Market
Fresh cherry in Colombia is an import-dependent fruit segment where recorded supply is driven by inbound shipments. UN Comtrade data via WITS show Colombia imported 149,441 kg of fresh cherries (HS 080920) in 2023, valued at 1,014.30 (thousand USD), with Chile as the main supplier and the United States as a secondary supplier. Market access is governed by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) phytosanitary import requirements, including (as applicable) obtaining a Documento de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para Importación (DRFI) through SISPAP prior to shipment and presenting a phytosanitary certificate from the origin authority aligned to the DRFI. On arrival, the importer requests ICA inspection and issuance (or denial) of the Certificado Fitosanitario para Nacionalización (CFN) to proceed with customs nationalization with DIAN.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Risks
Phytosanitary HighMarket access can be blocked by ICA phytosanitary controls: shipments may be delayed, rejected, or denied CFN if documentation and inspection outcomes do not meet ICA import requirements; ICA also indicates it may annul DRFI validity upon the appearance of quarantine pests for Colombia in the exporting country.Before contracting and shipping, confirm whether a DRFI is required for fresh cherries and obtain it via SISPAP; align the origin phytosanitary certificate to DRFI measures; implement pre-shipment inspection and pest-control documentation to reduce non-compliance risk.
Documentation Gap MediumDocumentation gaps or inconsistencies (e.g., missing DRFI when required, phytosanitary certificate not aligned to required measures, or incomplete shipping docs such as BL/AWB and invoice/packing list) can trigger inspection delays and clearance disruption at the PAPF.Use an ICA-aligned pre-shipment document checklist and reconcile product identity, origin, and measures across DRFI, phytosanitary certificate, invoice/packing list, and transport documents.
Regulatory Compliance MediumTiming and validity constraints can disrupt trade planning: ICA states the DRFI is valid for 90 calendar days and for a single shipment, so late departures, rollovers, or split shipments can create compliance gaps.Synchronize booking and dispatch windows to DRFI validity; re-issue DRFI when shipment timing or configuration changes.
Logistics MediumFresh cherries are highly perishable and clearance-time sensitive; any delay (including inspection scheduling and port/airport congestion) increases quality loss and shrink risk.Plan refrigerated handling end-to-end, include temperature monitoring, and coordinate arrival/inspection logistics to minimize dwell time at the PAPF.
FAQ
Which countries supplied Colombia's fresh cherry imports in 2023?UN Comtrade data presented via WITS shows Colombia imported fresh cherries (HS 080920) mainly from Chile (US$838.02k; 124,931 kg) and also from the United States (US$176.28k; 24,510 kg) in 2023.
What documents are typically needed to import fresh cherries into Colombia?ICA indicates imports of regulated plant products may require a Documento de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para Importación (DRFI) obtained before shipment (when required), plus a phytosanitary certificate from the origin authority. For inspection at the port/airport/border post, ICA also lists shipping documents (e.g., Bill of Lading or air waybill with manifest) and commercial documents (invoice and/or packing list), and the importer requests ICA inspection and the Certificado Fitosanitario para Nacionalización (CFN) via SISPAP.