New decree establishes tax exemptions for smaller packages, but the 4×4 regime remains unchanged.

New tax exemptions for personal imports

On August 9th, President Daniel Noboa issued Executive Decree 82, unveiling a new import regime designed to benefit small-scale personal imports. The decree stipulates that packages weighing up to 2 kilograms (kg) and with an FOB value (the cost of the goods excluding shipping and insurance) of up to $2 will now be exempt from taxes, provided the goods are for personal use and not intended for resale.

This change aims to address concerns over the fairness of the importation system and prevent misuse of the current exemptions. The measure has caused confusion, particularly regarding the future of the popular 4×4 courier system.

The 4×4 system remains unchanged

Despite initial concerns that the 4×4 system—allowing the duty-free import of goods up to 4 kg and $400—would be affected by the new decree, the Ecuadorian National Customs Service (Senae) has clarified that the 4×4 system will remain in place.

Director General of the National Customs Service, Sandro Castillo, explained that the 4×4 system, which continues to feature a fixed fee of $20 per package, will not be altered. It will still be available for all authorized couriers, including public service providers like the Servicios Postales del Ecuador (SPE).

The distinction between 2×2 and 4×4 regimes

While the 4×4 system remains unchanged, the new 2×2 tax-exempt category introduces significant adjustments for mail shipments. Under the new decree, the 2×2 category—packages up to 2 kg and a FOB value of $2—will be eligible for tax exemptions, targeting smaller, personal imports that are not intended for resale.

Senae emphasized that any mail shipments exceeding these new limits will be subject to the existing regulations, requiring proper declarations and applicable taxes. This regime aims to reduce misuse and ensure equitable treatment for all users involved in the import process.

Implementation timeline and further clarifications

The decree is set to take effect within eight days of its publication in the Official Gazette. During this transition period, the Ministry of Telecommunications, along with Customs and SPE, will coordinate procedures to ensure smooth implementation.

Despite the clarity from authorities, some public confusion remains over the specifics of the new regulations. Social media discussions have highlighted uncertainty over the future of the 4×4 system, with many questioning whether the new decree would replace it with smaller limits. Customs has reaffirmed that this is not the case and assured users that the system remains intact.

This new framework aims to strengthen Ecuador’s regulation of personal imports and improve its compliance with global postal standards, particularly those established by the Universal Postal Union (UPU).