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If you think DIAN auctions are only for companies with connections, I have news for you: for years now the process has been completely open and digital. Any individual or legal entity can participate, as long as they meet the basic registration requirements. In Bogotá, the most common auctions are for merchandise seized at airports, dry ports, and temporary storage warehouses.
The official platform to participate is the DIAN Electronic Auction System, which you can access from the entity's main page. There you will find available lots, auction dates, and the terms and conditions for each auction. There are also in-person auctions at the DIAN headquarters on Carrera 8 # 6-64, in the heart of downtown Bogotá, but the current trend is that almost everything moves online.
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The lots you find are varied: from cell phones and laptops to vehicles, industrial machinery, textiles, footwear, liquors, and even jewelry. In August 2026, for example, there are auctions scheduled with technology and appliance lots starting at base prices well below commercial value. The key is understanding that you are not buying a specific product, but a complete lot, and that the pickup conditions are strict.
Updated costs
Here's what nobody tells you clearly: the auction price is not the final price. When you win a bid, you must pay the offered value plus a 19% VAT on the sale value, and in some cases a percentage for warehousing services if the merchandise has been stored for a while. Additionally, DIAN charges a commission for the auction service that is around 2% of the final value.
The base prices of lots in Bogotá vary greatly. I've seen cell phone lots starting at $2,500,000 COP (for lots of 10 to 15 units), vehicles from $8,000,000 COP, and industrial machinery from $15,000,000 COP. But beware: these are reference prices from August 2026, and each auction has its own value table. The minimum bid is usually 80% of the base price, so there is room to negotiate.
To participate, you must deposit a guarantee deposit corresponding to 10% of the lot's base value. That money is returned if you don't win, but if you win and don't pay the balance within the stipulated timeframe (usually 5 business days), you lose it. Also, keep in mind that payments are made only by electronic transfer or bank deposit, never in cash.
Estimated times
The complete process, from registration to receiving the merchandise, can take between 2 and 4 weeks. DIAN publishes the auction calendar at the beginning of each quarter, so in January, April, July, and October you know what's coming. Electronic auctions usually last between 3 and 5 business days, with bids increasing in real time.
The initial registration on the platform takes about 20 minutes if you have your ID or NIT, an email address, and a bank account on hand. Document verification can take up to 3 business days, so don't leave this until the last minute. Merchandise inspection, if you decide to do it, is scheduled on specific dates that DIAN announces at least a week in advance.
After winning the auction, you have 5 business days to pay the balance, and then between 3 and 7 business days to coordinate the pickup of the merchandise at the designated warehouse. In total, if everything goes well, you can have your products at your business or home within a month.
Practical tips
My first piece of advice is to never bid without inspecting. DIAN allows you to visit the warehouses where the merchandise is stored, and although you can't open sealed boxes, you can verify the external condition of the lots. I've seen people buy pallets of clothing that turned out to be size XXS or lots of electronics with water damage. Inspection saves you from those surprises.
Second tip: read the full terms and conditions, not just the summary. That's where you'll find clauses about pickup, penalties, and most importantly: whether the merchandise has a warranty or not. In most cases, seized products don't have a factory warranty, so if you buy a lot of laptops, assume they may have issues.
Third tip: calculate all costs before bidding. Add up the bid value, VAT, commission, transportation, and potential repair costs. A lot of cell phones might seem like a bargain at $3,000,000 COP, but when you add taxes and repairs, the margin shrinks. Experienced buyers in Bogotá usually calculate an additional 30% on top of the bid value.
A curious fact few people know: DIAN publishes a history of past auctions with the final prices of each lot. That gives you a real idea of how much people pay for each type of merchandise and helps you calibrate your bids. It's public information, but almost nobody consults it.
Lastly, if you're new to this, start with small lots. There are auctions of assorted merchandise that go for less than $1,000,000 COP and are perfect for learning the process without risking too much. Over time, once you understand how the system works, you can go for bigger lots.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner participate in DIAN auctions?
Yes, as long as they have a foreigner ID card or valid passport and an NIT registered in Colombia. The registration process is the same as for Colombians, but you need a legal representative if you don't have permanent residency. You also need a Colombian bank account to make payments.
What happens if the lot I bought turns out to be damaged or defective?
DIAN does not offer a warranty on auctioned merchandise. Lots are sold "as is" and "where is," which means you assume all the risk. That's why attending the prior inspection is so important and why you should factor in potential repair costs in your budget.
How do I find out about upcoming auctions in Bogotá?
DIAN publishes its quarterly calendar on its website, but the easiest way is to subscribe to the auction alert newsletter we offer at Malokal. That way, you receive direct notifications in your email with dates, available lots, and terms and conditions for each auction in Bogotá. You won't miss any event.
