Ecuador’s Customs Service (SENAE) is the agency assigned to protect the economy of Ecuador by controlling illegal business or entry of counterfeit goods and by facilitating legitimate trade. 

All natural persons or legal entities are approved to conduct export and import processes in Ecuador.  All importers and exporters must register with SENAE and obtain a company tax number (RUC) issued by the Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (SRI).  Besides the RUC, the importer or exporter is required to be registered in the online customs system, ECUAPASS. 

Because the U.S. dollar is the legal tender in Ecuador, currency exchange calculations are unnecessary, simplifying trade, though as of January 2024 there is a 3.5 percent capital exit tax.   

Understanding the right export documents is essential for smooth import and export procedures. It is advisable to work with a local customs agent.

SENAE has a list of authorized customs agents: https://www.aduana.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LISTADO-AGENTES-DE-ADUANA.pdf

The current import and exports regimes can be found at: https://www.aduana.gob.ec/regimenes-aduaneros/