Is Making Moonshine at Home Legal in Colombia After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, homemade moonshine production in Colombia violates the Ley 30 de 1986 and Decreto 1686 de 2012, which prohibit unlicensed distillation. The DIAN and INVIMA enforce penalties, including fines up to 1,500 UVT ($65,000 COP) and criminal charges under Código Penal Article 364. Recent 2026 draft reforms aim to tighten controls on artisanal alcohol to combat illicit trade.


Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Colombia

  • Licensing Requirement: Distillation for personal use is illegal without authorization from the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN). Commercial production mandates a Registro Sanitario from INVIMA.
  • Alcohol Content Limits: Beverages exceeding 20% ABV require industrial registration. Homemade spirits often surpass this threshold, triggering legal scrutiny.
  • Tax Evasion Penalties: Unregistered production constitutes tax fraud under Estatuto Tributario Article 658, with potential asset seizure and imprisonment up to 8 years.