How to import from China to Ecuador?

Are you interested in importing from China to Ecuador? In this article China-Latin will show you the procedures and requirements to make your dream come true. You can also contact us directly to advise you on all the details about the import process.

General requirements
Be registered in the RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes), as an individual or legal entity.
Obtain the digital certificate for electronic signature (Token) through BCE.
Register in the ECUAPASS system as an importer through SENAE's web site
Verify the tariff item of the product to be imported and its required certification and corresponding restrictions.
Find a customs agent

Steps to follow

1.Registration as importer

Once the RUC has been processed at the Internal Revenue Service, you can acquire the Digital Certificate for the electronic signature through the following entities:
Civil Registry:https://www.registrocivil.gob.ec/solicitud-de-emision-de-certificado-digital-de-firma-electronica/
Security Data: http://www.securitydata.net.ec/

Then you must register in the ECUAPASS portal: http://www.ecuapass.aduana.gob.ec

2.Market research
It is important to know all the characteristics of the product you want to buy by making a study of the cost of transportation, nationalization and other expenses generated during the process. 

3.Search for suppliers
You can find the best Chinese suppliers through the following platforms:
www.alibaba.com
www.made-in-china.com
www.globalsources.com
www.aliexpress.com
www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
Make sure that the supplier you order from has the necessary licenses to export to Ecuador since there are many, especially manufacturers and not trading companies, that are only focused on the domestic market and do not know the procedures of international trade. In addition, it is very important to verify the reliability of the company, to guarantee the security of the transactions to be made and the quality of the products to be delivered. China-Latin can help you to audit suppliers, inspect merchandise, prepare export and customs clearance documentation and we will even be your partner in China that will safeguard the whole process of your import so that you will not be cheated.

4.International Negotiation Terms (INCOTERMS)
The price of the product to be imported is directly related to the Incoterms (International Trade Terms) you use and you must clarify the concept to determine the extent of the exporter's and importer's responsibility and know what costs are being added to the price of the product to be imported.
You can study about these terms in another article we published: https://www.chinalatinagent.com/en/news/What-are-Incoterms-EXW-FOB-and-CIF-are-the-most-common-ones.html

5. International logistics
After verifying the terms of negotiation, you must hire a transportation company with which you will investigate well what are the policies and conditions of the transfer, where and how your goods will arrive in the country.
We, China-Latin Logistics, are a professional freight forwarder with many years of experience in the market that performs sea, air and multimodal shipments from China to Ecuador. You can contact us to get references from other Ecuadorian businessmen who have contracted our services to understand how the process works and have more peace of mind.

6.Duties and Taxes
It is essential to know the tariff classification of the product to determine the duty to be paid and other expenses related to handling, transportation and storage in Ecuador and the professional fees of your Customs Broker.

Here are the main tributes:

-AD-VALOREM (Tariff charged on goods): Established by the competent authority, consisting of percentages according to the type of merchandise and is applied on the CIF value (taxable value of the import).

-FODINFA (Fondo de Desarrollo para la Infancia): 0.5% on the taxable base of the import.

-ICE (Special Consumption Tax): Variable percentage depending on the goods and services imported (See the IRS website: www.sri.gob.ec, link: Taxes).

-VAT (Value Added Tax): 12% on: taxable income + ADVALOREM + FODINFA + ICE

You can consult the following page of the National Tariff for exact figures once you have the specific subheading of the product to be imported: https://mesadeservicios.aduana.gob.ec/arancel/

7.Nationalization of goods
Once the merchandise is in Ecuador in the Customs Warehouse, in order to pick up the merchandise, you must pay the import taxes and present the following documents:
Commercial invoice
Packing List
Import Registration or License, if required
Import Declaration
Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (BL), depending on the form of transport.
Other certificates or approvals, if required

In order to carry out customs clearance procedures, it is necessary to have the participation of a Customs Agent, who must be duly accredited by SENAE. The list of authorized Customs Agents can be found in the following route: www.aduana.gob.ec> Services for ECO's > Customs Agents.
We hope this article about the procedures and requirements to import from China to Ecuador has been helpful for you. If you would like more information please contact us at China-Latin for our professional advice.

Written by YEN