The Dian launches its new bid to increase revenue by squeezing defaulters

In its latest attempt to strengthen collection, the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) announced a new strategy focused on those with outstanding debts from foreign trade transactions. According to the agency, 286 taxpayers have accumulated outstanding foreign exchange penalties that could exceed $50 billion, within the framework of 1,354 irregular transactions.

Because of this, the total debt related to these obligations amounts to more than $142.2 billion. Therefore, as part of its institutional offensive to "squeeze defaulters," the tax authority will hold a massive awareness campaign this Monday, June 17, with the goal of persuading debtors to voluntarily join the Foreign Exchange Sanctions Regime.

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This regulation offers substantial benefits for those who get up to date before formal sanctioning processes begin and will be socialized through an event that will take place at the headquarters of the Bogotá Customs Sectional Directorate, located in the Connecta 26 Business Center (Avenida Calle 26 # 92–32, module G5, floor 3), and will also have a virtual transmission for those who cannot attend in person.

Strategic discounts

One of the most striking aspects of this offensive is the possibility of accessing a reduction of up to 40% of the penalty, provided that an Administrative Exchange Control Inspection has not been initiated nor have firm charges been filed. This means that defaulters who voluntarily decide to regularize their situation can avoid a significant portion of the financial penalty.

This measure is based on Decree Law 2245 of 2011, which governs the Foreign Exchange Sanctions Regime in Colombia. According to the DIAN, the objective is not only to collect taxes, but also to foster a culture of compliance and offer viable solutions before resorting to more severe measures.

"The message is clear: anyone who goes ahead can benefit. But anyone who persists in noncompliance will face prosecution with full sanctions and even criminal consequences," they said in a statement.

They also explained that exchange obligations arise when companies or individuals engaged in foreign trade transactions (such as imports, exports, payments abroad, or international debt) fail to comply with the reporting, registration, or legalization requirements established by current regulations.

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Although these sanctions are not always visible to ordinary citizens, they represent a key component of the country's economic oversight. Their accumulation affects the transparency of international financial flows and can be used as a mechanism for evasion or money laundering if left unchecked.

For this reason, for several years now, the DIAN has strengthened its auditing capacity in foreign exchange matters, supported by information systems and cross-referencing data with entities such as the Bank of the Republic, chambers of commerce, and international banks.

It's worth remembering that the announcement comes at a time when the government is facing significant fiscal pressures, resulting from falling tax revenue and rising public spending. Although not specifically mentioned in the statement, this campaign is in line with the Ministry of Finance's interest in finding new sources of revenue without the need for additional reforms in the short term.

In this context, currency defaulters represent an untapped opportunity, as many of them aren't habitual evaders, but rather companies that, through carelessness, ignorance, or operational problems, missed their legalization or reporting deadlines; the DIAN doesn't want to wait any longer.

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Finally, June 17th will not be the only event, as the organization confirmed it will replicate this type of action in other cities with a high concentration of foreign trade operations, such as Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena.

Those seeking more information can visit the aforementioned venue or call 601-482-3361. They can also access the virtual broadcast through the official link published by the Dian on its events page.