Correct permits, declaration and tariff code
We designed the strategy for a large-scale liquor import: sanitary permits, customs declaration and correct tariff classification of the goods.
Customs and Foreign Trade Law · Ecuador
Customs andTradelaw for importers and exporters.
ImportExportDefend
We help importers and exporters move their goods across the border with the right permits, tariff code and value. And when a dispute with customs arises, we defend your company before SENAE (Ecuadorian customs) and the courts.
01 / Why Fexlaw
In foreign trade, a detained container costs more every day it waits. That is why we prepare each shipment before it leaves and, if a problem arises, we act immediately.
ISO 37001Firm certified in an anti-bribery management system.
Great Place to WorkCertified as one of the best places to work.
0professionals, including lawyers, analysts and forensic experts.
0of our clients are corporations.
02 / Your shipment
From the contract to customs clearance.
Most customs problems start before the goods reach the port. We review every step of the operation with your company.
- 01
International contract
We review the purchase or sale terms with your supplier or customer abroad.
- 02
Permits and certifications
We identify the permits, registrations and certificates your product requires before shipment.
- 03
Tariff code
We determine the correct classification of the goods and the duties and taxes that apply.
- 04
Customs value
We review the basis of the declared value and the documents that support it.
- 05
ECUAPASS declaration
We organize the paperwork so the declaration is consistent.
- 06
Clearance or appeal
We support you through clearance and, if customs raises an objection, we prepare the response or the appeal.
03 / Services
Compliant goods, smooth operations.
We advise companies that import and export, from choosing the right customs regime to defending them in penalty proceedings and in court.
- Planning
- 01
Customs regimes and permits
- 02
Classification and valuation
- 03
Contracts and documentation
- Disputes
- 04
Appeals before SENAE
- 05
Penalties and litigation
- Protection
- 06
Border measures and smuggling
01Planning
Customs regimes and permits
We work with you to choose the customs regime that best suits your operation, and we handle operating permits, registrations and certifications.
- Customs regimes
- Operating permits
- Certifications
02Planning
Classification and valuation
We determine the tariff code and review the customs valuation of your goods to avoid objections, surcharges and delays.
- Tariff classification
- Customs valuation
- Foreign trade duties and taxes
03Planning
Contracts and documentation
We draft and review international contracts and organize the supporting documentation in ECUAPASS, in line with the COPCI.
- International contracts
- ECUAPASS
- Risk prevention
04Disputes
Appeals before SENAE
We challenge tariff reclassifications, value adjustments and other customs decisions, and we arrange guarantees where they allow the goods to be released.
- Administrative claims
- Customs guarantees
- Release of goods
05Disputes
Penalties and litigation
We defend your company in customs penalty proceedings and before the District Tax Court.
- Penalty proceedings
- Tax litigation
- Appeals
06Protection
Border measures and smuggling
We request the suspension of imports that use your trademark without authorization and take action against smuggling, together with our Anti-Piracy practice.
- Border measures
- Detention of goods
- Anti-smuggling actions
04 / Customs fronts
What we review in every operation.
Well-managed foreign trade protects your cash flow and your reputation. These are the areas we review with your company, in coordination with our Tax Law and Intellectual Property practices.
Featured case
SENAE decision upheld by the District Tax Court.
We filed an appeal before SENAE against the clearance of products for human consumption that lacked a sanitary registration. We obtained a favorable first-instance decision, which the District Tax Court later upheld.
Tariff code
Correct classification of the goods.
Valuation
Basis of the customs value.
Permits
Sanitary registrations and certifications.
ECUAPASS
Declarations and documentation.
Regimes
Import, export and special regimes.
Collateral
Release of goods under dispute.
Border measures
Protection of your trademark at customs.
Sanctions
Defense in penalty proceedings.
05 / Experience
Operations that define us.
Matters in which we have supported our clients, described without revealing their identity.
Unjustified tariff reclassification
Faced with a tariff reclassification we considered unjustified, we filed an appeal before SENAE and cleared the goods under a customs guarantee, which allowed their release.
Border measure for unauthorized trademark use
We requested a border measure against goods that used our client's trademark without authorization; the goods were detained and not cleared through customs.
Every case is different. Results in previous matters do not guarantee a similar outcome in other cases.
06 / How we work
One team, one point of contact.
01
Initial meeting
We listen to your situation in full confidence and review the information available.
02
Assessment
We identify risks, outstanding obligations and priorities for your company.
03
Plan and budget
We propose the roadmap, timeline and team, including any other practice areas of the firm that need to be involved.
04
Execution and follow-up
A lead lawyer coordinates everything and keeps you clearly informed at every step.
07 / Recognition
Six consecutive years in Band 1.
Leaders League has ranked Fexlaw in the top band for Criminal Law and Compliance in Ecuador for six years running. Chambers and Partners and the intellectual property rankings also recognize us for our anti-piracy work.
01
Band 1Leaders LeagueCriminal Law and Compliance · 6 consecutive yearsView ranking ↗02
Ranked inChambers and PartnersLatin America 2027View ranking ↗03
Ranked firmIP STARS · Managing IPIntellectual property and anti-piracy · 2026View ranking ↗04
Bronze BandWTR 1000Trademarks and anti-piracy · 2026View ranking ↗
08 / Team
The people behind of your foreign trade.
Lawyers in customs law, foreign trade and anti-piracy, backed by Fextor's investigators and forensic experts.
09 / Frequently asked questions
What clients often ask us.
General answers to common questions. Every company is different: write to us so we can review your situation.
01What should I do if customs changes the tariff code of my goods?
Review the notice and the deadlines right away. You can file an appeal before SENAE and, in certain cases, clear the goods by posting a guarantee while the dispute is resolved.
02Why does tariff classification matter?
Because it determines the duties and taxes your goods pay and the permits or restrictions that apply to them. An incorrect classification can lead to surcharges, penalties and clearance delays.
03Can I challenge a SENAE decision?
Yes. You can file an administrative appeal with SENAE itself and, if the decision is not in your favor, take the matter to the District Tax Court within the deadlines set by law.
04What is a border measure?
It is a mechanism that allows the owner of a trademark or other intellectual property right to request the suspension of the clearance of goods suspected of infringing it. The intellectual property authority must ratify the measure within a maximum of three days, after which the rights holder brings the corresponding actions.
05What is the difference between a customs violation and smuggling?
It depends on the conduct and the value of the goods: some violations are penalized through administrative proceedings, while others are crimes under the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP). We review your case and determine the appropriate defense or action.
CONTACT
Let's talk about
your operation.
Choose the option that best describes your situation and we will message you directly on WhatsApp to book a confidential initial meeting.
OPERATIONSI want to import or export
with the right adviceBook via WhatsAppDISPUTEMy goods are detained
or I have a dispute with SENAEBook via WhatsApp
Prefer to write to us? Use our contact formTell us what you need and we will contact you to schedule the meeting.Fill out the form with the right adviceBook via WhatsAppDISPUTEMy goods are detained
or I have a dispute with SENAEBook via WhatsApp
Offices in Quito · Guayaquil · Bogotá · Lima
