More than 600,000 annual shipments can benefit from the elimination of the $ 42 fee for 4 × 4 packages

Measure adopted by the Comex will govern since June 15, 2021

Every year Ecuador enters fast mails orcourierMore than 600,000 packages under the 4 × 4 system. This modality is so called because it applies to packages with a weight less than or equal to four kilograms and with a fob value less than or equal to $ 400.

Ecuadorians who make purchases online usually use this mechanism to bring from abroad technological items, makeup, perfumes, accessories. These shipments currently pay a $ 42 rate.

But since June 15 that rate will be without effect, as the Foreign Trade Committee (Comex) decided to eliminate that item that applies to the 4 × 4 parcel.

Daniel Legarda, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade,He confirmed yesterday that the measure was approved and continues its course for publication in the Official Registry.

The collection of the tax of $ 42 began to be applied since September 7, 2014 in the case of internet purchases that are made with accelerated messaging services orcourier. Migrants were no longer paying this rate.

Shipments in this category represent an important volume.According to data from the National Customs Service,In 2018, it was imported for an amount equivalent to $ 66.68 million under the 4 × 4 model, while in 2019 imports reached $ 68.64 million. From January to October 2020, it was imported for $ 73.82 million.

The National Customs Service has authorized 55 companies to operate under the customs regime of rapid mails orcourier. Most of them are concentrated in Guayas (20) and Pichincha (28).

Currently, Ecuadorians who purchase via the Internet under category B (4 × 4) can only use this category for up to five (5) imports or a maximum of $ 1,200 of FOB value, each fiscal year, which happens first.

Edith Villavicencio, president of the Ecuadorian Association of Express Messenger Companies and Courier, He indicated that with the elimination of the $ 42 rate, Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to the trade facilitation agreement.

The union leader said it should be considered that international trade is two -ways and this will put the country along with other nations that have more openness. "This not only benefits companies, but the citizens in general," he said.

In Ecuador there are companies that not only offer to bring purchases, but give advice to customers about the stores where they can buy. In the last quarter of last year, DHL Group introduced a mobile and desktop application in the region, designed to improve the shopping experience in more than 100 online stores in the United States.

Villavicencio said that the withdrawal of the rate may enhance the services offered by the express courier andcourier, because the offer would be diversified with new options and technological developments to facilitate thee-commerce.

ThecouriersThey say that under the 4 × 4 modality the average purchase is 2 kilos and a consumption of about $ 200.

Leonardo Otatti, director of the Ecuadorian Chamber of Electronic Commerce,He argued that the elimination of the rate will promote cross -border electronic commerce and give a broader assortment to consumers.

But he considered that the rules and controls must be clear so that this does not affect internal electronic commerce. "There are prices that could be more attractive to consumers and that affects the local trade that pays fees, tariffs," he said.(I)

To take into account

- In category B (4x4) it is not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, used, cell phones, decoders, weapons, advertising printed.

-The food products, as well as vitamin supplements that exceed the weight and value of category B, will require the presentation of sanitary registration of the Ministry of Health for their nationalization.

- Credit card purchases in exterior stores, depending on the amount, pay the foreign exchange tax (ISD).

- Since 2020, there are purchases that are made on international web platforms that must pay the value added tax, VAT.