COSourcing 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

EXEMPT

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

Tariff Comparison — Before & After FTA

HS Code	Product	MFN Rate	EU FTA Rate
621210	Shapewear & bodysuits	6.5%	0%
611241	Swimwear, synthetic	12%	0%
611120	Activewear, cotton	12%	0%
621190	Technical garments	6.5%	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

Origin Port

Port of Cartagena

Transit Time

14-18 days to Rotterdam (MSC direct)

Tax ID Format

NIT (Colombia)

Product Categories

Shapewear & Compression
Activewear
Swimwear
Lingerie
Seamless Knit

Available Certifications

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

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