Before closing a purchase abroad, it pays to know what you will owe at customs. The base for almost every duty is the CIF value: the cost of the goods (FOB) plus freight and insurance to Ecuador.
The four steps
- CIF value = FOB + freight + insurance.
- Tariff (ad valorem) = CIF × the rate for the product's HS code.
- FODINFA = 0.5% of the CIF value.
- VAT = 15% on CIF + tariff + FODINFA (plus excise tax, if the product is subject to it).
Example
| Item | USD |
|---|---|
| FOB value | 10,000.00 |
| Freight | 1,500.00 |
| Insurance | 115.00 |
| CIF value | 11,615.00 |
| Tariff (10%) | 1,161.50 |
| FODINFA (0.5%) | 58.08 |
| VAT (15%) | 1,925.19 |
| Total duties and taxes | 3,144.76 |
What can change the result
- The HS code: a different classification changes the tariff rate. That is why we validate the code before importing and, when needed, request an advance ruling from SENAE.
- Excise tax and special measures: some products carry additional taxes or measures.
- Trade agreements: with the right certificate of origin, the tariff can drop or disappear.
- Fees and services: storage, transport and other charges are not duties, but they add to the final cost.
Try our calculator on the Applied AI page. For the exact figure for your product, your account executive confirms the classification and the duties.