Moving internationally is an exciting way to open yourself up to new experiences and ways of life. However, it isn’t as simple or easy as moving to a new city or state. An international move requires extensive planning and preparation, which is something that we here at Sea & Air International excel at! We handle all of the logistics of your relocation and provide you with a customized moving plan that is tailored to your unique moving needs.
International Moving Is What We Do
Moving somewhere new can often be exciting as well as a little scary. There are a lot of things to figure out and even more stuff to move into your new home. This is why we offer our customers a wide range of services, as well as expert advice to make sure you are ready to go! Some of our services provided include:
- Pre-move planning
- Moving supplies for your belongings
- Packing your household goods and personal belongings
- Fine arts packing and care
- Storage facilities at a secure storage area (30 days free for customers!)
- Customs documentation
- Customs clearance management
From the very beginning, until the very last box is unpacked at your new place, we will be with you every step of the way. And with our highly competitive rates, you won’t arrive at your new home empty-handed.
Get To Know Ecuador
Ecuador is known as being one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world. The people and the culture of this country are equally and beautifully diverse. Cuisine varies from region to region here, so you could eat fish, plantains, and beans in one area and meat, rice, and white hominy in another.
The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, but there are also 13 spoken indigenous languages. Ranked 20th in the world for quality, Ecuador’s healthcare system is top-notch. Ecuador’s national currency is the American dollar, and the country has been listed as one of the safest South American countries to visit.
Customs Information And Documentation
To assist you with being as prepared as possible for your upcoming move to Ecuador, we have listed the required documentation that you will need for specific items and shipments. You will also want to familiarize yourself with the list of items that are restricted/dutiable or prohibited. When preparing for an international move, it is a good idea to have your documentation in order and on hand should the need to provide it arise. This type of important documentation should be kept on-person or very close by at all times to ensure a smooth transition.
Required Documents
- Passport with proper visa
- Immigrant visa
- Legal residence papers
- A statement stating that contents of the shipment are for personal use and will not be sold before 2 years.
- Inventory in Spanish and English must be legalized at origin by the Consulate of Ecuador.
- Returning Ecuadorians must provide a valid immigrant certificate for customs clearance.
- A written commitment stating that all articles brought into the country duty-free will be dedicated to the use of the owner and not resold.
Required Documents For Motor Vehicles
- Owner certificate
- Two original invoices
- Important license from the central bank before shipping
- Verification certificate
Required Documents For Pets
- Health certificate
- Vaccine certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- New items and shipments in excess of a certain value may be subject to duties.
- Electrical appliances cannot be shipped with the original packaging.
- Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages may be allowed in limited quantities.
- Only one of each item is allowed; additional items will be subject to payment of duties.
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunition
- Drugs and narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Foodstuffs and live plants
Contact Us For Your International Move
Are you ready for your international move? We would like to help. Our professional and experienced international movers will pack, store, transport, and deliver your belongings with the same care we would use with our own. Contact us today to begin your next steps toward your move and your new home.
More Customs Information
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS
Drugs, narcotics, food, pornographic material, live plants, firearms, ammunition, tires, and Household Appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, etc) that operate with compressed gas containing CFCs or with fluids type R-12 or R-502 are strictly prohibited. – Alcohol and cigarettes are restricted.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
New Customs Law issued by the Ecuadorian Congress, and published in the Official Register On May 3rd, 2003, verification at origin for shipments whose value for customs is equal to or greater than US$ 4000= is mandatory.
Contact will be made with the Ecuadorian Insurance Company or broker to obtain the local Insurance Policy, and costs to be informed and billed, including handling fees, to the customer in Ecuador or Origin Agent, accordingly.
Once the previous steps are fulfilled, a “GREEN LIGHT” will be given to proceed with the embarking of shipment.
In the event of a shipment arriving in Ecuador without the Inspection Certificate. – The Customer has 15 Working days upon the arrival date of the shipment to request Ecuadorian Customs Authorities at the Port/Airport of the shipment’s arrival: re-embarkation, in this case, the Customer’s presence is needed to sign personally this request and present additional obligatory documents, as per Customs Procedures valid at that time. – If in this period of time, the Customer does not apply for it, Customs will confiscate the shipment.
Only the following imports are exempted from Verification at Origin:
- Imports destined for the Diplomatic and Consular Sector
- International Transit Regime
- Traveler’s accompanied baggage
- International Mail Traffic and Courier
- Border Traffic
It is important to differentiate between [Declared Value For Customs] and [Declared Value for Insurance].-Also, it is recommended that these figures are not indicated on MAWB, HAWB, MBL, or HBL.-The process of assessing values to the shipment based on the consumerized list is careful coordination between Customer, Origin Agent, Customs Broker, and INSA.
In any case, the Door-to-Door Insurance, purchased by the Customer is a different document, not requested by Customs.-Please inform if by T.I.M.N. Insurance Program, there would be an insurance conflict regarding this matter to prevent any confusion and misunderstandings with claims arising under the Door to Door Insurance in the event a complete loss during international transportation arises.
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free for:
- Foreign diplomats
- Ecuadorian diplomats
- Ecuadorian citizens returning after finishing official assignments in International Organizations recognized by the Ecuadorian Government
- Ecuadorian citizens returning after a minimum of one (1) year of legal residence abroad (resident visa from the country where they return from is required)
- Foreigners with immigrant visas
- Foreigners with non-immigrant working visas
REMARKS:
Only one item per article is allowed. Additional items are subject to payment of duties and fines or confiscation
Returning citizens will not be eligible for duty-free importation if they have stayed in Ecuador for more than 30 days during the last year of abroad residence.
The shipment must arrive up to 60 days AFTER the arrival of the consignee.
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).
The OBL/AWB and cargo documentation must have the consignee’s R.U.C. (Ecuador tax contributor unique register if the consignee is a company)), ID number (if the importer is an Ecuadorian natural person) or passport number (if other than Ecuadorian). If the cargo is consigned to THE OTHER, the notifies R.U.C., ID, or Passport number must be indicated.
NEW REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE MAY 2003
Except for diplomats, household goods and personal effects shipments valued over $ 4,000.00 (declared value for Customs purposes only, not full replacement value), must be inspected at origin before embarkation. Inspection authorization will be requested by the destination agent in Ecuador. Lack of verification at origin will cause immediate re-embarkation of shipment. The cost of verification is 1% of FOB value (min.$250.00) and taxes approx. 2 weeks.
A transportation Insurance policy must be taken in Ecuador (for Customs purposes only, does not replace the regular door-to-door insurance certificate issued at origin).
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
Since this is a reference value only, most airfreight and single container (up to 1×40′ ) shipments can be evaluated under $4,000.00. Before routing your next shipment consigned to Ecuador, please e-mail the packing list to your destination Agent as soon as available in order to confirm if this is a suitable option for this particular shipment.
DOCUMENTATION NEEDED
- Original passport with stamped visa
- The property of goods must be demonstrated by means of the buying documents or with a sworn declaration stamped by an Ecuadorian Consul at the origin, in which is evident the detailed and complete list of household goods and working equipment included on the shipment. There will be no exceptions to this requirement
- 2 Originals of OBL / 1 original of AWB (please see consignment instructions below)
- Work contract valid for more than one year (foreigners only)
- Resident visa from the country they return from (returning citizens only)
- Migratory Certificate, issued at destination by Migration Police prior to presentation of Customs declaration (not applicable to foreign and Ecuadorian diplomats)
- Verification certificate (issued by Inspection Company)
- A transportation Insurance policy issued in Ecuador
REMARKS:
If the visa is not stamped on arrival, a $2,000.00 refundable guarantee must be presented. If the working visa is not presented to Customs within 90 days, the guarantee will not be reimbursed, and Customs duties will be applied.
Returning Ecuadorians must present a resident visa from the country they were living in.
Except for diplomats, detailed physical inspection at the port of entry is mandatory
If non-declared items are found during the inspection, this will be considered a felony and will be severely punished.
DOCUMENTATION NEEDED (DIPLOMATIC SHIPMENTS ONLY)
- Original passport
- Inventory list (no Consular seal needed)
- 2 Originals of OBL / 1 original of AWB
- Official Franchise from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved by Customs
- If a motor vehicle is included, the original invoice
MOTOR VEHICLES
Except for diplomatic shipments, the importation of used motor vehicles is prohibited. To import a motor vehicle, it must be brand new, it must be inspected at origin before embarkation (even if it is sharing a container with household goods), and an import permit must be previously approved in Ecuador. Motor vehicles are subject to duties (approx. 65% of CIF value).
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Customs clearance process takes approximately 4-5 weeks in Guayaquil and approximately 2 weeks in Quito. Please make sure that the consignee is informed. Please send Company a copy of the OBL as soon as it is issued.
WARNING:
Making a false or misleading statement to the Authorities is an offense and may involve heavy penalties. Drug trafficking is against the law, and severe penalties apply.
Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Sea & Air International cannot, however, take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such, it is advisable to contact the nearest Australian customs office for full and current information prior to importation.