China is Ecuador’s second largest trading partner and largest source of imports.

Shipping your cargo to Ecuador from China may initially seem daunting given the complexities of international trade and logistics, but with CFC, it doesn’t have to be.

Ecuador Customs

All natural persons or legal entities are approved to conduct export and import processes in Ecuador.

All importers and exporters must register with SENAE and obtain a company tax number (RUC) issued by the Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (SRI). Besides the RUC, the importer or exporter is required to be registered in the online customs system, ECUAPASS.

The necessary documentation for importing products into Ecuador includes a commercial invoice, the original or a copy of the bill of lading or airway bill, an insurance policy compliant with the Insurance Law, the RUC, a certificate of origin (if applicable), and an INEN-1 certificate (for standards compliance, if applicable).

Labeling & Marking Requirements

The Ecuadorian Quality System Law establishes that, prior to the commercialization of domestic and imported products, the products must demonstrate whether they comply with the requirements of current technical regulations and quality standards for their labeling, applicable to obtain a certificate of conformity issued by agencies accredited by the Ecuadorian accreditation system.

The Ecuadorian Standards Institute (INEN) sets all labeling requirements. Labeling must be in Spanish and must include:

• name of the company
• address
• phone number
• tax registration number (RUC)
• country of origin
• unit
• net weight
• sanitary registration number, if required

Ecuador Customs Tariff Rate

As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1996, Ecuador has a 21.9 percent simple average for tariffs (25.7 percent for agricultural items and 21.2 percent for non-agricultural items). Ecuador’s simple average applied Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate was 11.2 percent (17.4 percent for agricultural products and 10.2 percent for non-agricultural products).

In addition to duties, all imports are subject to a 12 percent value-added tax and an additional 0.5 percent tax for the Children’s Development Fund applied to the CIF value of the merchandise.

Free Trade Agreement between Ecuador and China

The Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement has officially took effect on May 1, 2024. China and Ecuador will gradually eliminate tariffs on about 90% of the tariff items, covering each other’s main export products. Among them, about 60% of the tariff items have been eliminated immediately.

Contact CFC to issue your own CO to benefit from the FTA.

Sea Freight from China to Ecuador

When it comes to transporting larger cargo volumes over long distances, our sea freight services to Ecuador from China offer the most cost-effective solution.

Benefiting from our extensive expertise in maritime logistics, we provide efficient and affordable sea freight services without compromising on quality.

Shipping by sea often proves to be the most economical option, particularly for businesses with moderate transport needs. We offer a range of customized solutions to suit your requirements, including full-container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) options.

Ports in Ecuador

The main port in the country is the Port of Guayaquil, which is located on the Pacific Ocean and connects to the Guayas River. It throughputs nearly 90% of all cargo imported and 50% of export goods.

Other major ports are: Manta, Esmeraldas, Bolivar, Freeport and Posorja. Manta is an important tourist port; Esmeraldas and Freeport are major oil ports; Bolivar is an important banana and shrimp export port; Posorja is a newly built deep-water port.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Ecuador

When trying to figure out how much your international shipping is going to cost you, there are a few considerations to take into account that will determine the final price: your freight’s size and volume, the container you choose, the Incoterm to be applied and the route for your ocean freight. Unfortunately, that’s not all; special conditions for your goods – such as those required for sensitive or hazardous cargo – are likely to incur in extra costs.

For example. The port-to-port container rate from Shenzhen China to Guayaquil Ecuador is rough $4,000 USD for 1x20GP.

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Ecuador

Average Ocean freight transit time to Ecuador is 40 days from China.

Air Freight from China to Ecuador

When it comes to shipping cargo from China to Ecuador, speed and reliability are paramount considerations. That’s why our air freight service is a preferred choice among sellers, buyers, and trading companies in China and Ecuador.

Ecuador’s domestic routes are mainly handled by Equair, Latam, Avianca, Aeroregional and other airlines.

International routes are mainly handled by Iberia, AirEuropa, Plus Ultra, Avianca, Copa Airlines, KLM, Latam, Tame, JetBlue, Interjet, Aeroméxico, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and other airlines, connecting Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas in the United States, Madrid in Spain, Amsterdam in the Netherlands and other European and American cities, as well as Colombia, Mexico, Panama, El Salvador, Peru and other Latin American countries.

Airports in Ecuador

Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport and Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport are the two main airports in Ecuador.

Air Freight Cost from China to Ecuador

Weight and dimensions are fundamental factors that significantly impact air freight rates. The weight of the shipment directly affects the cost, as airlines charge based on the weight of the cargo.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Serbia

China freight transit to Ecuador via countries such as the Netherlands, Spain and Mexico, or via major American cities such as New York, Miami, Houston and Atlanta.

Express delivery usually takes 3-5 days. Economy Class services take longer: delivery time is 10 business days longer.

Working with CFC

Whether you’re a buyer, an importer or trading company based in Ecuador, we’re dedicated to making the process seamless for you. If you are looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective shipping service to Ecuador from China, look no further than CFC.

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