Shipping Household Goods from the US to Ecuador
If you are permanently relocating to Ecuador, you should look at ways to possibly ship your household goods. Coming from the US, you know that it is not that simple to bring even household items to any country, including this South American nation. But if you would be familiar with the basic requirements and the customs regulations, you could surely make it without any hassle.
Before you try to ship any of your belongings to Ecuador, you must first establish and prove the permanence of your upcoming change of residency. If you are a foreigner to the country, you should secure a legal resident visa. The same goes if you are an Ecuadorian national who intends to return home and stay there for good. After that, you should produce necessary documents that would prove your ownership of the articles you plan to be shipped to the country.
Household goods
Before you proceed further, there is a need to review the Ecuadorian customs bureau’s definition of ‘household goods.’ The term refers to new or used items that are intended for domestic or household use, with the exception of vehicles. Such items must not be used for any commercial activity in the country.
Household goods may include bicycles, toys, books, art collections, musical instruments and furniture for a dining room, living room, bedroom or kitchen. It may also include electric, electronic or manual equipment that are meant for household or domestic use. Objects for your personal use could also be considered like clothing, fashion accessories, sports articles, perfumes, magazines, handicap equipment, hygienic products and medical items.
Be careful not to treat as household goods items, equipment or portable tools that are meant to be used for working. Those include film cameras, photography cameras, typewriters, personal computer, recording equipment, radio and compact discs. It may be difficult to justify any claim that you would not use such items for commercial or business purposes while you stay in the country.
Other requirements
Aside from your basic documentations and ownership papers of the household goods, you must also seek sworn declaration of ownership before a Notary Public. This should state a list of all the household goods you are shipping. The document would have to be duly authenticated by the nearest Ecuadorian Consulate in your US address. Such authentication may cost $100.
Timing of the shipment is also deemed very important. The customs bureau of Ecuador has a requirement that the household goods to be shipped should arrive at the airport or seaport within 90 days (or three months) prior to or after your own arrival. Upon shipment, the list of household goods must be presented to and verified by the Customs Authorities of Ecuador, which clears the items and releases them to the registered owners.
Customs authorities have the right to inspect shipment containers containing your household goods. They may also authorize merchandise verification firms to do such a task. This inspection may incur a fee of about $180. You are also held responsible for making sure packing of your items is secured so as not to bring about any damage to any of the items. You may hire a reliable shipping company to help you do so.