How do you import a car from Japan to Ecuador, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
If a vehicle can be imported at all, Ecuador charges ~35% ad valorem duty, ICE (a price-bracket consumption tax of 5-35% by retail value), 15% IVA and a 0.5% FODINFA fee — so the landed tax runs from ~60% of CIF for a cheap car to ~75%+ for a pricier one. Used passenger-car imports are effectively banned, so any figure is a reference only.
Car import duty calculator for Ecuador
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Ecuador we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Ecuador restricts the standard import of used vehicles for private buyers. Normal commercial import of a used car from Japan is not permitted under general rules — authorisation or quota is required, and this is typically reserved for migrants returning to Ecuador, diplomats, persons with disabilities or approved industry programmes. For new vehicles or eligible used-vehicle cases, Ecuador applies approximately 35% import duty, 15% VAT and other levies of around 0.5% on the imported value — a significant tax load. All imports must also meet INEN compliance and vehicle registration requirements.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Ecuador?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Ecuador drives on the right (LHD). Used passenger cars are generally prohibited to import (only new vehicles with a prior permit; used allowed only under diplomat/returning-migrant special regimes), so ordinary Japanese used-car imports are not possible.
- Inspection
- Import authorization/quota where applicable, customs, INEN/compliance, registration
- Restrictions
- Used vehicles are generally restricted/prohibited except special regimes (migrants, diplomats, disabled persons).
- Entry ports
- Guayaquil
How do you import a car from Japan to Ecuador, step by step?
Check the import rules
Ecuador drives on the right (LHD). Used passenger cars are generally prohibited to import (only new vehicles with a prior permit; used allowed only under diplomat/returning-migrant special regimes), so ordinary Japanese used-car imports are not possible. Ecuador requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Ecuador.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Ecuador: Import authorization/quota where applicable, customs, INEN/compliance, registration.
Ship to Guayaquil
Cars from Japan arrive at Guayaquil. Sea transit is about 35–50 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Ad valorem import duty, ICE, IVA and FODINFA; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Ecuador's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Ecuador charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Ad valorem import duty | 35% | CIF value |
| ICE (Impuesto a los Consumos Especiales) | 5%–35% by CIF value | CIF + import duty |
| IVA (VAT 15%) | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| FODINFA | 0.5% | CIF value |
Ad valorem import duty
Rate: 35%. Charged on: CIF value.
ICE (Impuesto a los Consumos Especiales)
Rate: 5% up to US$20,000; 10% up to US$30,000; 15% up to US$40,000; 20% up to US$50,000; 25% up to US$60,000; 30% up to US$70,000; 35% above US$70,000. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
IVA (VAT 15%)
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
FODINFA
Rate: 0.5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Ecuador applies approximately 35% import duty, 15% VAT and other levies of around 0.5% on the imported value for eligible or new-vehicle imports — one of the higher duty rates in South America. Used-car imports for ordinary buyers are generally restricted or prohibited, so most enquiries are resolved at the eligibility stage rather than the tax-calculation stage.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Ecuador?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guayaquil | RoRo or container | 35–50 | US$1,750 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Ecuador?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Ecuador?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guayaquil | Guayaquil | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Quito | Guayaquil | US$320 | US$400 | 2 |
| Cuenca | Guayaquil | US$220 | US$280 | 2 |
| Manta | Guayaquil | US$240 | US$300 | 2 |
| Ambato | Guayaquil | US$250 | US$310 | 2 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Can I import a used car from Japan to Ecuador?
- Not through the general import route. Ecuador restricts used-vehicle imports for private buyers — a special authorisation, quota or exemption category (returning migrant, diplomat, disability exemption) is required.
- How much import duty applies in Ecuador?
- For eligible or new-vehicle imports, approximately 35% import duty, 15% VAT and other levies of around 0.5% apply.
- Does Ecuador require left-hand-drive cars?
- Yes. Ecuador drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are required.
Car import duty calculator for Ecuador
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.