International Package Forwarding: the Easiest Way to Shop from the U.S. and Europe and Receive in Colombia
Shop in the U.S. and Europe, receive in Colombia — fast, safe, and fully tracked
In this guide:
🌍 What is international package forwarding?
An international package forwarder (also called a virtual mailbox or global shipping service) gives you a personal address in countries like the U.S. or Spain. You shop online, use that address as your delivery address, and the forwarding company receives, consolidates, and ships your packages to Colombia.
Key benefit: you can shop at stores that don't ship to Colombia and manage everything from a single dashboard.
📦 How does it work? Step by step
- Open your mailbox: you receive a personal address in the U.S. or Europe.
- Shop online: use your mailbox address as the delivery destination at any online store.
- Package reception: the forwarder logs your shipments with photos, weight, and contents.
- Consolidation and repackaging: combine multiple packages into one to save on freight.
- Shipping: choose air or sea freight based on urgency and budget.
- Customs clearance and delivery in Colombia: the company handles nationalization and final delivery.
💰 Taxes and costs to consider
- 19% VAT on the CIF value (product + freight + insurance).
- Import duties based on the product's tariff classification (clothing, electronics, cosmetics, etc.).
- Additional fees: repackaging, handling, storage, or optional insurance.
Tip: always declare the real value and keep your invoice to avoid holds or penalties from the DIAN (Colombian customs authority).
✅ Key benefits
1. Global access
Shop at stores that don't ship to Colombia and access exclusive products from the U.S. and Europe.
2. Freight savings
Consolidate packages and cut costs through reduced weight and volume.
3. Transparency and control
Review photos, weights, and package status from your dashboard before the shipment departs.
4. Speed and reliability
We work with leading carriers: DHL, UPS, FedEx.
5. Better prices
Take advantage of sales and promotions at origin — often enough to offset import duties.
6. Expert support
Sair Envíos assists you with documentation, DIAN declarations, and real-time tracking.
⚠️ Challenges and limitations
- Variable transit times: during peak seasons or customs congestion, shipments may take longer.
- Documentation requirements: errors in invoices or declared values can trigger DIAN holds.
- Additional costs: storage, repackaging, or unexpected import duties.
- Damage or loss risk: insuring your packages is strongly recommended.
- Restrictions: batteries, liquids, food, and certain products may require permits or be prohibited.
🚀 Sair Envíos: your forwarding partner
Everything you need to shop without borders
- Personal address in the U.S. and Europe.
- Package consolidation, photos, and repackaging.
- Import duty advisory and DIAN filing assistance.
- Air or sea shipping with insurance and real-time tracking.
🧾 Sources
- DIAN Colombia – Postal traffic and express shipments regime.
- Trade.gov / U.S. Commercial Service – Import requirements.
- Coordinadora and Envía – International package forwarding guides.
- Decree 1165 of 2019, Colombian Customs Statute.
Author: Deivyd Parra, Sair Envíos
Published: November 5, 2025