy, by its own initiative, does not intervene in questions arising from private transactions. It does however, attempt to clarify misunderstandings.

I need legal advice. Where can I find a list of law firms in Colombia?

If you need legal advice, please contact us. We can provide you with a list of the major law firms located in Colombia. Please take into account that the listing of a firm does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Commerce or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

How do I find information about exporting my agricultural products?

You will find information about "Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards-FAIRS" in the Foreign Agricultural Service home page http://www.fas.usda.gov/ . If you need additional information or assistance, you will find a live link to the web site of the Foreign Agricultural Service in Colombia here.

How do I find Colombian suppliers?

The U.S. Commercial Service does not help U.S. companies find foreign suppliers. Proexport is the Colombian government office that supports Colombian exporters.

Where can I find a list of U.S. companies based in Colombia?

The American Chamber of Commerce in Colombia and the Colombian Embassy in the United States can provide you with the names of U.S. companies established in Colombia.

If you have additional questions, please contact FCS, call us at (571) 275-2519 or fax us at (571) 275-4575.