Araújo Ibarra

Araújo Ibarra International Consultants

Araújo Ibarra is a leading Colombian firm in international trade and investment, recognized by some of the world’s most prestigious legal and professional rankings.

For 55 years, the firm has advised local and international companies, investors, governments and institutions on identifying and developing business opportunities through strategies designed to enhance competitiveness in an increasingly global environment. With an interdisciplinary team and an extensive international network of partners, Araújo Ibarra combines legal, economic and strategic expertise across Free Zones and Special Economic Zones, International Trade Mechanisms, Industrial Expansion and Relocation, Multifamily Office and Wealth Management, Sustainability, Special Import-Export Systems (Plan Vallejo), Internationalization Strategies, Customs and Foreign Exchange Law, Criminal Customs and Foreign Exchange Law, Trade Remedies and Commercial Policy, Corporate Law, and Tax Law and Planning.

The firm has advised on and contributed to the structuring and optimization of major investment projects in Colombia and has participated in the development of investment and international trade strategies across emerging markets. Its network across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia enables Araújo Ibarra to support clients in cross-border projects and international expansion initiatives.

Main Areas of Practice

International Trade Mechanisms

With 55 years of experience, Araújo Ibarra advises companies on the design and implementation of international trade mechanisms that enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and profitability of industrial and service operations. In the past three years alone, strategies developed by the firm have generated more than USD 20 million in operational cost savings for clients.

The firm structures cross-border operations aimed at optimizing costs and processes while ensuring compliance with Colombia’s customs and foreign exchange regulations. Araújo Ibarra also has extensive experience in trade facilitation and the optimization of customs and logistics processes, having advised more than 300 Colombian and international companies in preventing sanctions, seizures and operational contingencies.

Customs, Foreign Exchange and Criminal Law

Araújo Ibarra provides comprehensive advice on compliance with customs and foreign exchange obligations arising from international trade operations, helping companies optimize procedures, anticipate contingencies and mitigate regulatory risks.

Its specialized Criminal Customs and Foreign Exchange Law practice represents and advises companies and executives in administrative and criminal proceedings related to customs and foreign exchange matters. By combining expertise in customs, foreign exchange, tax and international trade law, the firm develops preventive strategies and provides representation before the relevant authorities throughout complex investigations and proceedings.

Special Import-Export Systems – Plan Vallejo

For more than 30 years, Araújo Ibarra has advised companies on the implementation and management of Colombia’s Special Import-Export Systems, known as Plan Vallejo, enabling qualifying businesses to reduce taxes and duties associated with the importation of raw materials, intermediate goods and capital equipment.

Through the strategic use of these mechanisms, the firm has helped clients achieve reductions of approximately 19% to 25% in import-related taxes and duties, while ensuring regulatory compliance and strengthening the competitiveness of their operations.

Trade Remedies & Commercial Policy

Araújo Ibarra represents domestic and international companies in trade remedy proceedings involving anti-dumping duties, countervailing measures and safeguards, and advises clients on commercial policy and the strategic use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The firm has been involved in landmark proceedings in Colombia, including the country’s first general safeguard measure applied to wire rod imports and the first anti-dumping duty imposed on the basis of threat of material injury arising from imports from China.

Internationalization Strategies

Araújo Ibarra advises companies, regions, governments and institutions on the design and implementation of internationalization and investment attraction strategies.

Using proprietary methodologies and economic analysis, the firm identifies market and investment opportunities, assesses economic and social impacts, evaluates competitive positioning and supports the implementation of strategies aimed at expanding into international markets and attracting domestic and foreign investment.

Industrial Expansion & Relocation

Araújo Ibarra advises companies and investors on industrial expansion and relocation projects in Colombia, integrating legal, tax, customs, territorial, logistics, operational and real estate considerations within a single strategic framework.

The firm supports projects throughout their lifecycle, from the initial assessment of potential locations and investment scenarios to legal and tax structuring, free zone analysis, regulatory feasibility, permits, operational validation, real estate development and implementation.

This multidisciplinary approach enables investors to evaluate the feasibility of a project before committing capital, anticipate regulatory and territorial risks and maintain consistency between the investment strategy, the approved structure and the final operation.

Corporate Law

The firm provides comprehensive advice on corporate and commercial law, supporting Colombian and international investors in the establishment, structuring and reorganization of business entities.

Its services include the incorporation of companies, preparation of bylaws and shareholders’ agreements, corporate governance frameworks, mergers and reorganizations, and the structuring and negotiation of domestic and international commercial agreements.

Tax Law & Planning

Araújo Ibarra advises companies, investors and families on the design of efficient corporate and tax structures for domestic and cross-border operations, with the objective of optimizing investment flows, managing tax exposure and reducing potential contingencies.

The practice covers national, local and international taxation; corporate and tax restructurings; mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures and other collaborative business arrangements; interpretation and application of double taxation treaties; tax incentives; tax litigation and administrative proceedings; and tax and wealth planning.

Multifamily Office & Wealth Management

Araújo Ibarra provides integrated Multifamily Office and Wealth Management services to business families, family offices and high-net-worth groups seeking to structure, protect and preserve their assets and business interests over the long term.

The firm combines legal, corporate, tax and foreign exchange advice with family and corporate governance, succession planning and international wealth structuring. Its multidisciplinary approach addresses both business and family assets, helping clients develop structures designed to facilitate continuity, compliance, asset protection and intergenerational wealth preservation.

Free Zones Go Global

Through Free Zones Go Global, an initiative developed in alliance with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), Araújo Ibarra supports free zones in strengthening their international positioning and becoming world-class business and investment destinations.

By combining the WTCA’s global network and brand with Araújo Ibarra’s 55 years of experience in international trade, investment and free zones, the initiative develops strategies aimed at positioning free zones as platforms for international business, innovation, sustainability and global investment.

Sustainability

Araújo Ibarra supports companies and investors in integrating sustainability considerations into business strategy, investment decisions and operations.

Its Sustainability practice develops strategies incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, helping clients manage socio-environmental impacts, strengthen regulatory compliance and identify opportunities associated with sustainable investment, energy transition and responsible business growth.

The firm combines sustainability expertise with its broader capabilities in investment, international trade and regulatory matters, enabling clients to incorporate sustainability into both strategic planning and project implementation.