🇪🇨 Import Customs & Duties: Ecuador
Quick Facts
Umbral libre de impuestos
$400
Paquetes bajo $400, libre de impuestos
IVA / Impuesto
12%
CIF value + duty + FODINFA. IVA at 12% on most imports. Some basic necessities exempt.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Nota: Uses USD; $400 duty-free for international mail
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-25% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-20% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 15-20% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Calculadora de aranceles
Por debajo del umbral de minimis, ¡sin arancel!: $400 USD
Customs Clearance Process
SENAE (aduana.gob.ec). ECUAPASS electronic customs system. CAN (Andean Community) common tariff for some goods. IVA at 12% on imports. $400 per-shipment duty-free allowance for personal imports (4x4 program).
What to Actually Expect
Uses US dollar as currency (no exchange rate risk). $400 de minimis under the 4x4 program (up to 4 packages per year, each under 4kg, under $400). Duties can be high (up to 30%) on clothing and luxury goods. ECUAPASS system is functional but bureaucratic. Courier clearance 2-3 days. Postal mail 2-4 weeks. FODINFA (child development fund) surcharge of 0.5% on CIF. Safeguard tariffs have been imposed periodically on various goods. INEN technical standards can block imports that don't comply.
Documentos necesarios
Factura comercial
Descripción, cantidad, valor, datos del remitente y destinatario
Lista de empaque
Descripción detallada del contenido
Declaración aduanera (CN22/CN23)
Requerida para envíos postales
Guía aérea (AWB)
Generada por el transportista al reservar el envío
Certificado de origen
Puede requerirse para aranceles reducidos
Licencia de exportación/importación
Para productos restringidos
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, used vehicles, and certain food products. INEN quality standards (NTE) required for many consumer goods. Import permits from AGROCALIDAD for agricultural products.
Certificate of Origin
CAN certificate for Andean Community members (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia). EU-Andean FTA certificate. Certificates issued by MIPRO or Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more →Artículos prohibidos y restringidos
Prohibidos
- xNarcóticos y drogas ilegales
- xExplosivos y materiales inflamables
- xArmas y municiones
- xProductos falsificados
- xMoneda y documentos falsos
Restringidos (requiere permiso)
- !Medicamentos
- !Alimentos y bebidas
- !Plantas y semillas
- !Electrónica (baterías de litio)
- !Perfumes y cosméticos
Useful Links
Estimación de aranceles
Cargos de importación estimados al enviar mercancías a Ecuador:
| Valor del producto | Arancel | IVA/Impuesto | Total a pagar |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Gratis |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Gratis |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Gratis |
| $500 | $10 | $61 | $71 |
| $1000 | $60 | $127 | $187 |
Solo estimaciones. Los aranceles reales dependen de la categoría del producto.
Rutas populares a Ecuador
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the duty-free threshold for Ecuador?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Ecuador is $400. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Ecuador?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Ecuador is 12%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + FODINFA. IVA at 12% on most imports. Some basic necessities exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Ecuador?
Typical customs clearance in Ecuador takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Ecuador?
To import into Ecuador, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Ecuador?
Ecuador prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.