A Importing R134a Refrigerant from China Guide
1. Verify Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Before importing, ensure compliance with:
- Colombian Regulations:
- ANH (Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos) – Oversees refrigerant imports.
- ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) – May require permits for certain gases.
- Ministry of Environment – Ensures compliance with environmental laws (e.g., Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol).
- DIAN (Customs Authority) – Handles import taxes and duties.
- Chinese Export Regulations:
- Ensure the supplier has an export license for refrigerants (R134a is an HFC, subject to export controls under China’s MOFCOM regulations).
2. Find a Reliable Supplier (e.g., FRIOFLOR)
- Verify Supplier Credentials:
- Check if they have ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ASHRAE certifications.
- Request SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and product specifications.
- Confirm if they can provide HFC export license (required for China).
- Negotiate Terms:
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), pricing (FOB, CIF, etc.), and payment terms (T/T, LC).
- Ensure proper packaging (ISO tanks, cylinders, or disposable cylinders).
3. Arrange Shipping & Logistics
- Incoterms: Decide on terms (e.g., FOB Shanghai, CIF Cartagena).
- Freight Forwarder: Hire an experienced agent for refrigerants.
- Transport Mode:
- Sea Freight (most common for bulk shipments in ISO tanks or cylinders).
- Air Freight (faster but more expensive, subject to stricter regulations).
- Documentation Required:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of Origin (China Chamber of Commerce)
- SDS & Product Compliance Certificates
- HFC Export License (from Chinese supplier)
4. Colombian Customs Clearance
- Import Declaration (DIAN): Submit through VUCE (Single Window for Foreign Trade).
- Required Documents:
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Import Permit (if required by ANH/ICA)
- SDS & Technical Sheets
- Customs Power of Attorney (if using a broker)
- Taxes & Duties:
- Check Colombian Harmonized Tariff Code (HSC) for R134a (likely 2903.39.90.00).
- VAT (19%) + Import Duty (varies, ~5-15%).
5. Post-Import Compliance
- Storage: Follow safety regulations (flammability, pressure vessel laws).
- Distribution: Ensure proper handling per ANH/Ministry of Environment rules.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain import documents for audits.
6. Recommended Action Plan
1. Contact FRIOFLOR for quotes, certifications, and export license details.
2. Hire a Colombian customs broker to verify permit requirements.
3. Confirm shipping method (sea freight is most economical).
4. Submit import declaration (DIAN) before shipment arrives.
Potential Challenges & Solutions
- Regulatory Delays: Work with a local customs expert.
- High Shipping Costs: Negotiate bulk discounts with the supplier.
- Import Bans: Verify if Colombia has any new HFC restrictions.
Would you like assistance in finding a freight forwarder or customs broker in Colombia? Let me know how I can help further!