Colombia

Colombia legalized medical and scientific cannabis under Law 1787 of 2016, with implementing regulations in Decree 613 of 2017. Four license types: seed use, cultivation (non-psychoactive), cultivation (psychoactive), and manufacture of derivatives. Both MinJusticia and INVIMA are involved — a dual-agency system.

Critically, both agencies are required: MinJusticia for cultivation licenses (controls the plant) and INVIMA for manufacturing/transformation licenses (controls the medicine). Both licenses needed before export-grade production. Different application processes, timelines, and requirements.

Colombia's combination of equatorial light, Andean altitude, established agricultural expertise, and favorable labor costs makes it the world's lowest-cost cannabis producer. Production costs are 3–10x lower than European counterparts. This is the central commercial case for Colombian cannabis.

Colombia's primary revenue model is export. Bilateral agreements with Germany (BfArM signed March 2026), UK, Australia, and others are expanding market access. Most Colombian export goes as bulk flower or extract to EU-licensed finishers.

INVIMA BPM is not directly recognized by EU authorities — no Colombia-EU GMP MRA exists. Most Colombian cannabis reaches EU via supply to EU-licensed Part I finishers rather than direct finished product export. The INVIMA-BfArM bilateral agreement (March 2026) is a first step toward broader recognition.

Step 1: Obtain destination country import authorization. Step 2: Apply for INVIMA export authorization (~3–5 weeks). Step 3: Apply for MinJusticia export permit (~2–4 weeks, in parallel with INVIMA). Step 4: ICA phytosanitary certificate (~3–7 working days). All three documents required for export.

Germany (BfArM): EU-GMP Part I or bulk API to Part I finisher. UK (Home Office): INVIMA BPM accepted under bilateral, Home Office CD license. Australia (TGA + ODC): INVIMA BPM under bilateral review, TGA + ODC permits required. Netherlands (CCBM): EU-GMP Part I required for finished product.

Primary export point. DIAN (Colombian customs) export declaration. INCB narcotic export notification filed. Cold chain for temperature-sensitive products. Allow 48–72 hour pre-notification for narcotics handling at BOG.

Colombian Agriculture Institute (ICA) inspection of the export lot and issuance of phytosanitary certificate required for most destination markets. Processing: 3–7 working days. Required in addition to INVIMA and MinJusticia documents.

INVIMA's Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura (BPM) is Colombia's national GMP standard for cannabis manufacturing. Required for all INVIMA manufacturing license holders. Accepted within LATAM markets. Not yet directly recognized by EU, UK, or Australian authorities without additional bilateral agreement.

For direct finished product export to Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic etc., Colombian manufacturers need EU-GMP Part I from an EEA authority (ANSM, IMB etc.). EEA inspection of Colombian site required. Very few Colombian sites hold this — growing interest post-BfArM bilateral agreement.

Most Colombian cannabis reaches EU via supply of bulk flower or extract to a European-licensed GMP Part I finisher (e.g. in Netherlands, Germany, Malta). Colombian site holds GACP + INVIMA BPM. EU finisher takes Part I responsibility. This is the dominant commercial model for Colombian-EU trade.

First formal bilateral cannabis trade agreement between Colombia and Germany signed March 2026. Streamlines documentation recognition — first step toward broader GMP bilateral recognition. Monitor closely — this could change Colombian EU market access significantly.

EU GACP or WHO GACP certification from ISO 17065-accredited body required for EU, UK, and Australian export. MinJusticia cultivation license includes GACP-equivalent requirements for domestic compliance — separate third-party certification needed for international export.

Andean altitude (1,500–2,500m) provides favorable temperature stability but high UV exposure. Tropical regions face humidity and mold risk. Mycotoxin testing is critical — aflatoxin risk in tropical zones. Pesticide records must comply with EU MRL limits for EU export.

Colombia's year-round sunshine, consistent growing conditions, and deep agricultural expertise make GACP compliance relatively straightforward compared to indoor European producers. Many Colombian producers are GACP-certified to EU standards for export markets.