Vehicle import Eligibility

WHO CAN IMPORT

• Residents, citizens, or businesses.
• Returning Ecuadorians under "Menaje de Casa" can import one tax-exempt personal vehicle.

ALLOWED VEHICLES

• New vehicles: Allowed.
• Used vehicles: Only under special conditions:
• Less than 5 years old
• Must meet Andean technical norms and emission standards
• Must be for personal use if under “menaje de casa”

Duty Taxes & Fees

VEHICLE IMPORT TAXES

Type of Tax Rate

Import Duty (Arancel)                                        ~35% of CIF value

VAT (IVA)                                                             12% of CIF +Duty

FODINFA                                                             0.5% of CIF Other Fees, Port fees,                                                                                     storage, inspection fees ,etc.

CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight

Example for a $10,000 vehicle CIF:

• Duty: $3,500
• VAT: $1,620
• FODINFA: $50
• Total taxes: ~$5,170

"El menaje de casa"

(Returning residents)

WHO QUALIFIES

• Ecuadorian citizens or foreign residents returning after living abroad for 1+ year
• Must not have used the benefit in the last 5 years
• Must apply through Ecuadorian Consulate + SENAE

🔹 WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Household goods: tax-exempt (used personal furniture, electronics, clothes, kitchenware, etc.)
• One used vehicle:
• Max value: $25,000 USD
• Max engine: 3,000 cc
• Must be for personal use
• Cannot be sold or transferred for 3 years

🔹 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MENAJE

• Certificate of Residence Abroad (from Ecuadorian Consulate)
• Detailed inventory list
• Passport and Ecuadorian ID
• Vehicle title, invoice, and shipping docs (if including a car)

📄 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR GENERAL IMPORTS

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Import Permit (for restricted items)
• Customs Declaration (DAI)
• RUC number (tax ID) of importer

Important notes and recommendations ⚠️

• Import laws are strictly enforced in Ecuador.
• Any discrepancy or undeclared item may result in seizure or fines.
• Used items outside the “menaje de casa” system are often heavily restricted or taxed.

✅Use a trusted Ecuadorian customs broker
✅ Get a pre-shipping inspection to confirm vehicle eligibility
✅ Expect port fees and inland delivery costs in Ecuador.
✅ Keep all original documentation with you or your authorized agent during pickup

✅Vehicles with liens must have a release letter from the lienholder

✅Vehicles under "El menaje" still undergo inspections

✅Fraudulent declarations can lead to fines or seizure

✅If the vehicle is sold within the exempted period, taxes must be paid retroactively

01

Required Documentation

• Vehicle Title
• Commercial Invoice

        Provides the declared value of the goods.

        Must include:

• Sender and receiver name and address
• Clear item description
• Quantity, unit price, total value
• Currency used
• Packing List

         Details the contents of each box or package.

         Must include dimensions, weight, and item               list per package.

         Especially important for customs inspection.

• Ecuador’s Ecuapass/SENAE system.

        Required for all formal import processes.

•   Copy of ID or Passport of the sender and Receiver

        For identity verification.

        If the receiver is a company, also provide the            RUC (tax ID) and legal representative ID.

• RUC (Unique Taxpayer Registry)

        Required for commercial importers.

        For individuals bringing personal goods or                under the household exemption, it may not be          necessary.

02

Vehicle Preparation

• Clean the vehicle: Wash exterior and

interior (to comply with customs and

quarantine inspections)

• Remove Personal Items: No personal 

belongings inside the car (Unless otherwise

authorized-check with us first!)

• Check fluids & battery: Prevent unnecessary

delays and issues during transport

• Document condition: Take photos of the vehicle from all angles as proof of pre-shipment condition. 



03

Booking the shipping

• Contact us early to reserve space

(ocean freight slots fill quickly)

• Provide accurate vehicle dimensions and

weight

• Select your desired shipping method:

RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) — most economical, vehicle is driven on/off the ship

• Container provides added security and option to include spare parts or personal goods (restrictions apply)

04

Delivery to port

Deliver vehicle to the designated U.S. port of departure or schedule door-to-port transport through us

Bring all required documents at delivery time