Ecuador has recently introduced a set of updated Duty-Free Rules of items allowed to bring to Ecuador, making it more convenient for visitors to bring personal items, including electronics and liquor, into the country duty-free. These changes, outlined in resolution SENAE-SENAE-2023-0079-RE, have expanded the list of allowable items and quantities, offering a significant benefit to those exploring Ecuador. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of these exciting updates that can enhance your travel experience in Ecuador.
Duty-Free Allowances
Quantities and types of items allowed to be brought into Ecuador without taxes or additional authorizations have been clarified by the National Customs Service of Ecuador (Senae). These items, termed personal effects of the traveler, encompass goods accompanying the traveler or family group, non-commercial due to quantity or value.
Food and Medicines
A significant change has been introduced by Resolution SENAE-SENAE-2023-0079-RE regarding food items. Now, any properly sealed or vacuum-packed food is deemed a personal effect of the traveler, eliminating the previous restriction on “processed, properly sealed, or vacuum-packed food.”
Similarly, Section 11 of the resolution has been amended to encompass medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements. Medications must be accompanied by a valid medical prescription, national or foreign. For food supplements, travelers can now bring up to 8 kilograms, a substantial increase from the prior limit of four kilograms.
Alcoholic Beverages and Perfumes
The allowance for alcoholic beverages has been expanded for travelers aged 18 and above. Each passenger can now bring up to five liters of alcohol, a raise from the previous limit of three liters. Additionally, passengers may carry a maximum of 500 milliliters of perfume per person or 1,000 milliliters per family group, provided the perfume is in new bottles. These quantities surpass the prior limits of 300 milliliters per passenger and 600 milliliters per family group.
Cosmetics and Toiletries
The resolution has positively impacted the quantities of cosmetics and toiletries permitted. Travelers can now bring up to 2,500 milliliters per passenger or 5,000 milliliters per family group for items like creams, body lotions, and splashes.
Electronics and Portable Items
Ecuador’s updated regulations extend beyond consumables. Air travelers are now allowed to bring one new and one used unit of various portable electronic items, including:
- Cell phone
- Photographic camera
- Video recorder or camcorder
- Digital multimedia receiver and/or portable image/video or sound player for home use
- Satellite phone
- Electronic diary or personal computer on a tablet (tablet)
- Portable global positioning (GPS) equipment for personal use
- Laptop and/or its peripherals (mouse, headphones, and similar)
Additionally, one new or used unit of the following items is considered personal effects:
- Television up to 60 inches
- Computer monitor up to 32 inches
- Desktop computer and/or its peripherals (mouse, headphones, camera, keyboard, scanner, and similar), for home use
- Binoculars
- Telescope
- Projection device and/or screen for domestic use
- Drone, provided its value does not exceed $1,000.
Exceeding Allowances
It should be noted that exceeding the established limits for any of the mentioned items may result in passengers being required to pay taxes on the excess value, potentially incurring fines.
These updated regulations, introduced by the National Customs Service of Ecuador (Senae), create a more favorable environment for air travelers to bring personal items, electronics, and alcoholic beverages into the country duty-free. With these new rules, visitors can maximize their trips to Ecuador by capitalizing on the expanded allowances, making their journey even more memorable.
