Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
The following documents may be shipped from Canada to Ecuador
duty-free provided they have no commercial value.
Document shipments include:
- Airline ticket
- Annual reports
- Bids
- Business cards
- Computer print-outs
- Driver's licence
- Charts, graphs, drawings, and maps
- Invitations, greeting cards
- Letters
- Manuscripts
- Non-negotiable bonds
- Passports
- Pamphlets, publications, and periodicals
- Photographs, negatives, microfilm, microfiche, and slides
- Price lists, proposals
- Secograms (a document written in Braille)
- Visa applications
The following items may also be shipped from Canada to Ecuador
duty-free as long as they meet certain criteria:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Annual Reports | Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials |
| Blueprints, charts | For personal use only |
| Brochures | For personal use only |
| Cheques | Only cancelled cheques are classified as documents |
| Credit cards | Must be personalised |
| Compact Discs CD and DVD media | For training purposes only and cannot be sold |
| Newsletters | Only intercompany documents with no commercial value |
| Newspapers, magazines | For non-commercial purposes only |
| Stationery | Only if blank |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if used |
| Video, audio, electronic media | Must be of no commercial value and not related to banking or
subject to licences |
Sources:
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/envios-courier-postal/
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
A gift shipment sent to Ecuador from Canada will be duty-free if its
value is $400 USD (about $500 CAD) or less.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Ecuador from an individual in
Canada will be duty-free providing its value is $400 USD (about $500
CAD) or less, and that the recipient is an Ecuadorian national.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information at this time regarding shipping a gift from a
business in Canada to a business in Ecuador.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Ecuador
will incur duty and taxes.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Multiple gifts sent in one shipment must be wrapped and tagged
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/envios-courier-postal/
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects shipped to Ecuador from Canada are exempt from duty
if they meet the following criteria*:
- The owner can prove residence in Canada for a minimum of 2 years
- The goods belong to the shipper and/or his or her family
- They are accompanied with documents approved by customs prior to the
arrival of the shipment
- Are a maximum of 200 kg per person
*Otherwise a duty of 12% will be incurred
Personal effects include the following:
- Clothing and footwear
- Furniture and appliances
- Kitchenware, utensils
- Household decorations
- Books and computers
- Household tools
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily from Canada to Ecuador for their studies.
Non-Students
Non-students moving temporarily to work in Ecuador may ship their
goods exempt from duty if:
- They have lived outside of Ecuador for more than 2 years before
moving there
- They provide the approved required documents to customs prior to the
arrival of their shipment
- Within 2 years of living in Ecuador, visits to Ecuador have added up
to a maximum of 180 days (either consecutively or otherwise)
- Obtain a Return Migrant Certificate
NOTE:
- The exemption may be claimed once every 10 years, and can include
tools and equipment for a trade or profession
- The exemption may be claimed up to 3 years after the individual has
settled in Ecuador
Moving Permanently
Returning Ecuadorians may ship their goods exempt from duty if:
- They have lived outside of Ecuador for more than 2 years before
moving there
- They provide the approved required documents to Ecuadorian Customs
prior to the arrival of the shipment
- Within 2 years of their return, visits to Ecuador add up to a
maximum of 180 days (either consecutively or otherwise)
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.trabajo.gob.ec/el-salario-basico-unificado-sbu-para-el-2021-sera-de-usd-400/
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/para-migrantes/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Food and vitamin supplement shipments to Ecuador from Canada are
allowed providing the value of a shipment is $400 USD (about $500 CAD)
or less and the package weighs less than 4 kg.
You May Ship
- Chocolate and candies
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-perishable foods
Do Not Ship
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks
- Genetically modified foodstuffs (special authorization required)
- Perishable goods
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/envios-courier-postal/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Samples of a product are shipped for demonstration purposes and to
promote future orders of product. The samples may be used for market
studies, research, development or testing as long as the required
documents are included.
Samples shipped from Canada to Ecuador are exempt from duty provided
they meet the criteria below:
- Total value does not exceed $400 USD (about $500 CAD)
- Maximum of 3 items of each type
- Shipment weighs a maximum of 4 kg
- Items have no commercial value and are not intended for sale
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
- Shipment is labelled: 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'
Sources:
https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/S452_20110519-20150429-1.pdf
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/envios-courier-postal/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertisement material may be shipped from Canada to Ecuador exempt
from duty and taxes provided the exhibition has been approved by the
National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE).
Advertisement must follow the conditions below:
- It is intended for display, demonstration, or promotion
- It is displayed at an exhibition or international fair
- It is only exhibited within the fairgrounds and during its event
hours
NOTE:
The period of exemption from duty and taxes will apply from 15 days before
the start of the event until fifteen days after the end of the event.
The following goods are prohibited and do not qualify as advertising
material:
- Clothing and footwear
- Tobacco and cigarettes
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Jewellery and costume jewellery
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/S452_20110519-20150429-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment sent to Ecuador from Canada for repair will be exempt from
duty and taxes providing it stays in Ecuador no longer than 1 year.
Items Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment is shipped to Ecuador for repair while under a
warranty it will be exempt from duty. This exemption is granted
provided the item is returned to Canada within 1 year of its original
entry to Ecuador.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment that is no longer under warranty and is returned to Canada
from Ecuador after repairs will be charged GST on the value of the
repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Ecuador
Equipment sent to Ecuador for repair will be exempt from duty and
taxes provided it is returned to Canada within 1 year of its arrival
in Ecuador.
Returning Repaired Product to Ecuador
Products repaired in Canada must be returned to Ecuador within a
maximum period of 3 months from the departure from Ecuador. In
addition, the following details must be provided by the shipper:
- Date of entry of the merchandise to the country
- Details on reason for departure of the merchandise from the country
- Characteristics, distinctive, brands, models, serial numbers, or
other data that allow identify the merchandise that will leave the
country
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Ecuador or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/S452_20110519-20150429-1.pdf
https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Ecuador-Temporary-Entry
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/regimenes-aduaneros/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods imported temporarily into Ecuador will be exempt from duties.
These temporary imports may include an article shipped to Ecuador for
repair or for display at an exhibition or an international fair.
Temporary imports often include the following and may be exempt from
duty up to 1 year:
- Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, international
fair, or trade show
- Professional and scientific equipment
- Commercial samples
- Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring,
producing, or manufacturing
- Equipment shipped for repairs, restoration or conditioning
NOTE: Ecuador does not accept ATA
Carnets for temporary imports.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/S452_20110519-20150429-1.pdf
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Mr. Chulalongkorn
Dusit District
Bangkok 10 300
Ecuador
Phone: 84 24 37563474 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Shipments of sold goods sent from Canada to Ecuador may be exempt from
duty and taxes as shown below under Occasional Shipper.
Occasional Shipper
If you ship sold goods occasionally to Ecuador from Canada, they will
be exempt from duty and taxes providing the shipment:
- Weighs no more than 4 kg (including packaging)
- Is valued at no more than $400 USD (about $500 CAD)
- Is for non-commercial use and for the personal consumption of the
recipient
Further conditions for duty and tax exemption include:
- The recipient of shipment must be an Ecuadorian citizen
- If multiple packages are shipped on the same day to the same
recipient, they must abide by the 4 kg and $400 USD limits as stated
above
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Ecuador, we recommend you consult
a licenced Ecuadorian customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.correosdelecuador.gob.ec/mis-envios-por-la-red-postal-publica-pagan-impuestos/
https://www.correosdelecuador.gob.ec/que-sucede-si-envio-mas-de-un-paquete-al-ecuador-el-mismo-dia-cumpliendo-las-condiciones-de-peso-y-valor-4x4/
https://www.aduana.gob.ec/envios-courier-postal/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Juan Montalvo
Av. Universiteria
Quito 170 129
Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-252-8810 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes on goods shipped to Ecuador are calculated using the CIF
value of the shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus freight
costs plus insurance charges.
You can use the CIF calculation to determine duty and taxes owed by the
recipient of your shipment.
Thresholds
The threshold value on shipments to Ecuador, also called the de
minimis value, is $400 USD (about $500 CAD). This means that on
shipments of less than this value, no duty or tax will be incurred.
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | $400 USD (about $500 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 12% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | $400 USD (about $500 CAD) |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Special Consumption Tax
In Ecuador, certain goods incur a special consumer or luxury tax. The
tax is known as Impuesto a los Consumos Especiales (ICE). They include
plastic bags, cigarettes, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Details for each of the above products can be found clicking here.
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles30%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras20%
- Accessories for Electronics10%
- Coats10% + $5.5 USD / kg
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
- Jewellery30%
- Shirts & Pants10% + $5.5 USD / kg
- Home Appliances15% - 30%
- Toys30%
- Sports Equipment30%
*Details can be found here.
Sources:
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/ecuador/corporate/other-taxes#:~:text=Customs%20duties&text=Most%20consumer%20goods%20imports%20pay,capital%20goods%20and%20industrial%20inputs
https://www.sri.gob.ec/DocumentosAlfrescoPortlet/descargar/5729f9b8-1faa-4886-baef-f8eac038bf89/Tabla%20Resumen%20ICE.xlsx
Questions
about Shipping to Ecuador
Can I ship to Ecuador?
Shipping to Ecuador from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Ecuador by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Ecuador?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Ecuador?
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