VAT-Free Day 2026 in Colombia will be one of the most anticipated economic events of the year. This event allows consumers to purchase a wide variety of products without paying Value Added Tax (VAT) , which represents discounts of up to 19% off the final price. In this article, we'll tell you when VAT-Free Days will be in 2026 , which products are subject to VAT, how to prepare to take advantage of the offers, and what new features are expected for the next edition.
What is VAT-Free Day in Colombia?
VAT-Free Day is a national government strategy to stimulate consumption, support trade, and boost the formal economy. During these days, taxes on certain products defined by the Ministry of Finance are temporarily eliminated.
This benefit not only benefits buyers, but also entrepreneurs, merchants, and digital platforms, who see a significant increase in sales.
According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce, previous VAT-Free Days have moved more than 12 billion pesos in a single day .
Tentative dates for VAT-Free Day 2026 in Colombia
Although the National Government has not yet officially confirmed the dates, VAT-Free Day 2026 is expected to remain three days throughout the year , as was the case in previous versions.
Based on historical behavior, the tentative dates would be:
First VAT-Free Day 2026: Friday, March 21
Second VAT-Free Day 2026: Friday, July 19
Third VAT-Free Day 2026: Friday, November 29
These dates coincide with high consumption seasons in Colombia: the start of the school year , national holidays , and Christmas shopping .
Products that apply to VAT-Free Day 2026
Decree 682 establishes the types of products that can be sold without VAT during these days. The most notable ones include:
Household appliances and technological equipment: televisions, computers, cell phones, tablets, and sound equipment.
Clothing and footwear: items of clothing and accessories whose value does not exceed the defined limits.
Sports equipment: balls, bicycles, gym equipment, and items for physical activities.
School supplies and toys: ideal for families with school-age children.
Agricultural inputs: tools, fertilizers and machinery for the rural sector.
Each category has a maximum VAT-exempt price limit , so it's important to check the conditions before making your purchase.
How to get the most out of VAT-Free Day 2026
To truly take advantage of VAT-Free Day 2026 in Colombia , it's key to plan your purchases in advance. Here are some practical tips:
Make a list of what you need
Avoid impulse purchases and prioritize high-cost products, where the VAT discount represents significant savings.Compare prices before the event
Some stores inflate their prices days before VAT-Free Day. Check different portals and compare the actual cost.Buy from official or certified stores
Platforms authorized by the DIAN guarantee the discount and issue valid invoices.Take advantage of digital channels
Online purchases also qualify for the benefit. Sites like Mercado Libre, Éxito, Falabella, Olímpica, and Alkosto often offer exclusive offers.Check valid payment methods
Payment must be made by debit or credit card, or electronic means, not in cash.Plan your family or business purchases
If you own a business or want to upgrade equipment, VAT-Free Day is ideal for purchasing technology and furniture at a lower cost.
What's new for VAT-Free Day 2026?
Several improvements to the event's logistics and transparency are planned for 2026. Preliminary announcements include:
Greater digital control by the DIAN to prevent fraud and duplicate invoices.
Expansion of the catalog of exempt products , including tools for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Boosting e-commerce , with more active participation of local platforms.
Financial education campaigns to promote responsible consumption.
These changes seek to strengthen the program's positive impact and ensure that the benefits truly reach Colombian consumers.
Economic and social impact of VAT-Free Day
Beyond consumer savings, VAT-Free Day has a direct impact on the revival of domestic trade . Thousands of small and medium-sized businesses take advantage of these dates to increase their sales and reach new customers.
According to an analysis by the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce , during the last few editions, the volume of digital sales increased by up to 90% compared to a normal day.
In addition, many families take advantage of the opportunity to get ahead on their Christmas shopping or upgrade their appliances.
Safety recommendations for shopping during VAT-Free Day
Shop only from verified websites that use HTTPS protocols.
Do not share personal information or bank passwords on social media or through unofficial emails.
Keep your electronic invoice , which is the support to validate the discount.
Avoid leaving purchases to the last minute; platforms often crash due to high demand.
Relationship with other important dates of the year
VAT-Free Day is complemented by other commercial days in Colombia such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday .
You can read more about these events in our articles:
Overview for 2026
VAT-Free Day 2026 in Colombia promises to be a renewed edition, with greater digitalization, better controls, and broader opportunities for all sectors.
Both consumers and merchants will be able to enjoy a day that promotes economic development, the formalization of trade, and access to quality products at fairer prices.
Plan ahead, compare options, and use these days wisely to get the most out of VAT-Free Day.