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