Ecuador - 1. Country Profile

Generic Information

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a representative democracy in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) west of the mainland. The capital city is Quito, while the largest city is Guayaquil.

What is now Ecuador was home to a variety of Amerindian groups who were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire during the 15th century. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century and achieved independence in 1820 as part of Gran Colombia, from which it emerged as its own sovereign state in 1830. The legacy of both empires is reflected in Ecuador's ethnically diverse population, with the majority of its 18 million people being mestizos, followed by large minorities of descendants of Europeans, Amerindians* and Africans**. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population, although 13 Amerindian languages are also recognized, including Quechua and Shuar.

(*)The Indigenous World 2022: Ecuador. For self-identification in the Census carried out in 2010, the following indigenous nationalities were considered: Tsáchila, Chachi, Epera, Awa, Kichwas, Shuar, Achuar, Shiwiar, Cofán, Siona, Secoya, Zápara, Andoa and Waorani.

(**)https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afroecuadorian 

Ecuador is a middle-income country, with a developing, "dollarized" economy, quite open and highly dependent on oil revenues (which represent between 14 and 20 percent of GDP, more than half of the income from of exports and between 20 and 30 percent of public income. At the industry level, 14 of the 18 economic activities reported growth in 2022. Among the sectors with the highest growth are: Accommodation and Food Services (12, 2%), Aquaculture and Shrimp Fishing (11.8%), Postal and Communications (10.7%), Electricity and Water Supply (6.7%), and Education and Social and Health Services (5.8%). %).

It is governed as a democratic presidential republic. Ecuador, one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, is home to many endemic plants and animals, such as those of the Galapagos Islands. In recognition of its unique ecological heritage, the new 2008 constitution is the first in the world to recognize legally enforceable Rights of Nature, or ecosystem rights.

Generic country information can be obtained from sources that are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a generic overview of the country, see the following sources:

Country information on Ecuador Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador)

IMF country information for Ecuador (https://www.imf.org/en/Countries/ECU)

Information Intelligence Unit of Economists of Ecuador *** (http://country.eiu.com/ecuador)

(***) note: This is a paid service

Humanitarian Info

Ecuador World Food Program Information (http://www1.wfp.org/countries/ecuador)

Ecuador UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information (https://www.unocha.org/latin-america-and-caribbean-rolac/sobre-ocha-rolac)

Facts and Figures

Ecuador Wolfram Alpha Information (http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Ecuador&lk=1&assumption=ClashPrefs_*Country.Ecuador)

Ecuador Information World Bank (https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ecuador)

Ecuador Population statistics (http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/ecuador-population/)

Ecuador - 1.1 Humanitarian Background

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Ecuador is exposed to extreme weather conditions and frequent natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions that affect both local populations and migrants living in the country. Ecuador is also located in an area of intense seismic activity and, in 2016, Ecuador was hit by an earthquake that affected the coastal areas of the provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas, killing 670 people and leaving more than 30,000 people homeless. In addition to the aforementioned, Ecuador is affected regularly by El Niño, the consequences are large floods and landslides in several areas of the country. Currently, Ecuador is facing heavy rains that are affecting cities in different regions of the country. There is a weak culture of risk prevention in the country, so many people do not know how to act in the event of a disaster occurs; therefore, capacity building on aspects related to prevention and response to natural disasters is imperative in Ecuador.

Source: Global Crisis Response Platform Humanitarian and Crisis Transition Activities. https://crisisresponse.iom.int/response/ecuador-crisis-response-plan-2020

Natural Hazards
Type	Occurs	Comments / Details
Drought	No	N/A
Earthquakes	Yes	Ecuador is subject to intense and continuous geological activity due to its proximity to several geological fault lines created by movements of the Nazca Oceanic and South American Continental tectonic plates, which creates a constant threat of earthquakes of various magnitudes. Earth tremors occur frequently, although many are not felt. Generally, there are between 100 and 200 noticeable tremors (4 and above on the Richter scale) per year throughout Ecuador and most occur in coastal regions. The 2016 Ecuador earthquake occurred on 16 April at 18:58:37 ECT, with a moment magnitude of 7.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The very large thrust earthquake was centred approximately 27 km (17 mi) from the towns of Muisne and Pedernales in a sparsely populated part of the country, and 170 km (110 mi) from the capital Quito, where it was felt strongly. Regions of Manta, Pedernales, and Portoviejo accounted for over 75 percent of total casualties. Over 300 fatalities occurred in the cities of Manta and Portoviejo, both of which are in Manabí province. SENPLADES (Development Planning Secretary) reported that recovery costs exceed 330,000,000 USD.
Epidemics	Yes	2020-2021 Covid 19 Pandemic - Ongoing (2021) Ecuador has confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in all 24 provinces. The Government of Ecuador provides coronavirus-related information at this website: https://www.coronavirusecuador.com. The most up to date information can be found on the Ministry’s Twitter account: https://twitter.com/salud_ec. ICUs and beds in Ecuador national health system. Please see this link for the Interactive information on the operational response of the Humanitarian Country Team in Ecuador. Courtesy of Pablo Galarza, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Dengue Fever In 2019–2020, a large dengue fever epidemic occurred in Guayaquil, Ecuador; CDC estimated that at least 420,000 individuals were infected during the epidemic, but there were very few fatalities. The 2019-2020 period comprises a further increase in cases and one of the largest dengue outbreaks in the region with nearly 3 million cases, 8416 of them in Ecuador. Chikungunya In Ecuador, Chikungunya is reported for the first time at the end of 2014 and now both arboviral diseases are priorities for public health primarily in five locations in 4 provinces: Esmeraldas, Guayas, El Oro and Galapagos (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal). Cholera In 1991, the first wave of cholera (7^th pandemic on the south Pacific coast) is characterized by a very high attack rate and a low mortality rate (as compared to Africa), and the unexpected involvement of populations living on the high Andean plateau It is probable from the results collected in Ecuador that cholera will become endemic in Latin America. Foot and Mouth Disease A wide scale epidemic of Foot and Mouth disease on an unprecedented scale swept through the countryside of Ecuador in 2002, affecting cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. For HIV/AIDS in Ecuador, please see the UNAIDS website: https://www.unaids.org/es/regionscountries/countries/ecuador
Extreme Temperatures	Yes	The El Niño climatic phenomenon exposes areas of Ecuador to the risks of climate change. These changes have caused extremely cold temperatures in Carchi, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cañar, and Azuay, and have resulted in a hotter climate in all other parts of Ecuador.
Flooding	Yes	In Ecuador, floods are part of the dynamics of hydrographic basins. Due to El Niño from March 1972 to Feb 1973, the provinces of Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Los Ríos, and in August 1982 to November 1983 in the provinces of Manabí, Guayas, El Oro, and Los Ríos, were severely impacted by the phenomenon, which represented 15% of the national coastal territory. The El Niño phenomenon from October 1997 to June 1998, severely impacted the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Esmeraldas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Chimborazo, Azuay, and Cañar, which affected 10% of the national gross domestic product (GDP) . Floods are being registered not only in the coastal area but in the Andean ridge.
Insect Infestation	Yes	Aedes aegypti reported in five locations in 4 provinces of Ecuador: Esmeraldas, Guayas, El Oro and Galapagos (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal). “Grylloidea” crickets were seen in 2020 in Guayas in noticeable volumes. Crickets proliferate due to weather conditions, in this case, the rains in the coastal area of Ecuador. It is considered a winter pest and do not bite or transmit viruses or diseases with the sole exception that the food is contaminated by the excrement and fragments of this animal.
Mudslides	Yes	The most vulnerable areas are the provinces of Morona Santiago, Loja, Napo, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and Orellana El Oro. A lot of main roads that join these provinces are affected by mudslides.
Volcanic Eruptions	Yes	Ecuador has 11 active volcanos, meaning volcanic activity is a regular feature of disaster management. The country is located along the Pacific Rim's ‘Ring of Fire’. The Tungurahua volcano, near the Ambato and Baños cities, has been active since 1999. In 22 April 2011, volcanic activity resurfaced with a series of large explosions and ash emissions towards the western part of the volcano. Volcanic activity at Tungurahua has diminished since the end of May, but Ecuadorian authorities continue to restrict access to the volcano and a yellow alert for the immediate surrounding areas of the volcano is still in place. The Reventador Volcano, in Napo Province in the Amazon region, has shown increased activity and an increase in the size of the dome and temperature. The National Agency for Risk Control has suspended all other mountaineering activities in the immediate surroundings in El Chaco region. Sangay (also known as Macas, Sanagay, or Sangai) is an active stratovolcano in central Ecuador. It is the most active volcano in Ecuador, despite erupting only three times in recorded history, because the eruption that started in 1934 is still ongoing. It exhibits mostly strombolian activity. Geologically, Sangay marks the southern boundary of the Northern Volcanic Zone, and its position straddling two major pieces of crust accounts for its high level of activity. Sangay's approximately 500,000-year-old history is one of instability; two previous versions of the mountain were destroyed in massive flank collapses, evidence of which still litters its surroundings today. Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, located in the Latacunga canton of Cotopaxi Province, about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, and 33 km (21 mi) northeast of the city of Latacunga. It is the second highest summit in Ecuador, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft). It is one of the world's highest volcanoes. Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times, resulting in the creation of numerous valleys formed by lahars (mudflows) around the volcano. The last eruption lasted from August 2015 to January 2016. With 87 known eruptions, Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. In 2015, two large phreatic (steam) eruptions in the morning of the 14 August marked a new phase of volcanic activity. The volcano remains in a very abnormal situation. In August, 2,100 earthquakes were recorded and emission rates of sulfur dioxide reach approximately 20,000 tonnes per day. It is estimated that 300,000 people are at risk from the volcano in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Napo, and Pichincha.
High Waves / Surges	Yes	Tsunamis occur rarely in Ecuador. Only 4 tsunamis have occurred since 1906 and a total of 4 people have died as a result. Following the magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan on 11 March 2011, a tsunami alert was activated in Ecuador. High tides and slight damage in the Galápagos Islands and in some coastal villages were reported.
Wildfires	Yes	Between 2012 and 2017 Ecuador lost 57,000 hectares to wildfires. In the last two years, statistics indicate that 38.26% of forest fires occur in State Natural Heritage Areas and 33.10% in forests and protected vegetation.
High Winds	No	N/A
Other Comments
Man-Made Issues
Civil Strife	No
International Conflict	No
Internally Displaced Persons	No
Refugees Present		Socio-political issues in Venezuela have caused migration into Ecuador. As of September 2019, approximately 4.3 million people left Venezuela. 80 percent emigrated to Latin America and the main recipient countries have been Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. At the beginning of the Venezuelan exodus, Ecuador was characterized for being a country of transit to Peru or other countries of the southern cone such as Chile and Argentina. However, between 2015 and September 2019, almost 400,000 Venezuelans decided to settle in the country. Due to the health emergency, which included an economic and social crisis in the country, Ecuador stopped becoming a reliable refuge for Venezuelans. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, between 5,000 and 8,000 people enter Ecuador every day, of which approximately 30% remain in Ecuador, largely near the northern and southern borders of the country. According to the records of the Ministry of Government, the entry of Venezuelans has been reduced abruptly in 2020. In 2018, when the peak income of migrants of this nationality was reached, up to 79,636 Venezuelans arrived in Ecuador each month. In 2020, on the other hand, this figure has dropped to 1,706/month. As a percentage, comparing 2019 and 2020, the income of Venezuelans was reduced by 95.98%. The refugee presence has generated a humanitarian crisis.
Landmines / UXO Present	No
Other Comments	The migration of Venezuelan refugees requires considerable attention. IOM has published the results of the 10th Flow Monitoring Survey on the Venezuelan population in Ecuador carried out in February and March 2021. .Among the important data in this report, it stands out that 57 percent of those surveyed entered through an official control point; while 43 percent claimed to have done it by unofficial steps and 1 percent preferred not to answer the question. Of the people surveyed, 96 percent state that their migration route ends in Ecuador; while 2 percent will continue their route to Peru, 1 percent to Chile, 1 percent to other countries and less than 1 percent will return to Venezuela. Regarding immigration status, 81 percent of those surveyed declared having irregular immigration status. 9 percent declared that they had a regular immigration status. In addition, 62 percent stated that they required information on procedures to regularize their immigration status. Among the difficulties of the trip, 40% of people declared having experienced some type of difficulty, among which are: lack of economic resources (65%), insecurity or theft (39%), lack of food and water (15% ), lack of place to sleep (15%). Among the main data on access to health services, 96 percent confirmed not having any type of health insurance. 51 percent go to public health centers; followed by pharmacies (15%), do not seek assistance (15%) and go to private centers (2%).Regarding situations of vulnerability, 55 percent affirmed having suffered some type of discrimination, mainly because of their nationality; while 15 percent of the surveyed population declared having been the victim of some type of violence. Assistance needs were identified in all cities, which are mainly focused on income and employment generation (54%), document assistance (37%), legal assistance (33%), food (30%), rental assistance (28%), medical assistance (18%), education and training (11%). Source: https://www.oim.org.ec/

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile: https://www.emdat.be/index.php

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport
Transport Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Primary Road Transport	The seasonal changes occur in two periods: Rainy season from December to June Dry season from June to December.	In the rainy season, landslides and obstructions affect both primary and secondary roads. Road clearing often takes considerable time. Landslides causing road obstructions result in shortages of zonal products in local markets, and in turn, can cause increased food prices. While seasons may vary consistently in Ecuador rainy periods generate problems of landslides, floods and closures, also due to poor infrastructure condition.
Secondary Road Transport	The seasonal changes occur in two periods: Rainy season from December to June Dry season from June to December.	Same as the primary road but the effects to secondary roads is higher.
Rail Transport	The seasonal changes occur in two periods: Rainy season from December to June Dry season from June to December.	The biggest challenge present in Ecuador is the amount of rain in certain seasons of the year, so retaining walls are essential to control that said rains do not cause landslides or landslides on railroad tracks. With 4 regions: coast, highlands, east and insular, these regions are separated by mountains, which hinders road communication between these regions, it also has a large number of rivers, streams, so proper maintenance, prevention and quick debris removal reaction is essential of the railway in these sections
Air Transport	The seasonal changes occur in two periods: Rainy season from December to June Dry season from June to December.	Airport operations can be affected by ashes from volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Due to climatic variation in the country, the probability of changes in the weather is high, wind direction, speed, visibility, weather events such as fog, brume, thunderstorms, heavy rain, temperature and atmospheric pressure. Flooded runways, bad drainage networks, and fog obstruct the visibility of the limited signage. In such circumstances, infrequently used airports and military airports will be used for national or international air operations.
Waterway Transport	The seasonal changes occur in two periods: • Rainy from December to June known as "Winter" or rainy season • "Summer" or dry season, with less rainfall that extends from June to December	The lowering of the water level affects transportation in the main waterways. During the dry period: sedimentation, sharp rocks, and low riverbed affect the service. High rainfall generated riverbed uncontrolled, which does not allow proper navigation.

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling
Activity Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Storage	From October to April	MThe biggest problem is the effect of rainy season on the roads that provide access to warehouses. Additionally, some roofs of government warehouses are negatively affected by rains. The government has warehouses in some strategic places, from which humanitarian relief items can be distributed to support local emergencies.
Handling	N/A
Other	N/A

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government

Based on the 2008 Ecuadorian Constitution, the Government of Ecuador assumed the leadership role in preparedness and response actions during emergencies, reorganizing what until that time was known as Civil Defense, and creating a new organization: The Secretariat of Risk Management (SGR). In a joint effort with provincial governments, the SGR became the organization responsible for developing a National Decentralized System for Risk Management (SNDGR), supporting people and communities that are negatively affected by natural and/or man-made disasters. The SGR is responsible for the establishment of policies and directives to ensure a coordinated Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) system by promoting the development and enhancement of capacities directed to: 1) identify, prevent, and mitigate risks; 2) respond and assist during emergency situations; 3) apply recovery and reconstruction actions after the occurrence of a disaster.

Risk management is part of the overall security of the country and is the direct responsibility of each entity of the public and private sectors within their geographical scope; risk management will operate continuously as a normal part of planning and management. Risks will be managed under the principle of subsidiary decentralization, which will involve direct responsibility of the institutions within their geographical scope. When an entity’s capabilities for risk management are insufficient, other territories with greater financial and technical capacity can provide the necessary support, without being relieved of their own responsibilities. The general objective, by mandate of the Constitution, is to minimize vulnerability.

The SNDGR is made up of the governing entity; the risk management units of all public and private entities at local, regional, and national levels; scientific entities that study threats and vulnerabilities; and coordination mechanisms, among others. All state ministries and UN agencies present in Ecuador are part of the SNDGR.

The Manual of Emergency Operations Committees (COE) states that the Armed Forces are part of the Operative Group responsible for logistics support (in addition to managing external security).

https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2018/08/Plan-Nacional-de-Respuesta-SGR-RespondeEC.pdf

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Humanitarian Community

Ecuador has had a Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) since 2014, the leader of which is the Resident Coordinator. The HCT is attended by UN agencies, national and international humanitarian organizations, and donors. The HCT supported Ecuador in the April 16 earthquake, including in the activation and organization of emergency clusters. The Logistics Cluster was active during the emergency until 30 May.

The Ecuadorian Red Cross is present across the country. A lot of NGOs are present on the local level and are working with communities directly on preparedness, development, and protection.

Ecuador – Lead Ministries and Supporting UN Agencies
Sector	Lead Ministry	Lead UN Agency
Agriculture & Food Security	Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock	WFP, FAO
	Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion
	Risk Management Secretary
Health, Nutrition	Ministry of Public Health	PAHO, UNICEF
Education	Ministry of Education	UNICEF
Water & Sanitation	Ministry of Public Health Water National Secretary	UNICEF
Transport, Logistics & Communication	Ministry of Defence	WFP
Women & Child Protection	Ministry of Justice	UNICEF, UNWOMEN, UNFPA
Emergency Shelter & Protection	Ministry of Public Works & Housing	IOM, FICR
Coordination & Assessments	Risk Management Secretary	OCHA

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List.

Ecuador - 1.2 Regulatory Departments & Quality Control

Regulatory Departments & Quality Control

The Technical Directorate of Standardization plans, organizes, directs, controls and evaluates the quality, safety, and security parameters of the products and services that are marketed in the country. That is, it is responsible for the formulation and study of voluntary technical regulatory documents, which are approved by consensus in a technical committee for the use and application of interested parties. There are different Ecuadorian quality certifications and mandatory and voluntary regulations that can be adopted by organizations depending on the company's business model, etc.

ISO Standards (see: Ecuador SEA Accreditation)

ISO standards have several families and diversified branches to adapt to different companies and their different areas such as quality, environment, social responsibility and risk management and safety.

Despite being established by the International Standardization Organization (ISO), the national certifier of these regulations is the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization.

BPM

Good Manufacturing Practices aim to establish conditions and requirements that ensure safety and hygiene in the food production chain. The entity in charge of evaluating this certification is the National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA)

Agrocalidad

The Phyto and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency AGROCALIDAD is the entity in charge of the regulation and control of the health of the agricultural sector and the safety of food in primary production, with the objective of contributing to the sustained increase in the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, as well as the quality of life of agricultural producers.

National Public Health Research Institute (INSPI)

INSPI is a National and International Reference Institution in Research. It is the state agency in charge of the execution of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation and is the National Reference Laboratory that provides specialized services in public health, within the framework of the National Health Policy and Health Research. INSPI currently has 10 National Reference Laboratories, with its headquarters in Guayaquil and 2 zones in Cuenca and Quito.

Lines of investigation

The lines of research are the thematic axes, which include a set of objectives, policies and scientific-technical methodologies aimed at solving public health problems identified in research areas such as:

• Communicable Diseases

• Non-communicable diseases

• Environment, Nutrition and Toxicology

• Systems and Technologies in Human Health

• Population and Public Health

Research Centers

The research centers are units recognized by the institution, with history and infrastructure; where projects can be articulated with various groups and research methodologies. The centers are:

• Multidisciplinary Research Center (CIM) “Dr. “Ernesto Gutiérrez Vera”

• Research Center for Infectious and Vector Diseases “CIREV”

• Epidemiology, Geomatics, and Biostatistics Research Center “EpiSIG”

Certifications

Certifications obtained. Integrated Quality Management System of the National Public Health Research Institute INSPI – “Dr Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”

• ISO 9001:2015 Certification. Quality Management:

• Research, Development and Innovation Directorate

• Specialized laboratory services – Liveries

• Production of Culture Media, Reagents and Dyes

• National Vector Reference Center

• National Zoonoses Reference Center

• Directorate of Promotion and Transfer of Knowledge

National Public Health Research Institute INSPI

Quito, Ecuador

Telephone: 593-(042) 2288097 – 2287428 – 2280405

www.investigacionsalud.gob.ec

Ecuadorian Standardization Service (INEN)

The Ecuadorian Standardization Service - INEN, INEN, formerly known as the Ecuadorian Institute of Normalization, was created on August 28, 1970. The INEN is the National Standardization Organization of the Republic of Ecuador and is also in charge of technical regulation and metrology. . In 2007, the Ecuadorian Quality System law granted INEN the status of a national technical arm dependent on the Ministry of Industry and Productivity.

It is a public sector entity at the national level; of a scientific and technological nature; with technical, administrative, operational and financial autonomy.

In close collaboration with government entities, industry, consumers and academia, INEN is responsible for the development, publication and promotion of Ecuadorian standards and other standardization products. INEN promotes standardization in Ecuador in order to contribute to the national economy, support sustainable development, promote the health, safety and well-being of workers and the public, protect consumers and facilitate national and international trade.

The mission of INEN is to continually improve the quality of the national productive system and the competitiveness, trust and satisfaction of Ecuadorian society, through standardization, technical regulation, conformity evaluation and metrology processes, adding value with the human talent and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

INEN is also a member of the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT) and the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC). INEN is part of the Affiliate Countries Program of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

E8-29 Baquerizo Moreno and Diego de Almagro streets

Building: INEN P.O. Box 01-17-3999

Quito, DM EC170517 Pichincha

Ecuador

Tel: +(593 2) 382 5960 / +(593 2) 382 5961

E-mail: internationalinen@gmail.com

Ecuadorian Accreditation Service (SAE)

The Ecuadorian Accreditation Service SAE is the Ecuadorian public body that is responsible for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies. The SAE provides confidence in the certifications of one of the most popular standards of the international organization ISO: 9001.

It is located in the city of Quito. The Ecuadorian Accreditation Service is an entity attached to the Ministry of Industries and Productivity.

SAE is a full member of ILAC, a full member of IAF and a full member of IAAC.

SAE Accreditation Ecuador is responsible for accreditation, that is, for recognizing the technical competence of the different conformity assessment bodies (OEC). These organizations provide testing, calibration, inspection, or certification services for management systems, people, or products.

The Minister of Industries or his representative is the one who chairs the Interministerial Quality Committee (CIMC), which gives guidelines and policies to the Quality System. Representatives of the Coordinating Ministers of Production, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture, Health, Transport and Electricity are also part of the CIMC.

Executive Director: Carlos Echeverría Cueva. Carlos Martín Echevarría Cueva

Email: cecheverria@acreditacion.gob.ec

Av. Amazonas N38-42 and Juan José de Villalengua

Quito, Ecuador

Phone: 593-2 2454393

National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA)

ARCSA is the technical body in charge of the regulation, technical control and health surveillance of the following products: processed foods, food additives, processed water, tobacco products, medicines in general, nutraceutical products, biological products, processed natural products for medicinal use, medicines homeopathic and dental products; medical devices, biochemical and diagnostic reagents, hygienic products, pesticides for domestic and industrial use, manufactured in the national territory or abroad, for import, export, marketing, dispensing and sale, including those received as donations and products domestic hygiene and personal hygiene absorbents, related to human use and consumption; as well as establishments subject to health surveillance and control established in the Organic Health Law and other applicable regulations, except for those of public and private health services.

National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance «ARCSA»

Quito, Ecuador

Telephone: (593)2907 074

http://www.controlsanitario.gob.ec/

Internal Revenue Service (SRI)

The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) SRI is a technical and autonomous entity that has the responsibility of collecting internal taxes established by Law through the application of current regulations. Its purpose is to consolidate the tax culture in the country in order to sustainably increase voluntary compliance with tax obligations by taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) offers automatic services that you can access with your username and password.

• Access code, Keys.

• RUC.

• Billing.

• Facilities. payment.

• Return. of taxes.

• Endorsement. of notes. of credit.

• Certificates.

• Online payments.

For more information you can call 1700 SRI SRI or consult the website www.sri.gob.ec You can also visit the Agency Map at: SRI mapa-de-agencias

Other private certification, analysis, pre-shipment inspection companies accredited in Ecuador, (not limited to):

• SGS del Ecuador S.A.

• Cotecna des Ecuador S.A.

• Inchcape Ecuador S.A.

• Bureau Veritas Ecuador S.A

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.

Ecuador - 1.3 Customs Information

Customs Information

The customs service is a public power exercised by the State, through the

National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE) with offices in: Cuenca, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil - Sea Port, Guayaquil - Air Cargo area, Huaquillas, Latacunga, Loja - Macará, Manta, Puerto Bolívar, Quito and Tulcán.

image-20231020150447-1

Source: Customs Districts. National Customs Service of Ecuador. Institutional Management Planning and Control Department

The districts are classified according to their means of income (transport):

- Maritime: Guayaquil, Puerto Bolívar, Manta, Esmeraldas

- Air: Guayaquil, Quito, Latacunga

- Land: Tulcán, Huaquillas, Loja-Macará

- Internal: Cuenca

91% of imported goods14 enter through four access points:

Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, Quito, Manta

ECUAPASS.

All natural or legal persons, Ecuadorian or foreign, residing in the country that require imports or exports must register in the ECUAPASS computer system so that they can carry out their foreign trade operations. This registration is approved by the National Customs Service of Ecuador.

Video User Registration in ECUAPASS: Registro ECUAPASS

Inputs can be imported into the country by all natural or legal persons, Ecuadorian or foreign, residing in the country and who are registered as importers in the ECUAPASS system and approved by SENAE. The ECUAPASS computer system facilitates foreign trade and customs control processes.

The procedure is carried out online and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the following link: https://ecuapass.aduana.gob.ec/

Contact: User Service Headquarters

Email: mesadeservicios@aduana.gob.ec

Telephone: 1800-238262

The National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE) serves exclusively through the following online channels:

ECUAPASS technological platform: ecuapass@aduana.gob.ec (24/7)

Telephone Calls to 1800-ADUANA (238262). (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Email: mesadeservicios@aduana.gob.ec (24/7)

Customs Law of Ecuador Ley Aduana Ecuador

Duties and Tax Exemption

The following charges are exempt from duties, except fees for customs services:

• Personal effects of travelers. Personal Effects Via Air

• Household items and work equipment;

• Aid shipments due to natural catastrophes or similar disasters in favour of Public Sector entities or private charity or relief organizations;

• Those described in the Registry of Public Sector Entities and the Society to Fight Cancer (SOLCA);

• Donations from abroad, in favor of state institutions or the private non-profit sector, intended to cover health services, food, technical assistance, charity, medical assistance, education and scientific and cultural research, provided that donation contracts have been signed. cooperation with state institutions. There will be no tax exemption on vehicle donations, except when they are necessary for special uses, such as ambulances, clinical or radiological vehicles, library cars, fire trucks, etc., and as long as their function is compatible with the beneficiary's activity. Institution;

• Coffins or amphorae containing corpses or human remains;

• Samples without commercial value;

• Those provided for in the Law of Immunities, Privileges and Diplomatic Franchises, which include diplomatic and consular representations and missions, international organizations and other foreign government organizations accredited to the national government;

• Orthopedic vehicles, medical devices, technical aids, special tools, raw materials for orthoses and prostheses used by people with disabilities for their use or legal entities responsible for their protection;

• No exemptions other than those provided for in this article are recognized, so the exclusions or exemptions provided for in other laws, general or special, will not be applied in the settlement of taxes on foreign trade.

• Others. (Non-exhaustive list)

Emergency Response:

As a humanitarian response, two forms can be presented for the delivery of aid by friendly governments:

Through cooperation agencies or government organizations that have among their responsibilities assistance if requested by the country in which a disaster occurred.

By direct delivery through diplomatic representations of other governments

When there is coordination through the Country Humanitarian Team (EPH), the protocols to follow are found, defined and socialized; but if the support is provided by organizations and representations that are not integrated into the work of the EHP, coordination is necessary through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility.

To this end, the country has the Manual for the Management of International Humanitarian Assistance in Emergency and Disaster Situations - 2012, published by the Secretariat of Risk Management, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Customs Service of Ecuador, Ministry of Commerce, Chancellery and Coordinating Ministry of Security.

https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2018/05/Plan-de-Respuesta-EC.pdf

International aid is managed at the request of the Ecuadorian Government and not at the initiative of governments and cooperation organizations, except in the cases provided for in International Law. Before making contacts to request assistance, Ecuadorian diplomatic representations must wait for the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which respond to the provisions of the Presidency of the Republic or the governing body for disaster management.

Agreements / Conventions Description	Ratified by Country? (Yes / No)
WCO (World Customs Organization) member	Yes – 22 October 2008
Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention	Yes – 13 January 2000
OCHA Model Agreement	No
Tampere Convention (on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations)	No
Regional Agreements (on emergency/disaster response, but also customs unions, regional integration)	Latin American Economic System SELA, Latin American Energy Organization OLADE, Latin American Integration Association ALADI, Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America ALBA , Andean Community of Nations COMUNIDAD ANDINA, Union of South American Nations UNASUR

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

All importers must register with the National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE) and obtain a company tax number (RUC) issued by the Internal Revenue Service of Ecuador. There are no prior notice requirements, but certain goods, such as chemicals, weapons and animals, require prior control for importation.

The documents necessary to import are: commercial invoice, original or copy of the bill of lading or air waybill, insurance policy in accordance with the insurance law, Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC), certificate of origin if applicable (to be qualified for tariff preferences when available) and a certificate of compliance with quality standards (INEN) when applicable.

Special care must be taken in relation to certificates of compliance with quality standards, since requirements may vary from one product to another. In some cases, special labelling requirements may apply. Ecuador requires mandatory labelling of food and beverage products containing more than 0.9 percent GMO content.

Subsequently, it is necessary to obtain a document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that authorizes importation without taxes or duties. This document must also be shared with customs, who must also authorize the exemption.

UN agencies are exempt from all customs taxes/duties. All imports from UN agencies must use the following tariff code: 9804.00.00. Once the exemption authorization has been issued, customs procedures will begin. Note: If the cargo is urgently needed but the exemption document has not been issued, a letter of guarantee must be issued to secure the tax amount. Once the process is completed and the exemption documents are issued, the guarantee will be returned.

Duties and Taxes Exemption Application Procedure

UN Agencies

 It must be authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Non-governmental organizations

It must be authorized by Customs in accordance with the Customs Law and the Tax Regime Law.

Process to be followed (step by step or flowchart)

Generalities (includes a list of necessary documentation)

1. Any person or entity may make donations to public entities, UN, NGOs, Legal Entities or Natural Persons.

2. The recipient of the donation must be legally registered with the national government.

3. Imports of donated goods require a Prior Import License. It is a non-refundable operation. This license is also required to apply for customs duty exemption.

4. Customs Tariff Exemption. It is important to note that other donated goods are listed but they are not exempt from customs duties for this concept, but rather for the type of beneficiaries or their destination.

1. Document requesting exemption from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2. Document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3. Document requested by customs (SENAE)

4. Document issued by customs (SENAE)

Process to follow (step by step or flow chart)

To obtain the exemption certificate, UN agencies must first submit an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the document, before obtaining customs clearance. Ecuador requires the use of an authorized agent for customs clearance. The list of authorized Customs Agents can be found at the following route www.aduana.gob.ec > Services for OCE's > Customs Agents

Preliminary documentation procedure (not limited to)

1. Tax exemption application

2. Certificate of existence and legal representation of the donor institution issued no older than three (3) months and a copy of the statutes.

3. Certificate of donation of the person, entity or foreign government, sealed by the Consul of Ecuador in the country of origin, whose signature must be accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent document duly apostilled, or certification of the person or entity national donor, document authenticated by a notary.

4. Description of the programs or activities to which the donated goods are intended.

5. Certificate signed by the public accountant or auditor of the donor organization, of compliance with the legal requirements for exemption. (quantity and value).

6. Certificate of existence of final recipient; name, tax identification number and address, issued no earlier than three (3) months.

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificate Document Requirements (by commodity)
	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicle & Spare Parts	Staff & Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
Invoice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO	Yes, AWB/BL 2 copies, applies to UN and NGO
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO	Donation Certificate of the person, entity or government, foreign donor must indicate the amount and value of the donation, 1 copy, applies to UN and NGO
Packing Lists	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs	Yes, 1 copy. For the UN and NGOs
Other Documents	Whatever the customs authority indicates	Whatever the customs authority indicates	Whatever the customs authority indicates	Whatever the customs authority indicates	Whatever the customs authority indicates	Whatever the customs authority indicates
Additional Notes
Note: These requirements apply to both the United Nations and NGOs.

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Information
Document Requirements	To carry out the customs clearance of goods, the advice and service of an Agent accredited by the SENAE is necessary. The list of authorized Customs Agents can be found at the following route: www.aduana.gob.ec > Services for OCE's > Customs Agents The Customs Import Declaration (DAI) must be transmitted by a Software provider or in the computer system of the National Customs Service of Ecuador, within a period of no more than fifteen calendar days prior to the arrival of the means of transport, and up to thirty calendar days before the arrival of the means of transport. days following the date of your arrival; If this period is not met, the goods will be immersed in one of the causes of tacit abandonment, in accordance with the provisions of literal a) of article 142 of the Organic Code of Production, Commerce and Investment. Depending on the type of merchandise to be imported, the following documents must be attached to the DAI: Accompanying documents Accompanying documents constitute those that, called prior control, must be processed and approved before the shipment of the imported goods. (Art. 72 of the Regulations of Book V of the Copci). Support documents They will form the basis of the DAI information of any regime. These original documents, whether physical or electronic, must remain in the file of the declarant or his Customs Agent at the time of presentation or transmission of the Customs Declaration, and will be under his responsibility as determined by Law. (Article 73 of the Regulations of Book V of the Copci). • Transport document • Commercial invoice or document that proves the commercial transaction • Certificate of origin (when applicable) • Documents that SENAE or the Foreign Trade Regulatory Body considers necessary. Once the DAI is transmitted, the computer system of the National Customs Service of Ecuador will grant it a validation number (Endorsement) and the corresponding capacity channel.
Embargoes	None
Prohibited Items	The following items are prohibited from importation into Ecuador through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival: Narcotics/controlled substances Alcohol, cigarettes and cigars. Explosives, ammunition, swords, air guns, firearms and weapons of any type. Weapons: chemical, biological and nuclear, Waste: nuclear and/or toxic or prohibited by international conventions, laws or special regulations. Furthermore, the State regulates the entry of genetic resources, in accordance with national interests. Pornographic materials, videos and software. The importation of psychotropic medications and certain precursors used in the processing of narcotics requires prior authorization from the National Council on Drugs (www.prevenciondrogas.gob.ec ).
General Restrictions	Restricted items are items that may be limited to certain quantities or require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials. Merchandise that does not meet the requirements for legal entry into the country or in transit to others may be affected by the following legal actions: confiscation, confiscation, abandonment or re-export. Likewise, important restrictions observed are the extreme technical barriers to trade. The following items are restricted and subject to duties by the government of Ecuador: Each individual entering Ecuador can import up to 200 kilos of clothing, footwear and personal accessories; Importing more than 200 kilos will generate taxes and import duties. All new items will be subject to import taxes and duties, as well as any items over a certain valuation. All electrical items and appliances may be subject to import taxes and duties. Art, antiques and religious materials may be subject to import taxes and are restricted.

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Customs Clearance Document Requirements (by commodity)
	Food	NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education)	Medicines	Vehicles & Spare Parts	Staff & Office Supplies	Telecoms Equipment
D&T Exemption Certificate	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy. UN and NGO
Invoice	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.	Yes. 1 copy UN and NGO. If it is a donation, the certificate must indicate the amount and Commercial Value.
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO	Yes. AWB/BL. 2 copies. UN and NGO
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO	Yes. Donation Certificate from the donor, entity or government. The foreign donor must indicate the amount and commercial value of the donation. 1 copy UN and NGO
Packing Lists	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGO
Phytosanitary Certificate	Yes, 1 copy, UN and NGOs It is necessary to review the nature of the merchandise with the customs agent to determine the certificate	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Other Documents	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO	License, Mandate or Import Certificates. 1 copy, UN and NGO
Additional Notes
The National Customs Service of Ecuador - SENAE may prohibit or restrict the customs transit of goods, for reasons of public safety, health, zoosanitary and phytosanitary or environmental reasons. According to a request made by the competent authorities, or when required for control reasons. Any request, of any type (donation, payment facilities, return of guarantees, inspections of vehicle ownership transfers, lifting of precautionary measures, extensions, lifting of abandonment, among others), other than those that must be made through the ECUAPASS platform , it must be sent to the email mesadeservicios@aduana.gob.ec , with the subject: “Other request.”

Transit Regime

Ecuadorian regulations allow several special customs admission regimes for imports that grant suspensions of duties, such as: temporary admission for re-export under the same conditions, temporary admission for active improvement, transformation under customs control, substitution of goods due to tariffs, customs warehouse, reimportation under the same conditions and dispatch under financial guarantee. Some specific admission regimes allow goods to be held in special facilities, including some properties owned by the importer, with prior authorization from the Customs Authority, for up to one year. No duties are paid until the merchandise is removed from the premises. Clearance under financial guarantee also allows qualified importers to carry out customs clearance with tariff suspension of up to one-month, prior authorization and qualification from the Customs Authority and presentation of a general guarantee.

Other temporary admission regimes allow importers to bring goods into specific facilities for a specified period in which customs duties are not paid. After that period, if the goods have not been re-exported, all duties will be paid. There are accelerated admission regimes for imports via courier and international postal traffic. However, these regimes are strictly regulated and limited by the weight and value of the transaction in order to limit their use for commercial purposes that could harm local industries, such as textiles.

Consult http://www.aduana.gob.ec for more information.