Yes, purchasing Everclear (a high-proof ethanol product) in Colombia is legal but tightly controlled under national alcohol regulations. The product falls under the Ley 2121 de 2021 and Decreto 1074 de 2015, requiring special permits for importation, distribution, and sale. Local authorities, including the Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos (INVIMA), enforce strict oversight to prevent misuse, particularly given its 95% ABV concentration. Recent 2026 compliance shifts mandate additional traceability measures for high-proof spirits to curb illicit production.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Colombia
- Licensing Requirements: Only licensed distributors with INVIMA approval may import or sell Everclear. Retail sales to individuals are prohibited; purchases require a permiso de expendio especial (special sale permit).
- Proof Restrictions: Products exceeding 50% ABV are classified as licor de alta graduación and face heightened scrutiny under Resolución 2018 de 2023, which limits commercial availability to industrial or scientific sectors.
- Traceability Mandates: Distributors must implement sistemas de trazabilidad (traceability systems) to log transactions, aligning with Decreto 1686 de 2022 to combat diversion to illegal markets.