Colombia has issued laws on the import and export of hashish merchandise. Joint Resolution 539, issued in live performance by 4 Colombian ministries on April 1, 2022, follows up on Decree 811 from final July, which expanded the scope of authorized actions involving hashish.
The laws specify which approvals are wanted to import or export completely different hashish merchandise to and from Colombia. Approval requests should be submitted via Colombia’s Single Window for International Commerce (VUCE). Related companies have 12 months to combine their actions into VUCE. The brand new laws additionally deal with the entry and egress of hashish merchandise to and from Colombia’s free commerce zones.
Hashish destined for “medical and scientific ends” could also be exported by approved individuals, topic to approval by the related companies. Within the case of “psychoactive hashish” (1% or extra THC) approvals should be granted by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and the Nationwide Drug Fund (FNE). ICA’s approval requires that the cultivars whose export is meant be registered in Colombia’s Nationwide Register of Business Cultivars (RNCC). This requirement is waived if the cultivars are the product of genetic enchancment actions sanctioned by ICA, and the export is pursuant to scientific functions. As well as, a phytosanitary certificates should be supplied as nicely, if required by the vacation spot nation.
For its half, FNE requires a documented “authorized hyperlink” between the possible exporter and a holder of both a cultivation license for analysis and/or export, or a license for manufacturing hashish derivates for analysis functions. Within the latter case, the export exercise should be linked to the licensee’s analysis. FNE additionally requires presentation of an export certificates, additionally issued by FNE, in opposition to which the merchandise to be exported will probably be verified for compliance with traceability and quota necessities. The company may also confirm that the THC stage corresponds to that listed within the RNCC. Lastly, the exporter should point out the merchandise’ supposed use (medical or scientific), in addition to the amount to be exported.
The brand new laws have been hailed as a “nice step” by Colombia’s hashish business. These advances with regard to international commerce stands in distinction to the stalled efforts to legalize adult-use hashish. But developments in Colombia reveal how international locations can avail themselves of the financial alternatives offered by hashish, even when they don’t embrace full legalization.