CO · Sourcing guide

Source from
Colombia.

Fast fashion shapewear — 14 days to Rotterdam

Medellin is the Fashion Capital of Latin America, home to 200+ shapewear and activewear manufacturers with advanced seamless knitting technology. The Cartagena direct route to Rotterdam (MSC) delivers in just 14 days — the fastest Atlantic transit in this matrix. Colombia operates under the EU-Colombia FTA (not Mercosur) with partial Rules of Origin eligibility.

14-18 days

Transit to Rotterdam

Exempt

EUDR scope

Seamless tech

Speciality

21-45 days

Avg lead time

EUDR status.

How EU Deforestation Regulation applies to Colombia exports.

EUDR Status

EXEMPT

Nylon, elastane, and synthetic fibers are outside EUDR scope. No geo-polygon or DDS required for Colombian textile and apparel.

Tariff comparison.

Before and after the FTA rate reduction.

Tariff Comparison

HS CodeProductMFN RateEU FTA Rate
621210Shapewear & bodysuits6.5%0%
611241Swimwear, synthetic12%0%
611120Activewear, cotton12%0%
621190Technical garments6.5%0%

* Preferential rates apply to goods meeting Rules of Origin requirements. Importers are responsible for declaring correct origin and filing EUR.1 certificates at customs.

0% Tariff — In Effect Since 2013 (EU-Colombia FTA)

Colombia benefits from the EU-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in August 2013. Most apparel and textile products are 0% from day one — no phase-out schedule required. Rules of Origin: single transformation applies for Colombian garments. Importers are responsible for providing proof of origin at customs.

Logistics to Rotterdam.

Port, transit time, and tax ID format.

Origin Port

Port of Cartagena

Transit Time

14-18 days to Rotterdam (MSC direct)

Tax ID Format

NIT (Colombia)

What Colombia exports.

Product categories and available certifications.

Product Categories

  • Shapewear & Compression
  • Activewear
  • Swimwear
  • Lingerie
  • Seamless Knit

Certifications

  • GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
  • OEKO-TEX
  • Inexmoda member
  • ISO 9001

Why source from Colombia.

The competitive advantages that make Colombia a strategic sourcing origin.

Fastest transit in the LATAM matrix: 14-18 days Cartagena → Rotterdam via MSC direct service

EU-Colombia FTA: 0% preferential rate since 2013 — no tariff phase-in wait

Medellin seamless tech: advanced circular knitting for shapewear and compression garments

EUDR-exempt across all categories — nylon and elastane are outside EUDR scope

Inexmoda accreditation provides pre-vetted supplier network with export compliance experience

Featured suppliers.

Verified manufacturers available through Merco in Colombia.

Leonisa Export

Medellín

Shapewear & intimate apparel

Capacity500,000 units/mo
CertsOEKO-TEX · ISO 9001 · Inexmoda
Merco Verified

Index Sport Colombia

Medellín

Seamless activewear & compression

Capacity200,000 units/mo
CertsGRS · Inexmoda
Merco Verified

Aguila Swimwear

Cartagena

Swimwear & beachwear

Capacity80,000 units/mo
CertsOEKO-TEX · Inexmoda
Merco Verified

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