Chapter 5 provides an overview of the main interactions that a foreign investor may have with the Colombian public administration during the process of expanding operations in the country. The content focuses on four main areas: the environmental framework, public procurement, the health regulatory framework, and the energy regulatory framework.
Regarding environmental matters, the chapter explains the influence of international instruments such as the Escazú Agreement, the Paris Agreement, and the Belém Declaration on Colombian regulations, as well as the environmental authorities involved, including the Ministry of Environment, ANLA, regional autonomous corporations, and Indigenous authorities. It also addresses the framework governing licenses, permits, concessions, and prior consultation procedures required for projects with an environmental impact.
With regard to public procurement, the chapter provides details on the General Public Procurement Statute (Law 80 of 1993), who may enter into contracts with the State—including foreign companies—the grounds for disqualification and incompatibilities, and the procedures for selecting contractors. Finally, it covers the regulatory framework for health registrations and certifications before INVIMA, as well as the regulatory framework governing the public electricity service, including generation, self-generation, energy communities, and hydrogen.
General public bidding procedure, with the contract awarded at a public hearing.
Simplified procedure for lower-value goods and services or goods and services with standardized characteristics.
Method for selecting consultants and contract supervisors based on their experience and qualifications, without assigning points to price.
Simplified procedure for contracts whose value does not exceed 10% of the entity’s minimum amount threshold.
Exceptional method without a competitive process, applicable only in the specific circumstances expressly established by law.
Understanding the rules for engaging with the State enables investors to anticipate requirements, manage risks, and take advantage of the opportunities Colombia has to offer.
In this chapter
Chapter 05 contents
5.1 Colombian Environmental Regulatory Framework
International instruments (Escazú, Paris, and Belém), environmental authorities, land-use planning, licenses, permits, concessions, and prior consultation.
5.2 Public Procurement in Colombia
General Public Procurement Statute, principles, eligible parties, grounds for disqualification, national treatment, and procurement methods for contracting with the State.
5.3 Health Regulatory Framework
Health registrations and certifications before INVIMA for food, medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and pesticides, including the InvimÁgil platform.
5.4 Energy Regulatory Framework
Framework governing the public electricity service, tariff regulation, the National Interconnected System, self-generation, energy communities, sector-specific contracts, and hydrogen.
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