The National Customs Service of Ecuador (SENAE) issued Resolution No. SENAE-SENAE-2026-0019-RE, dated March 23, 2026, which enacts reforms to the "General Procedure for the Authorization, Renewal, Change of Address, Modification of Areas, and Incorporation of Items for Foreign Trade Operators."

The administration's ruling establishes significant changes in the application, operation, and physical control processes, as detailed below:

• Prior Call Based on Justified Need (Art. 4): A prior call from SENAE will be required for the authorization of new Temporary Deposits, Courier-type Temporary Deposits, Consolidators, and Couriers. This call will only take place if there are favorable technical-legal reports demonstrating the need for a greater number of these operators.
• If the reports are not favorable, it will be communicated via bulletin that such market need does not exist, and no call for authorization will be opened (Procedure applicable solely for authorizations).
• Mandatory Prior Inspections (Art. 9.1): New authorizations for Temporary Deposits, Courier-type Temporary Deposits, and Duty-Free Shops will strictly require an inspection report from the National Intervention Directorate certifying compliance with physical and technical requirements.
• Exceptionally, this inspection may be required for any operator (including renewals) if there is reasonable doubt regarding their compliance.

Authorization requests submitted prior to the signing of this resolution will continue their processing under the procedure in force at the time of their submission.

Note: Resolution No. SENAE-SENAE-2026 0019-RE is attached to this bulletin.

Resolution: SENAE-SENAE-2026 0019-RE

For any additional information, please contact the following professionals at the email address comercioexterior@robalinolaw.com.

This publication contains information of general interest and does not constitute, nor should it be taken as, a legal opinion or advice on specific matters. If necessary, legal advice should be sought on the subject of your interest.