ASAP explains the crucial changes in the importation of gaming machines in Colombia

"It is not just another procedure. We are talking about mandatory traceability, post-nationalization reports, control over spare parts and direct coordination with the DIAN. Poorly managed, the risk is clear: delays, sanctions or directly rejected operations," says Asap Americas specialists about the new Single Registry of Importers and Marketers.

What is the RIC and why is it mandatory?

In December 2025, Coljuegos issued Resolution No. 20250028594, establishing the mandatory implementation of the Single Registry of Importers and Marketers (RIC) of gaming machines in Colombia.

The RIC seeks to control the entry and commercialization of Electronic Slot Machines (METs) and other elements of games of luck and chance, strengthening traceability and combating illegality in the sector.

Who should register for the RIC?

All natural or legal persons who import, market or transfer METs or gaming elements within Colombia must register, including:

Distributors and assemblers.

Domestic or foreign manufacturers.

Agents who sell, lease or transfer equipment in the national territory.

"Gaming elements" means all instruments used in casinos, gaming halls, bingo halls and the like, including:

Slot machines and essential software.

Electronic roulettes and electronic gaming tables.

Spare parts and physical or logical components essential for the operation of the equipment.

Registration requirements

Coljuegos requests the following documents to grant registration:

Letter addressed to the President of Coljuegos, signed by the legal representative or natural person.

Copy of the citizenship card (natural person) or of the legal representative (legal person).

Certificate of existence and legal representation with a maximum validity of 90 days.

Single Tax Registry (RUT) updated with the corresponding economic activity.

Note: Coljuegos may request additional information depending on the evolution of the RIC.

Obligation to report after

Registrants must report to Coljuegos within 10 business days of nationalizing each MET or gaming item, including:

Technical data sheet translated into Spanish with serial number, classification, code and name of the manufacturer, brand, model, year, country of origin, type of element and high resolution photographs.

Quantity imported.

Intended destination: company name and NIT of the operator or final recipient.

Even the merchandise shipped before the resolution should have been reported within the same period.

Validity and renewal of the RIC

The registration is valid for 4 years and can be renewed for equal periods. The renewal application must be submitted at least 6 months before expiration.

Sanctions and transitional regime

During the first 45 days after entry into force (until 25 January 2026), existing operators could register without penalties.

Subsequently, non-compliances can generate:

Suspension of the RIC for 1 year.

Definitive cancellation of registration.

Those who operate outside the RIC face harsher penalties: their equipment can be considered contraband or illegal games, with a risk of seizure, tax penalties and criminal proceedings.

Coordination with the DIAN

The RIC will be interoperable with the DIAN, allowing real-time validation of imports. This ensures that the machines come from authorized operators and have a legal destination. The DIAN may reject unregistered customs operations.

Conclusion

The Single Registry of Importers and Marketers represents a key step to reduce informality in the gambling sector in Colombia.

Although it implies operational adjustments for importers and marketers, it offers concrete tools to guarantee traceability, protect public revenues and comply with the law. Going forward, participating in this market will require acting within a regulated and verifiable framework

For advice contact ASAP Americas