G.E.M. Relocations - International Shipping and Relocations

In order to aid you in moving to Ecuador we have gathered customs information. We advise you to carefully review the information relating to moving to Ecuador. You may find more up to date information at your local consulate or embassy. Please note, customs regulations are subject to change at any time. GEM Relocations cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.

 

Documentation Required

1. Original Passport with proper Visa
2. Immigrant Visa
3. Migration Certificate, issued at destination by Migration Police
4. Work contract valid for more than one year (foreigners with non-immigrant working visa)
5. Inventory (in Spanish) must be legalized at origin by Consulate of Ecuador
6. Ecuadorian citizens returning after a minimum of one (1) year of legal residence abroad require a resident visa from the country they are moving from

Customs Regulation

1. ALL HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECT SHIPMENTS MUST BE INSPECTED AT ORIGIN BEFORE EMBARKATION. LACK OF PRE-INSPECTION WILL RESULT IN RETURN OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS TO PORT OF ORIGIN AT SHIPPER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH THE ECUADORIAN DESTINATION AGENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
2. Diplomatic shipments are excluded from the above requirements.
3. Customer must be in Ecuador at time of customs clearance.
4. Any cost incurred for obtaining this certificate is not included in the door-to-door cost of the move, and is for the Customer's account
5. Shipments for foreigners, immigrants and returning nationals must arrive within 60 days of the Customer
6. Foreigners and immigrants can import household goods duty free, contingent on the issue of a visa valid for over one year
7. Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for:
8. Foreign diplomats
9. Ecuadorian diplomats
10. Ecuadorians retiring from official assignments in international organizations
11. Ecuadorians with at least one (1) year abroad are allowed duty free entry of household goods.
12. All shipper may import one electric appliance. (Any extras may be dutiable)
13. Shipments on which all conditions are not fulfilled will be subject to payment of import taxes (approx. 43% of CIF value, calculated by Customs after inspection)

Dutiable and Restricted Items

1. New items and shipments in excess of a certain valuation are subject to duties
2. Electrical appliances must not be shipped with original packing
3. Limited quantities of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products may be allowed
4. Only one of each item allowed, additional items subject to payment of duties

Prohibited Items

1. Firearms and Ammuniton
2. Drugs and narcotics
3. Pornographic material
4. Foodstuffs and live plants

Motor Vehicles

1. Importation of used vehicles is prohibited
2. To import a motor vehicle, it must be brand new, and it must be inspected at origin before embarkation (even if it is sharing a container with household goods)
3. Motor vehicles are subject to duties (approx. 65% of CIF value)
4. Previous authorization from the Ministry of Finance required before new vehicle is shipped from origin

Animals and Pets

1. May import up to three pets
2. Documents required:
3. Health Certificate
4. Vaccine Certificate