Ecuador: New System Now in place for parcels coming from abroad via courier

Starting this Thursday a $42 dollar rate will be applied to internet shopping sent to Ecuador. Photo: File Andes

Quito, Oct. 9 (Andes).-People who purchased products abroad online to receive them in Ecuador, or migrants who send parcels to the country that do not meet exemption requirements under the 4×4 mode, via courier,must pay a rate of $ 42 dollars starting this Thursday. Until now, online purchases and shipments being made by Ecuadorian migrants to their families in Ecuador that did not exceed 4 kilograms or $ 400 value (4X4) via express mail (courier) were exempt from paying taxes, but authorities warned that this advantage was being exploited by people who were contra-banding.

Therefore, the Committee of Foreign Trade (Comex) decided on a collection of a $42 dollar fee and new arrangements for such shipments, with a resolution which was published in August in the Official Gazette. The agency’s decision exonerates Ecuadorian migrants, who will have a limit of 12 items or a quota of $ 2,400 per year to send items to the country. To obtain this benefit, residents abroad must register with the Virtual Consulate system. Moreover, the resolution of the Comex provides a limit of five packages for users who purchase products abroad and wish to import in the form of 4 x 4 system.
According to the resolution, shipments of medicines, medical items, books and documents remain untaxed. Read Article


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