The Foreign Trade Committee (Comex) approved that from June 15, Ecuadorians will no longer pay USD 42 when importing packages that are brought via the 4 × 4 system through courier companies.
Daniel Legarda, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, announced that the measure adopted by resolution 006-2021 will enter into force on the date established without prejudice to its publication in the Official Registry.
The resolution will be applied for packages whose weight is less than or equal to four kilograms and their FOB value is less than or equal to USD 400, or its equivalent in another currency, as long as they are non-commercial merchandise.
The document indicates that, to qualify for this category, the characteristics of value and weight must be presented simultaneously. That is, the recipient must present the Customs Declaration together with the supporting and accompanying documents that correspond according to the current legal regulations.
The USD 42 rate for express packages was created in 2014 and was accompanied by a restriction of five imports or a maximum of USD 1,200 FOB value, whichever occurs first in the fiscal year. Postal traffic is not subject to this tax.
Pablo Villegas, a tax expert, explained that the elimination of this rate will take place in June and is part of the requirements of the Agreement on trade facilitation that the country has signed. It establishes that no customs duties or taxes will be collected on a minimum shipping value, except in the case of certain prescribed goods.
He clarified that internal taxes, such as value added taxes and excise taxes, that apply to imports are not subject to this provision.
He assured that two years ago the measure had already been partially dismantled, since migrants in other countries were allowed to make shipments without paying the value of USD 42 with the 4 × 4 mechanism.
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