Export guide
How to export from Ecuador without getting stuck
From the first conversation with a buyer to the regularization of the DAE. For agro-exporters, manufacturers and foreign buyers who need to understand what each market asks for and how cargo leaves Ecuador.
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In short
- You need a RUC, an electronic signature and an exporter registration in ECUAPASS.
- The destination country defines the certificates: sanitary, phytosanitary, origin and quality.
- A certificate of origin lets your buyer pay a lower duty when a trade agreement applies.
- The DAE is filed before shipment and regularized afterwards, within the SENAE deadline.
- Drawback applies only to certain cases and is claimed after exporting: do not count it as income without support.
The route in six steps
01
Register as an exporter
Get a RUC, an electronic signature and an exporter registration in ECUAPASS.
02
Confirm tariff code and market
Classify the product and review the duty, the trade agreement and the destination requirements.
03
Gather the certificates
Get the phytosanitary or sanitary certificate that applies and the certificate of origin if a preference applies.
04
Agree on Incoterm and payment
Set the Incoterm 2020 rule, the place of delivery and a secure payment method with the buyer.
05
File the DAE and ship
The customs broker files the DAE, the cargo enters the primary zone, clears inspection and is loaded.
06
Regularize and close
Regularize the DAE with the final transport document and check whether a duty refund applies.
What do I need to start exporting?
An active RUC, an electronic signature and an exporter registration in ECUAPASS, just as for importing. With those, the Export Customs Declaration (DAE) is filed. Depending on the product you will also need registrations with the sanitary or agricultural authority and, if you sell to a market with a trade agreement, the product's declaration of origin.
How do I choose the target market?
Cross three data points: the duty your buyer will pay under the trade agreement in force, the sanitary and technical requirements at destination, and the logistics cost of getting there. Ecuador has agreements with the European Union, the Andean Community, China and other partners, each with its own rules of origin. Pro Ecuador publishes market studies that help you start.
Which certificates does the destination require?
It depends on the product and the country. Plants, flowers and fruit need a phytosanitary certificate from AGROCALIDAD; food and seafood, sanitary certificates from the competent authority; and many buyers also require private certifications for quality, food safety or sustainability. Confirm them with the importer before producing the lot.
- Cacao and coffee
- Phytosanitary certificate, a quality certificate when the buyer asks for it and a certificate of origin for the preference.
- Bananas and fruit
- Phytosanitary certificate, exporter registration with the agricultural authority and the private certifications common in the sector.
- Shrimp and seafood
- A sanitary certificate from the competent authority for aquaculture and fishery products, plus the destination requirements.
- Flowers
- AGROCALIDAD phytosanitary certificate and a cold chain coordinated with the cargo flight.
- Manufactured goods
- A certificate of origin for the preference and, depending on the destination, technical or labeling standards.
How does the certificate of origin work?
The certificate of origin proves your product meets the rules of origin of the agreement and lets the buyer pay the preferential duty. It is processed in ECUAPASS through the Ecuadorian Single Window, based on the sworn declaration of origin, and issued by the Ministry of Production or an authorized entity. Coordinate it with the shipping date.
Which Incoterm should I offer my buyer?
FOB and FCA are the most common: you deliver the cargo cleared in Ecuador and the buyer handles international freight. If your buyer wants a price delivered to their port, CFR or CIF (or CPT and CIP by air) let you control the freight, but risk still passes at origin. Offer D terms only if you have a partner at destination.
How is the DAE processed?
The DAE is the electronic export declaration in ECUAPASS. The customs broker files it before shipment, the cargo enters the primary customs zone while the declaration is valid, SENAE assigns an inspection channel and, after loading, the DAE is regularized with the final transport document within the deadline SENAE sets.
- 1. Filing
- The DAE is filed with the invoice and cargo details before the cargo reaches the port or airport.
- 2. Entry to the primary zone
- The cargo enters the port or airport while the declaration is valid.
- 3. Inspection
- SENAE assigns a channel by risk; a physical check inspects the cargo before loading.
- 4. Shipment
- The cargo leaves with its transport document.
- 5. Regularization
- The DAE is closed with the final transport document. Without it, the system blocks new exports.
How does cargo leave Ecuador?
Ocean cargo leaves through the ports in the Guayaquil area and other ports in the country, and air cargo mainly through Quito and Guayaquil. Perishables travel in refrigerated containers with controlled temperature, for example bananas at 13 °C and frozen shrimp at -18 °C, and flowers on cargo flights from Quito.
How do I make sure I get paid?
Set the payment method before production: advance payment, letter of credit or documentary collection, depending on how well you know the buyer. With a new client, a partial advance or a letter of credit confirmed by a bank reduces the risk of shipping without getting paid. Do not release the original shipping documents without the agreed payment or guarantee.
Can I recover duties when exporting?
Sometimes. Drawback refunds foreign trade duties to exporters who incorporate imported inputs into the exported product, with requirements and amounts set by the rules in force. The request is filed with SENAE after exporting and not every product qualifies, so do not add it to your margin until it is confirmed.
What do I need to export from Ecuador?
To export from Ecuador you need a RUC, an electronic signature and an exporter registration in ECUAPASS; with those, the Export Customs Declaration (DAE) is filed. Depending on the product, the destination may require certificates: a phytosanitary certificate from AGROCALIDAD for plant products, sanitary certificates for food and seafood, and a certificate of origin to claim the tariff preference. The buyer and the agreed Incoterm define the remaining documents.
What is the DAE and when is it regularized?
The DAE is the electronic declaration that formalizes an export in ECUAPASS. It is filed before shipment, the cargo enters the primary customs zone while the declaration is valid, SENAE assigns an inspection channel and, after loading, the DAE is regularized with the final transport document within the deadline SENAE sets. If it is not regularized on time, the system blocks new exports until it is fixed.
How do I get a certificate of origin to export?
The certificate of origin proves your product meets the rules of origin of a trade agreement and gives it access to the tariff preference at destination. It is processed in ECUAPASS through the Ecuadorian Single Window, based on the product's sworn declaration of origin, and issued by the Ministry of Production or an authorized entity. Some agreements accept other proofs of origin, so confirm which one your buyer needs before shipping.
Can I recover duties on exports through drawback?
Drawback refunds foreign trade duties to exporters who incorporate imported inputs into the exported product, with requirements and amounts set by the rules in force. Not every product or operation qualifies, and the request is filed with SENAE after exporting. Daleki Trade reviews eligibility and prepares the file, without guaranteeing amounts or refund dates.
Which Incoterm should I use when exporting from Ecuador?
When exporting from Ecuador, FOB or FCA are the most common: you deliver the goods cleared for export at the port or to the buyer's carrier, and the buyer takes on the main freight. CIF or CIP let you control freight and insurance when the buyer asks for it, although risk still passes to the buyer at origin. Avoid DDP unless you have a partner at destination who can declare the import there.
Export with one accountable partner from start to finish
Daleki Trade coordinates the tariff code, certificates, DAE, shipment and regularization, with the cost in writing before we start.