Market
Green tea in Colombia is supplied through a mix of imports and small-scale domestic tea cultivation, with trade commonly captured under HS 0902 (tea, whether or not flavoured). Market access for imported tea is shaped by INVIMA oversight for foods and the requirement to obtain an import “visto bueno” through VUCE prior to arrival and nationalization. For packaged products, Spanish labeling rules apply; however, Resolution 810 of 2021 explicitly lists tea (and tea extracts) without added ingredients among products excepted from nutrition labeling requirements. The product is shelf-stable and typically moves via sea freight to Colombian ports followed by importer-led distribution into modern retail, specialty stores, and foodservice.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with small-scale domestic production
Domestic RoleShelf-stable beverage infusion product for retail and foodservice; some use as an ingredient input for blending and beverage formulations
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImport clearance can be blocked or significantly delayed if VUCE filing and INVIMA “visto bueno” (and the applicable INVIMA sanitary authorization category) are not completed correctly prior to arrival, or if labeling does not meet Colombian requirements for the specific product presentation.Confirm whether the SKU is under INVIMA scope and complete VUCE visto bueno before shipment; verify whether the product requires registro/permiso/notificación sanitaria; validate Spanish labeling and keep a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to importer-of-record procedures.
Phytosanitary MediumDepending on product form and risk categorization, ICA may require a DRFI/permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country; missing or mismatched phytosanitary documentation can prevent nationalization.Query ICA SISPAP for the specific product form and origin, obtain DRFI when required (valid for a limited period and typically for a single shipment), and ensure origin phytosanitary certification matches DRFI conditions.
Documentation Gap MediumHS misclassification (e.g., incorrect subheading for green tea vs other tea presentations) or inconsistent commercial documents (invoice, packing list, transport document) can trigger holds, reprocessing, or additional inspections.Run a pre-clearance classification and document consistency review (HS 0902 with correct subheading; weights/units/packaging aligned across documents) before booking freight.
Logistics LowPort dwell time and inland transport disruptions can extend lead times and increase storage costs; while green tea is shelf-stable, extended exposure to humidity during delays can degrade quality.Use moisture-protective liners and desiccants where appropriate, select reliable port/warehouse partners, and build schedule buffers for peak congestion or disruption periods.
FAQ
What is the key pre-arrival step to import green tea into Colombia when it falls under INVIMA control?For products under INVIMA scope, the importer typically needs to obtain INVIMA’s import “visto bueno” through the VUCE platform prior to the cargo’s arrival and nationalization, and ensure the applicable INVIMA sanitary authorization category is in place.
Does plain green tea sold in packages require a nutrition label in Colombia?Resolution 810 of 2021 sets nutrition and front-of-pack labeling rules for packaged foods, but it explicitly lists tea (including tea extracts) without added ingredients among the exceptions from nutrition labeling requirements.
When would phytosanitary documentation be required for importing tea into Colombia?ICA indicates that plants and plant products may require phytosanitary import requirements (including a DRFI/permit and an origin phytosanitary certificate) depending on the product’s risk categorization, while products sufficiently processed to pose no phytosanitary risk may be excepted; importers should confirm the specific requirement in ICA’s SISPAP for the product form and origin.