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Ecuador has strict importation rules, because of which imported goods are quite expensive. The laws on customs and importation are complicated and change frequently. The general rule is that as long as you bring material things into the country for own use, you pay no or little taxes. Meaning bringing two computers and a bike, for example, should be no problem. However, in case you want to bring all your furniture to Ecuador, an expert on importation can save you a lot of work and money.

Among prohibited items are the usual, including agricultural products to not endanger the endemic flora.

For more information check the website of customs (in Spanish only).

Pets

If you want to bring your pet abroad, it can be done but takes planning and preparation. The most important thing is to start early. Be aware that the minimum recommended age to transport your pet by plane is four months. Taking your cat or dog into another country usually includes:

• Microchiping - to verify pet's identity. All microchips conforming to the ISO standards are easily readable.
• Vaccination - Vaccinations range from country to country, but in general every pet older than 3 months must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before arrival. Although the vaccination cannot be older than 12 months from the date of arrival. Dogs may also get full shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, and DHLPP. Cats may also be vaccinated against Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Panleukopenia.
• Certificate of good health - Issued by a certified vet after an exam up to ten days before departure. This certificate has to include a description of your pet, including its identification number, color, and sex.
• Notification –The officials in Ecuador should be notified of the arrival of the animals 72 hours before arrival. Check with your airline of they take care of this or that you have to notify them yourself. 

For more information, check the website of the Ecuadorian government.

Transport

To make the journey as comfortable as possible for your pet, you may want to choose the shortest flight possible. From Europe, KLM flies directly to Quito from Amsterdam, as well as Iberia from Madrid. A new airline Joon will operate direct flights from Paris to Quito.

Some airlines allow pets to travel in an airplane's cabin, provided their cage is small enough to fit under your seat. Small birds may also be able to travel in the cabin, but tropical birds such as parrots are usually not allowed.

If your pet's cage does not fit under your seat, you will have to ship it as checked baggage. Since the outside air temperature also affects the temperature in the cargo bay, airlines may restrict the transportation of pets during certain times of the year. Airlines have special requirements for containers in the cabin and cargo bay. Make sure you get detailed information from your preferred airlines before purchasing a cage or kennel.

Before leaving, acquaint your animal with the kennel or container. Add some familiar toys or some of your clothing items, so your pet has a sense of familiarity during the transport. Sedation of your pet during the trip is generally not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.

In case your pet travel in the cargo area, an administration fee of $26,17 USD has to be paid before departure, upon arrival at the airport the proof of payment has to be showed. More information can be found on the official webpage mentioned above. It is easier to arrange this payment from Ecuador, so check if somebody already in the country can help you.

There are also pet relocation service that figure out all the details of the move. These services tend to be quite expensive, but take away the stress of doing it yourself.

Quarantine

Dogs and cats declared healthy by an Ecuadorian official do not have to go in quarantine. Other animals, like birds and rabbits, may need to spend some time in quarantine. In this case, you also need to fill out a form proving that the animal is your pet to avoid illegal animal trafficking.
For more information, check the website of the Ecuadorian government.

Custom's Resources

U.S. Citizens: The free pamphlet "Know Before You Go" at http://www.cbp.gov/ is very helpful. (Click on "Travel" and then click on "Know Before You Go! Online Brochure").
You can also contact:
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
1300 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20229
Tel. 877/287-8667
Canadian Citizens: "I Declare", issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500 ) is helpful.
Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure is available from Australian consulates or Customs offices called "Know Before You Go". Call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to http://www.customs.gov.au/.