Colombia Targets Shein, Temu, and Amazon in New Tax Plan - ColombiaOne.com

ColombiaOne.com Business Colombia Targets Shein, Temu, and Amazon in New Tax Plan Colombia Targets Shein, Temu, and Amazon in New Tax Plan C By Mauricio Romero - October 29, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The country is preparing to tighten its tax rules for international e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Amazon. Credit: Focal Foto CC NC 2. Colombia ’s government plans to review taxes on international shopping platforms to protect local businesses, but the proposed changes have yet to be detailed. Colombia is preparing to tighten its tax rules for international e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Amazon , in a move aimed at reducing what the government considers an unfair competitive advantage over local merchants. Mauricio Gomez Amin, Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, announced that the proposed controls would be addressed through the upcoming Fiscal Adjustment Law, which the government plans to submit to Congress in the coming days. Speaking at the Gondola 2026 retail industry event organized by Fenalco, Colombia’s national federation of merchants, the minister argued that domestic businesses face a heavier financial burden because they must pay taxes, rent and other operating expenses while competing with international platforms. “It is not possible for you to pay taxes, for you to be paying rent, for you to be paying absolutely everything you have to pay, which is the burden, and for them not to,” Gomez Amin said. He emphasized the need to “level the playing field,” signaling that the government wants to review the tax treatment of international online retailers operating in Colombia. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the specific taxes, rates or regulatory changes that the legislation would introduce. Colombia taxes: The country wants to regulate Shein and Temu The announcement comes amid growing concerns among Colombian retailers about the rapid expansion of international shopping platforms offering inexpensive clothing, electronics, accessories and household products. Companies such as Shein and Temu have attracted consumers with aggressive pricing, frequent discounts and extensive product catalogs. Amazon , meanwhile, provides Colombian shoppers with access to a much broader international marketplace. For local retailers, the concern is not simply the popularity of these platforms but whether all participants in the market face comparable tax obligations. Traditional businesses must account for expenses such as commercial rent, payroll, inventory, logistics and applicable taxes. Differences in how imported goods and domestic sales are taxed can affect the final price consumers pay. In June 2026, Colombian media reported that the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce had raised concerns about potential tax advantages associated with low-value international shipments, including the use of arrangements involving goods routed through the United States. The debate highlights the complexity of applying existing customs and tax rules to an increasingly globalized online retail market. What could change for Colombian shoppers? The Fiscal Adjustment Law could lead to changes affecting the cost of purchases made through international platforms. However, it remains too early to determine whether consumers would face higher prices, additional import taxes or changes to existing exemptions. Colombia already has rules governing value-added tax (VAT), customs duties and low-value shipments. The applicable treatment can depend on factors including the value and origin of a shipment, its transport method and the relevant trade agreements. Consequently, the government’s announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation that every purchase from Shein, Temu or Amazon will automatically become more expensive. The final impact will depend on the legislation presented to Congress, its approval and the implementing regulations. For Colombian consumers, the central question is whether the government will introduce additional costs for international purchases or focus on ensuring that overseas platforms and their supply chains comply with existing obligations. Retailers call for fair competition Fenalco president Jaime Alberto Cabal has argued that domestic businesses should not be disadvantaged by differences in the rules governing local commerce and international digital platforms. The discussion also extends beyond e-commerce. During the same industry gathering, the minister agreed to review a 40% tariff applied to clothing and apparel imports, opening the possibility of reconsidering that measure following discussions with the retail sector. These issues reflect broader tensions over how Colombia should balance consumer access to affordable imported goods with the need to sustain domestic businesses, employment and tax revenues. For the government, the challenge will be to design rules that improve competitive conditions without unnecessarily restricting consumer choice or disrupting legitimate cross-border trade. When will the new rules take effect? The Fiscal Adjustment Law is expected to be submitted to Congress in the coming days, according to the minister’s announcement. Until the government publishes the bill and lawmakers debate its provisions, the precise scope and timing of any new requirements remain uncertain. The proposal could become an important development for Colombia’s retail industry and the country’s growing digital economy. It could also affect millions of consumers who increasingly rely on international platforms for affordable products. For now, the government’s message is clear: Colombia wants to examine whether international e-commerce companies are competing under conditions comparable to those faced by local merchants. The details of how it intends to achieve that objective will become clearer once the bill is formally presented. See all the latest news from Colombia and the world at ColombiaOne.com . Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow ColombiaOne on Google News, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and subscribe here to our newsletter. Facebook X WhatsApp Linkedin Copy URL Filed under: Business Colombia News Tags Amazon Colombia featured Shein Tax Temu THE LATEST IN YOUR INBOX! 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