ECUADOR (ECU)

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At MSC we offer reliable and efficient shipping services to and from Ecuador, for a host of markets and suppliers seeking to do business in and out of North-western South America. If this is the first time you’ve shipped to Ecuador be sure to take a look at our in-depth country guide, covering everything from general trade information to import and export procedures, designed to ensure the smooth transport of your goods to or from Ecuador.

Fact file

• ISO Code: ECU
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: United States dollar ($)
• Time zone: GMT-5 to -6
• Dialling code: +593
• Capital city: Quito
• Area: 283,561 sq km (176,196 sq mi)
• Population: 15,654,411
• Weights and measures: Metric system
• Electricity supply: 120v. 60Hz

Key commodities and trading partners

Exports

Petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, wood and fish.

Imports

Industrial materials, fuels and lubricants and nondurable consumer goods.

Principal trading partners - exports

• USA: 37.3%
• Chile: 8.1%
• Peru: 6.5%
• Japan: 4.5%
• Russia: 4.5%
• Colombia: 4%

Principal trading partners - imports

• USA: 28.4%
• China: 11.3%
• Colombia: 8.8%
• Peru: 4.5%

Ports and terminals

• Guayaquil (ECGYE) - Guayaquil Port

Prohibited cargo

Imports

• Firearms, explosives and ammunition are banned without prior permission
• Fresh or dry meat products are banned without prior permission
• Plant and vegetables are banned without prior permission
• All pets require a Health Certificate issued by a government veterinarian. An additional Rabies inoculation certificate required for dogs and cats

Though the above items are the only ones prohibited, there are a number of goods that are heavily restricted. For more information, see the links below.

Exports

• Illegal drugs
• Pornographic material
• Precious native artefacts
• Wild live animals
• Weapons and ammunition (without prior permission)
• Gold bars

For full details of prohibited cargo in Ecuador please visit the following sites:

European Commission site
Import and export regulations