Colombia is one of the fastest-growing EV markets in Latin America, supported by strong government incentives, tax exemptions, and clear technical regulations. To help overseas manufacturers, investors, and local partners smoothly deploy EV charging projects, Future Digital Energy has summarized the complete compliance checklist and step-by-step implementation process based on the latest RETIE 2024, MinEnergía rules, and customs policies.

1. Core Compliance Requirements

1.1 Product & Certification Compliance

· RETIE 2024 Certification (mandatory as of January 1, 2026)

· Applies to AC chargers, DC chargers, PV-storage-charging integrated systems

· Issued by ONAC-accredited bodies (UL, ICONTEC, etc.)

· Interface Standard

·   Public charging stations: Type 2 (AC) + CCS Combo 2 (DC)

· Communication

· Must support OCPI 2.2+ for data reporting to MinEnergía’s CárgaMe platform

· Protection & Safety

· IP54 or higher

· Complete protection: overcurrent, leakage, overvoltage, overheating, short circuit

· Grounding resistance ≤ 4Ω

1.2 Project & Legal Compliance

· Local company registration or cooperation with a local partner

· Tax ID (NIT) from DIAN

· Project registration at MinEnergía

· Grid connection approval from local power companies (Enel, Codensa, etc.)

· Municipal permits: construction, land use, fire safety

· Installation supervised by CONTE-certified engineers

1.3 Policy & Tax Benefits Compliance

· 0% import duty + 0% VAT (IVA) for charging equipment

· 20% exemption on electricity contribution fee for EV charging

· Accelerated depreciation and corporate income tax incentives

· Eligibility for local municipal subsidies in Bogotá, Medellín, etc.

2. Full Project Implementation Process

Step 1: Project Preparation (1–2 months)

· Site selection and grid capacity assessment

· Establish local entity or partner cooperation

· Complete company registration and tax registration

Step 2: Product RETIE Certification (2–3 months)

· Submit technical documents, test reports, and samples

· Obtain RETIE 2024 compliance certificate

· Prepare Spanish manuals and nameplates

Step 3: Project Registration at MinEnergía (2–4 weeks)

· Submit project plan, equipment certification, investment schedule

· Obtain official project registration letter (required for tax exemption)

Step 4: Grid Connection Application

· Submit electrical design, RETIE certificate, and land certification

· Obtain grid access feasibility and connection agreement

Step 5: Municipal & Land Permits

· Secure land lease or ownership

· Obtain construction and fire safety permits

Step 6: Equipment Import & Customs Clearance

· Import under 0% duty + 0% VAT with MinEnergía registration

· Logistics, warehousing, and inland transportation

Step 7: Installation & Construction

· Civil work, cable laying, and earthing system

· Charging station installation by certified engineers

Step 8: Commissioning & Grid Connection

· Equipment commissioning

· Connect to CárgaMe national monitoring platform

· Pass grid acceptance and formal connection

Step 9: Apply for Operational Permits & Benefits

· Obtain EV charging operation license

· Apply for 20% electricity fee exemption

· Confirm tax incentives and accelerated depreciation

Step 10: Formal Operation & Compliance Maintenance

· Commercial operation

· Real-time data reporting to CárgaMe

· Regular RETIE supervision and maintenance

3. Key Advantages of Partnering with FDE

· Full product line compliant with RETIE 2024

· Professional support for certification and documentation

· Customized PV-storage-charging solutions for Colombia

· Full lifecycle support: certification, import, installation, commissioning

· Localized technical support in Spanish

Colombia offers a stable policy environment, strong incentives, and huge market potential for EV charging infrastructure. With Future Digital Energy as your partner, you can achieve fast, compliant, and low-risk project deployment in Colombia.