COLOMBIA
Since June 2013
Since October 2012, last amended May 2015
Since October 2012, last amended May 2015
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to perform a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) or have a data protection officer (DPO)
Decree No. 1,377 Which Partially Regulates Law No. 1,581 (Decreto No. 1,377 Por el Cual se Reglamenta Parcialmente la Ley No. 1,581 de 2012)
Law No. 1,581 on Data Protection (Ley No. 1,581 Ley de Protección de Datos Personales)
Law No. 1,581 on Data Protection (Ley No. 1,581 Ley de Protección de Datos Personales)
According to Art. 23 of Decree 1,377, controllers and processors should appoint a person or function within the company that assumes responsibility for the protection of personal data, tasked with reviewing and solving claims made by data subjects. Furthermore, Title VI of Law No. 1,581 establishes the duties of those responsible for data treatment and in charge of data treatment.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230312023500/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=53646
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241129114453/https://resourcehub.bakermckenzie.com/en/resources/global-data-privacy-and-cybersecurity-handbook/latin-america/colombia/topics/data-protection-officers
COLOMBIA
Since April 2013, entry into force in April 2013
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
Statutory Law No. 1621 (Ley Estatutaria No. 1621)
Art. 44 of Statutory Law No. 1621 stipulates that telecommunications service operators are obliged, upon request and within the framework of an authorised operation and insofar as technically feasible, to provide intelligence and counterintelligence bodies with the communication histories of the relevant telephone subscribers, the technical identification data of the subscribers under scrutiny, the location of the cells in which their terminals are situated, and any other information that may assist in determining their whereabouts. These bodies must ensure the security of the information received and, for that purpose, must limit their requests to data covering a period not exceeding five years, with such requests to be submitted in writing by the Directors of the intelligence bodies or their duly appointed delegates. Art. 3 establishes that intelligence and counterintelligence functions are undertaken by designated units of the Armed Forces and the National Police, the Financial Information and Analysis Unit (UIAF), and any other bodies empowered by law. Despite the safeguards found in Art. 4, 5, and 15, these requests do not require a court order or warrant.
Coverage Telecommunications service operators
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260208225904/http://www.secretariasenado.gov.co/senado/basedoc/ley_1621_2013_pr001.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260208232811/https://clfr.globalnetworkinitiative.org/country/colombia/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260208232900/https://freedomhouse.org/country/colombia/freedom-net/2024
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COLOMBIA
N/A
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place for copyright infringements
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Colombia's law and jurisprudence. The liability regime for damages applicable to Internet intermediaries in Colombia is the same as that generally applied to any other activity, which is a regime of subjective civil liability since the law does not provide for a presumption of fault (or objective) for intermediaries.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
COLOMBIA
N/A
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place beyond copyright infringement
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Colombia's law and jurisprudence. The liability regime for damages applicable to Internet intermediaries in Colombia is the same as that generally applied to any other activity, which is a regime of subjective civil liability since the law does not provide for a presumption of fault (or objective) for intermediaries.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
COLOMBIA
Since May 2011, last amended in July 2024
Since September 2011
Since September 2011
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Decree No. 1,630 Whereby Measures are Adopted to Restrict the Operation of Stolen Terminal Equipment that is Used for the Provision of Mobile Telecommunications Services (Decreto No. 1,630 Por Medio del Cual se Adoptan Medidas para Restringir la Operación de Equipos Terminales Hurtados que son Utilizados para la Prestación de Servicios de Telecomunicaciones Móviles)
Resolution CRC No. 3,128 on Positive and Negative Databases (Resolución No. 3128 Por la cual se define el modelo técnico, los aspectos operativos y las reglas para la implementación, […] de las bases de datos positiva y negativa para la restricción de la operación en las redes de telecomunicaciones móviles de los equipos terminales móviles reportados como hurtados y/o extraviados […])
Resolution CRC No. 3,128 on Positive and Negative Databases (Resolución No. 3128 Por la cual se define el modelo técnico, los aspectos operativos y las reglas para la implementación, […] de las bases de datos positiva y negativa para la restricción de la operación en las redes de telecomunicaciones móviles de los equipos terminales móviles reportados como hurtados y/o extraviados […])
Decree No. 1,630 creates a national registry of mobile phones through the adoption of two databases. The negative database contains the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the devices that have been reported as stolen or lost, both in Colombia and abroad, while the positive database includes the mobile equipment imported or legally manufactured in Colombian territory. The latter connects the IMEI with the identity of the user, who is required to provide the telecommunication operators (or mobile telecommunications networks and services providers) with their full name, type and identity document number, address and telephone number. Although there is no mandatory registration of SIM cards, the IMEIs are associated with a specific user. Art. 5 of Decree No. 1,630 states that telecommunications providers must bear the costs of the system that supports the positive and negative databases, which must be managed by an independent legal entity and should guarantee the quality of the service. More regulation on the databases is contained in Resolution No. 3,128.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211022213700/https://www.mintic.gov.co/portal/715/articles-14181_Resolucion_CRC_3128_2011.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260210235525/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=77888
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220725140830/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=42907
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190804003356/https://www.derechosdigitales.org/wp-content/uploads/Data-Retention-and-Registration-of-Mobile-Phones-.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220307204434/https://www.derechosdigitales.org/wp-content/uploads/freedom-of-expression-encryption-and-anonymity1.pdf
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COLOMBIA
Reported in 2014, last reported in 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Complaints on lack of transparency in public procurement
There have been frequent complaints about the lack of transparency and rule changes during the award of major government contracts. It has been reported that, despite Law No. 80, transparency, fairness, and truly competitive bidding conditions in many tenders remain uncertain. These factors remain significant market access barriers for some companies interested in public sector contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260114034317/https://www.revistatransparencia.com/ret/article/view/386
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210519082557/https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/colombia-selling-public-sector
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260216133101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDn_3aFX6Tw&t=20s
- https://es.slideshare.net/slideshow/dr-dev-kambhampati-doing-business-in-colombia-2014-country-commercial-guide-for-us-companies/37392259
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COLOMBIA
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Colombia is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). However, the country has been an observer of the WTO GPA since 1996.
Coverage Horizontal
COLOMBIA
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Commercial presence requirement for digital services providers
Reported requirement for commercial presence in data processing and information services
It is reported that the provision of data processing and information services in Colombia necessitates the establishment of a formal commercial presence.
Coverage Data processing and information services
Sources
- https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/colombia
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240328152605/https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/colombia/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230531040225/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-investment-climate-statements/colombia__trashed/
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COLOMBIA
N/A
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the application process for patents
Local presence requirement for patent applications
It is reported that patent applicants who are not resident in Colombia must appoint an agent in the country by submitting a simple power of attorney. Any attorney registered in Colombia may act as the appointed agent.
Coverage Horizontal
COLOMBIA
Since January 1982, last amended in May 2023
Since December 1993
Since December 1993
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Law No. 23 of 1982 on Copyright (Ley No. 23 de 1982 Sobre Derechos de Autor)
Andean Decision No. 351 Common Regime on Copyright and Related Rights (Decisión Andina No. 351. Régimen Común sobre Derecho de Autor y Derechos Conexos)
Andean Decision No. 351 Common Regime on Copyright and Related Rights (Decisión Andina No. 351. Régimen Común sobre Derecho de Autor y Derechos Conexos)
Colombia has a copyright regime under Law No. 23. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Arts. 31-44 list the exceptions, which include the use of literary or artistic works or parts thereof as illustrations in works intended for educational purposes; and the reproduction, distribution, and communication to the public of news or other information relating to facts or events that have been publicly disseminated by the press or by broadcasting; among others.
Moreover, Colombia is a member of the Andean Community of Nations and is subject to Decision 351, issued in 1993. Art. 22 of the Decision sets forth a list of mandatory exceptions in the internal market but also allows the adoption of additional exceptions in the domestic law of members, as long as they comply with the international standards of the so-called three-step test.
Moreover, Colombia is a member of the Andean Community of Nations and is subject to Decision 351, issued in 1993. Art. 22 of the Decision sets forth a list of mandatory exceptions in the internal market but also allows the adoption of additional exceptions in the domestic law of members, as long as they comply with the international standards of the so-called three-step test.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251208233834/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=3431
- https://wipolex.wipo.int/en/text/223493
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240413063435/https://sice.oas.org/trade/JUNAC/decisiones/DEC351S.asp
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221016094834/https://www.mondaq.com/copyright/531024/overview-of-copyright-and-neighboring-rights-in-colombia
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COLOMBIA
Reported in 2018, last reported in 2025
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Enforcement of copyright online
Lack of adequate enforcement of copyright online
Concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of online copyright enforcement in Colombia. Digital piracy remains widespread, and the authorities have not significantly reduced the availability of free-to-air devices, community antenna systems, and unlicensed Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services that enable the large-scale retransmission of otherwise licensed content to non-subscribers. Stakeholders further report that piracy of licensed content via mobile applications continues to expand and constitutes an increasing challenge.
Coverage Live broadcasting
COLOMBIA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
1.01%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
82.59%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
COLOMBIA
Since October 1993, last amended in May 2023
Since July 2007
Since July 2013
Since July 2007
Since July 2013
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Law No. 80 General Contracting Statute of the Public Administration (Ley No. 80 Estatuto General de Contratación de la Administración Pública)
Law No. 1,150 Introducing Measures for Efficiency and Transparency in Law No. 80 of 1993 and Other General Provisions on Contracting with Public Resources (Ley No. 1.150 Por Medio de la Cual se Introducen Medidas para la Eficiencia y la Transparencia en la Ley 80 de 1993 y se Dictan Otras Disposiciones Generales sobre la Contratación con Recursos Públicos)
Decree 1510 (Decreto 1,510)
Law No. 1,150 Introducing Measures for Efficiency and Transparency in Law No. 80 of 1993 and Other General Provisions on Contracting with Public Resources (Ley No. 1.150 Por Medio de la Cual se Introducen Medidas para la Eficiencia y la Transparencia en la Ley 80 de 1993 y se Dictan Otras Disposiciones Generales sobre la Contratación con Recursos Públicos)
Decree 1510 (Decreto 1,510)
Art. 20 of Law No. 80 establishes the principle of reciprocity for the participation of foreign investors in public procurement, under which foreign bidders are entitled to the same treatment that Colombian companies receive in the countries of origin of the foreign bidders.
In addition, Art. 6 of Law No. 1,150 of 2007, together with Art. 8 of Decree No. 1,510 of 2013, requires bidders established in Colombia (including foreign branches) to be enrolled in the Single Bidders Register (Registro Único de Proponentes, RUP) in order to contract with the State. As a general rule, registration in the RUP operates as a condition for participation in public procurement procedures. However, the most recent WTO Trade Review indicates that foreign firms established abroad may participate without RUP registration.
The RUP is intended to facilitate access to procurement opportunities and functions as an ex ante mechanism for verifying legal, administrative, and related eligibility requirements prior to participation in competitive tendering processes. The enrolment fee set in 2024 is COP 741,000 (approx. USD 200), which has been reported as a potential obstacle to participation in government procurement.
In addition, Art. 6 of Law No. 1,150 of 2007, together with Art. 8 of Decree No. 1,510 of 2013, requires bidders established in Colombia (including foreign branches) to be enrolled in the Single Bidders Register (Registro Único de Proponentes, RUP) in order to contract with the State. As a general rule, registration in the RUP operates as a condition for participation in public procurement procedures. However, the most recent WTO Trade Review indicates that foreign firms established abroad may participate without RUP registration.
The RUP is intended to facilitate access to procurement opportunities and functions as an ex ante mechanism for verifying legal, administrative, and related eligibility requirements prior to participation in competitive tendering processes. The enrolment fee set in 2024 is COP 741,000 (approx. USD 200), which has been reported as a potential obstacle to participation in government procurement.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260212113833/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=304
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240406111232/https://www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/normas/Norma1.jsp?i=25678
- https://www.suin-juriscol.gov.co/viewDocument.asp?ruta=Decretos%2F1300366&utm
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240222042819/https://www.camarabaq.org.co/faq/cuales-son-los-casos-en-los-que-no-se-requiere-del-registro-unico-de-proponentes/
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COLOMBIA
Since July 2000, as amended in December 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Law No. 590 By Which Provisions Are Issued to Promote the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Ley No. 590 Por la Cual se Dictan Disposiciones para Promover el Desarrollo de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas)
Art. 12.5 (Chapter III) of Law No. 590 states that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are preferred under equal conditions (price, quality, capacity of supply, and service) in public tenders.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230316075245/https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S372R1.pdf&Open=True
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240214170835/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=12672
- https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S472R1.pdf&Open=True
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COLOMBIA
Since December 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Law No. 2,069 of 2020, Promoting Entrepreneurship in Colombia (Ley No. 2069 de 2020, Por Medio del Cual Se Impulsa el Emprendimiento en Colombia)
Art. 35 of Law No. 2069 of 2020 establishes the tie-break mechanism applicable to public procurement processes. Where two or more bids obtain the same total score, the contracting entity must apply a series of criteria sequentially and exclusively, in the order listed, while ensuring consistency with Colombia’s international commitments, until the tie is resolved. The first criterion is a preference for national goods and services over foreign goods and services. Other criteria include the preference for companies employing at least 10% of the workforce that is indigenous, Black/Afro-Colombian, Raizal, Palenquero, and Gypsy populations, and a preference for bids submitted by SMEs, cooperatives, or mutual associations.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251216104525/https://www.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=160966
- https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S472R1.pdf&Open=True
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260113195000/https://www1.funcionpublica.gov.co/eva/gestornormativo/norma.php?i=175187
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