It is strictly regulated.
Owning a tank in Colombia is permissible only under stringent military or government authorization, governed by Decree 2535 of 1993 and regulated by the Ministerio de Defensa Nacional and Comando General de las Fuerzas Militares. Civilian ownership is effectively prohibited unless for historical or museum purposes, with transfers requiring presidential approval. Recent 2026 amendments tighten oversight, mandating biometric tracking for decommissioned military-grade armor.
Key Regulations for Owning a Tank in Colombia
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Military Authorization Required: Civilian ownership is illegal unless granted a permiso especial by the Ministerio de Defensa, reserved for museums or educational institutions. Unauthorized possession constitutes a felony under Código Penal Article 346 (illegal arms trafficking).
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Strict Import Controls: All armored vehicles, including tanks, require prior approval from DIAN (Customs) and Comando General, with imports restricted to state entities. Civilian imports face automatic seizure under Decreto 1070 de 2015.
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Decommissioning & Destruction: Owners must register tanks with the Agencia Nacional de Defensa Jurídica del Estado for destruction or museum transfer. Non-compliance triggers forced confiscation under Ley 1864 de 2017.