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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about customs, cargo and foreign trade in Ecuador
Clear answers to what importers, exporters and foreign trade managers ask us most.
About MACOBSA and the Group
Everything your cargo needs, under one roof and one responsibility. We are an Integrated Logistics Operator with four companies: MACOBSA, customs broker certified OEA, BASC and ISO 9001:2015; MacobCargo, international ocean and air freight; MacobLogistics, heavy ground transport to your warehouse; and Coka & Jaramillo Abogados, customs and tax law for observations, claims and rulings before SENAE and the SRI.
On top of that, foreign trade consulting and the COMEX X-ray, an analysis of your imports to find savings. Three generations of one family, since 1958.
We have offices in Guayaquil (TCE Air Cargo Terminal), Quito (Tababela Logistics Center, at Mariscal Sucre airport), and coordinate operations at ports, airports and borders across Ecuador.
Since February 1958, when Mario Coka Barriga started operations in Guayaquil. Today the Group is led by the second generation, with the third already on board.
Yes, and without calling anyone. Every client has access to our portal, where they see the up-to-date stage of each shipment (arrival, inspection, release and delivery) with its dates, and get a notice when the cargo moves forward.
Behind the portal are our own CRM and a team that monitors regulations with the help of artificial intelligence, to warn you ahead of changes that affect your imports. Your account executive gives you access.
Through the contact form, on WhatsApp at +593 98 159 9186 or by email at consultores@mariocoka.com. We answer the same business day and you can accept the quote online.
Customs Brokerage
It is much more than the person who signs the declaration. A customs broker is the professional licensed by SENAE who represents the importer or exporter before Customs and is technically responsible for the tariff classification, value and documents of every operation.
In practice, it is your foreign trade advisor: before you buy, it tells you which permits your product needs and how much you will pay in duties; it is the link that connects your supplier, the shipping line, the port, Customs and ground transport; and it defends your cargo if there is an observation.
You need one to clear or export commercial goods, and it pays to have one on your side even when the law does not require it, because a classification or valuation error is expensive. At MACOBSA we have done this since 1958, certified OEA by SENAE, BASC and ISO 9001:2015, with our own law firm backing every clearance.
OEA (Authorized Economic Operator) is the status through which SENAE recognizes a trusted supply-chain operator after auditing its security, solvency and compliance. MACOBSA's certification is valid from February 7, 2025 to February 7, 2028.
It depends on three things: the inspection channel SENAE assigns (automatic, documentary or physical), the prior-control permits your product requires, and whether the documents arrive complete and correct. That last one weighs the most, and it is where we make the difference: we review your documents and classification before the cargo ships, handle permits in parallel and have the declaration ready for when the cargo arrives.
Before shipment we give you an estimate for your case, and during clearance you see every stage on our portal, without having to call.
As a baseline: commercial invoice, transport document (bill of lading or air waybill), insurance policy, certificate of origin when applicable and the product's prior-control permits. We send you the exact list for your product before it ships.
International freight forwarding
It organizes the international transport of your cargo: negotiates and books space with carriers and airlines, issues transport documents, coordinates with your supplier and tracks the shipment until it reaches destination.
Because most delays and fines start at origin: a badly issued bill of lading, an invoice that does not match, a permit nobody requested in time. When MacobCargo coordinates the freight and MACOBSA prepares the clearance, documents are built from your supplier with Ecuadorian Customs already in mind.
Your cargo does not sit waiting between providers, nobody passes the blame, and you have one point of contact and one single trace: from the port of origin to your warehouse, with MacobLogistics on the ground leg.
It depends on who best controls freight and insurance in your operation. We review your purchases and recommend the incoterm that reduces cost and risk in your case.
Cargo transportation
Because the truck is scheduled as soon as the cargo is released. This reduces storage days at the terminal and the costs they generate.
Yes. MacobLogistics specializes in heavy ground transport and loose cargo. Tell us the cargo type, weight and destination for a quote.
Customs & tax law firm
Respond on time and with technical support. We review the observation, prepare the response with the appropriate documents and grounds, and accompany you until it is resolved.
Yes. Coka & Jaramillo Abogados advises both Group clients and external companies in customs and tax law.
Foreign trade consulting
It is an analysis of your company's imports with real data: origins, transport modes, inspection channels, release times and products. It shows where time and money are lost and what to do about it.
The first COMEX X-ray for companies evaluating working with us is free of charge. Write to us and we will schedule the diagnostic meeting.