Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Ecuador is exposed to extreme weather conditions and frequent natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions that affect both local populations and migrants living in the country. Ecuador is also located in an area of ​​intense seismic activity and, in 2016, Ecuador was hit by an earthquake that affected the coastal areas of the provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas, killing 670 people and leaving more than 30,000 people homeless. In addition to the aforementioned, Ecuador is regularly affected by El Niño, the consequences are major floods and landslides in several areas of the country. Currently, Ecuador is facing heavy rains that are affecting cities in different regions of the country.

 

The wet season (high temperatures and abundant rain) is recorded between December and April-May due to the presence of the warm El Niño current and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The dry season, characterized by low temperatures and little rain, lasts from June to November or December

 

There is a weak culture of risk prevention in the country, so many people do not know how to act if a disaster occurs; Therefore, the development of capacities in aspects related to the prevention and response to natural disasters is imperative in Ecuador.

Floods and earthquakes have caused the greatest socioeconomic impact and human losses in the country. The most recurring threats in the territory are: floods and landslides in winter while forest fires are recorded in summer.

 

Source: Global Crisis Response Platform Humanitarian and Crisis Transition Activities.  https://crisisresponse.iom.int/response/ecuador-crisis-response-plan-2020

 

El Niño Phenomenon 2023-2024, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

According to the authorities, the El Niño phenomenon is expected to settle on the coasts of Ecuador in the last quarter of 2023, starting in October or November. For now, the probability that the event will occur on these dates is 84%. In Ecuador, El Niño would affect almost the entire country, but mainly the provinces in the coastal zone: Esmeraldas, Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas and El Oro.

Fenómeno El Niño Ecuador 2023-2024 El Niño Oscilación Sur (ENOS)

 

Among the most important actions included in the plan are: identifying existing capacities and gaps in preparation and response actions; validate institutional plans; demonstrate the articulation and flow of information between the different State institutions, and finally verify the application of the national and international humanitarian assistance mechanisms, their protocols, procedures, operational and administrative management. All these aspects will allow analysis and decision-making in the different phases of: prevention, mitigation, preparation, response and reconstruction on a national scale.

 

 

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

Ecuador adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030* and is firmly committed to its application, as a guide to improve all efforts for the future.

It is a planning instrument with a short, medium and long-term perspective, to guide State actions at all levels, through the actors of the National Decentralized Risk Management System.

This new, far-reaching post 2015 – 2030 framework for disaster risk reduction contains seven goals and four priorities for action.

1: Understanding disaster risk,

2: Strengthen disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk,

3: Invest in disaster risk reduction for resilience,

4: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction www.unisdr.org

(*) https://www.eird.org/americas/docs/43291_spanishsendaiframeworkfordisasterri.pdf

https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/la-gestion-de-riesgos-de-desastres-en-ecuador-estara-guiada-bajo-cuatro-prioridades-mundiales/

 

Security, Current Situation in Ecuador

Ecuador's geographical location and other environmental characteristics have long provided incentives for transnational organized crime, which takes advantage of the country as a narcotics transshipment point and as a logistical refuge. The diverse transnational criminal landscape in Ecuador, dominated by South American insurgent and criminal groups, in addition to drug cartels, has made it a growing focus of organized crime.

 

 

The different criminal gangs in the country have become more sophisticated and organized. They have gained control over a wide range of criminal economies, including micro-trafficking. The gangs control many of the country's prisons and have strengthened connections with major international criminal organizations, acting as intermediaries through Ecuador's huge ports to Europe, the United States and even Australia.

 

Natural Disasters
Type	Occurs	Comments / Details
Drought	Yes, from June to December	Yes, from June to December Droughts constitute one of the dangerous events that has become more severe and recurrent in recent years, causing important impacts mainly for the agricultural and livestock sector, with consequences of low agricultural production, population migration to urban areas. , increase in forest fires due to prolonged periods of lack of rain.
Earthquakes	Yes	Ecuador is subject to intense and continuous geological activity due to its proximity to several geological faults created by the movements of the Nazca and South American Continental oceanic tectonic plates, which generates a constant threat of earthquakes of various magnitudes. Earthquakes occur frequently, although many are not felt. Generally, there are between 100 and 200 notable earthquakes (4 and above on the Richter scale) per year throughout Ecuador and most occur in coastal regions.
Epidemics	Yes	Covid 19  consulte:   Información interactiva sobre la respuesta operativa del Equipo Humanitario País en Ecuador. ICUs and beds in Ecuador national health system Courtesy of Pablo Galarza, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)   HIV/AIDS in Ecuador, see the UNAIDS website: : ONU SIDA In the country, endemic diseases are reported that have caused health crises or that in disasters, have occurred as a side effect, aggravating the conditions of humanitarian assistance. Between that stand out: • Dengue • Zika • Malaria • Measles (2011) • A H1N1 • Leptospirosis There have also been focused crises of meningitis, EDA and ARI; as well as regional crises among others. Dengue In 2019-2020, a large dengue epidemic occurred in Guayaquil, Ecuador; The CDC estimated that at least 420,000 people were infected during the epidemic, but there were very few deaths. The 2019-2020 period includes a new increase in cases and one of the largest dengue outbreaks in the region with nearly 3 million cases, 8,416 of them in Ecuador. Chikungunya In Ecuador, Chikungunya was reported for the first time at the end of 2014 and now both arboviral diseases are public health priorities mainly in five locations in 4 provinces: Esmeraldas, Guayas, El Oro and Galapagos (Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal). Cholera In 1991, the first wave of cholera (seventh pandemic on the South Pacific coast) was characterized by a very high attack rate and a low mortality rate (compared to Africa), and the unexpected participation of populations living in the Andean plateau. It is probable, based on the results collected in Ecuador, that cholera will become endemic in Latin America. The 1991 cholera epidemic affected 46,320 people and killed 565. Aphtose fever A large-scale foot-and-mouth disease epidemic on an unprecedented scale swept through Ecuador's countryside in 2002, affecting cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
Extreme Temperatures	Yes	El fenómeno climático de El Niño expone zonas del Ecuador a los riesgos del cambio climático. Estos cambios han provocado temperaturas extremadamente frías en Carchi, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cañar y Azuay, y han resultado en un clima más cálido en todas las demás partes del Ecuador.
Flooding	Yes	In Ecuador, floods are part of the dynamics of hydrographic basins. Due to El Niño from March 1972 to February 1973, the provinces of Guayas, Esmeraldas and Los Ríos, and from August 1982 to November 1983 in the provinces of Manabí, Guayas, El Oro and Los Ríos, were severely impacted by The phenomenon. , which represented 15% of the national coastal territory. The El Niño phenomenon from October 1997 to June 1998 severely impacted the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Esmeraldas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Chimborazo, Azuay and Cañar, affecting 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP). ) national. Floods are being recorded not only in the coastal area but also in the Andean mountain range.     Estimated Floods due to the El Niño Southern Oscillation “ENSO” Phenomenon 2023, see Annex B page. 34: https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Plan-para-enfrentar-el-ENOS-01-08-2023-compressed.pdf
Insect Infestation	Yes	Aedes aegypti reported in five locations in 4 provinces of Ecuador: Esmeraldas, Guayas, El Oro and Galápagos (Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal).   “Grylloidea” crickets were observed in 2020 in Guayas in notable volumes. Crickets proliferate due to climatic conditions, in this case, the rains in the coastal area of ​​Ecuador. It is considered a winter pest and does not bite or transmit viruses or diseases with the sole exception of food being contaminated by the excrement and fragments of this animal.
Mudslides	Yes, from December to June	The most vulnerable areas are the provinces of Morona Santiago, Loja, Napo, Santo Domingo de  los Tsáchilas and Orellana El Oro. Many main roads linking these provinces are affected by landslides.
Volcanic Eruptions	Yes	With 84 volcanoes, of which 24 are active, Ecuador is located in a subduction zone between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates that cause intense seismic activity, which is why it forms the Pacific Ring of Fire. In addition, the active geological faults expose the population to a high vulnerability due to volcanic and seismic risk
High Waves / Surges	Si	Tsunami occur rarely in Ecuador. There have only been 4 tsunamis since 1906 and a total of 4 people have died as a result. Although Tsunami are not recorded frequently (last 500 years), it is one of the phenomena that could have the greatest impact along the Ecuadorian coastal profile because more than 50% of the population of coastal cities and settlements are located. in high exposure areas.
Wildfires	Yes, From June to December	En el Ecuador, desde el año 2010 al 2022 se registraron 22.022 incendios forestales que han causado la pérdida de más de 213.157,23 mil hectáreas de páramos, bosques secos y montanos, entre otros. En lo que va del año, hasta este 20 de agosto, se han registrado un total de 664,83 ha. de vegetación afectada por incendios forestales en Azuay y en Cañar se han afectado un total de 70,47 ha. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/ECU/?category=undefined&map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D
High Winds
Other Comments	UN, (Naciones Unidas). (2019). Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible 2030. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/objetivos-de-desarrollo-sostenible/ UNDRR,  (UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction). (2015). Marco de Sendai. https://www.undrr.org/publication/sendai-framework-disaster-risk-reduction-2015-2030
Man-Made Issues
Civil Strife	No
International Conflict	No
Internal Conflict	Yes	Estado de Emergencia y conflicto interno del Ecuador In January 2024, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency and internal conflict in Ecuador, in order to put an end to the insecurity that remains of great concern to the civilian population. The decree of state of internal armed conflict allows the joint action of the military and police both in the streets and in prisons, controlled by criminal gangs, to this end, the President orders the mobilization and intervention of the Armed Forces and National Police in the national territory to guarantee sovereignty and territorial integrity against transnational organized crime, terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors. The Decree orders the Armed Forces to carry out military operations, under international humanitarian law and respecting rights, to neutralize the groups identified therein.   Decreto de Estado de Excepción The Constitutional Court of Ecuador unanimously declared on 03/01/2024 the legal validity of the state of emergency decreed by President Daniel Noboa to confront organized crime, after the wave of violence and attacks by criminal gangs that occurred at the beginning of January   Referendo y Consulta Popular: On April 21, 2024, Ecuador will return to the polls to say 'yes' or 'no' to the questions of the popular consultation and referendum promoted by the President, in addition to a constitutional amendment question. Voters will decide on issues such as: the participation of the military in arms control, the increase in penalties for crimes linked to organized crime and the possibility of public forces using weapons seized from criminals. Other proposals from the Executive are to allow the extradition of Ecuadorians, recognize international arbitration in commercial disputes and allow hourly work.
Internally Displaced Persons	No
Migrants		Sociopolitical problems in Venezuela have caused migration to Ecuador. In September 2019, approximately 4.3 million people left Venezuela. 80 percent emigrated to Latin America and the main receiving countries have been Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. At the beginning of the Venezuelan exodus, Ecuador was characterized as a transit country to Peru or other countries in the southern cone such as Chile and Argentina. However, between 2015 and September 2019, almost 400,000 Venezuelans decided to settle in the country. With almost half a million Venezuelan nationals, Ecuador is home to the third largest population of migrants from that country in the world, after Colombia and Peru. The majority of these migrants do not have adequate documentation. Many are transients heading to other South American nations, such as Peru and Chile.
Landmines / UXO Present	No
Other Comments	The Ecuador-Colombia land border has a length of close to 586 kilometers3. The demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) had a long presence in the country, dedicated to the production of narcotics and illegal mining along the border, although some factions of the ex-FARC guerrilla—dissidents of the first group—are still present in the territory.   https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mapa_de_la_frontera_Colombia-Ecuador.svg      (3) The border between Colombia and Ecuador is an international boundary that separates the territories of       both countries. It consists of two sections, one land and the other maritime, well defined

 

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.     https://www.emdat.be/

 

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport
Transport Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Primary Road Transport	Seasonal changes occur in two periods:   Rainy season from December to June. Dry season from June to December.	In the rainy season, landslides and obstructions affect both primary and secondary roads. Cleaning roads usually takes considerable time. Landslides blocking roads cause shortages of local products in local markets and, in turn, can cause food prices to rise. Although the seasons can vary constantly in Ecuador, periods of rain generate problems of landslides, floods and closures, also due to the poor state of the infrastructure.
Secondary Road Transport	Temporada de lluvias de diciembre a junio. Temporada seca de junio a diciembre.	Same as the main road but the effects on secondary roads are significantly bigger.
Rail Transport		The biggest challenge present in Ecuador is the amount of rain in certain seasons of the year, so retaining walls are essential to control that these rains do not cause landslides or collapses on the railway tracks. With 4 regions: coast, mountains, east and island, these regions are separated by mountains, which makes road communication between these regions difficult, it also has a large number of rivers, streams, so adequate maintenance, prevention and rapid debris removal reaction is essential. of the railway in these sections.
Air Transport		Airport operations can be affected by ash from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Due to the climatic variation in the country, the probability of changes in weather, wind direction, speed, visibility, weather events such as fog, haze, thunderstorms, heavy rain, temperature and atmospheric pressure is high.   Flooded trails, poor drainage networks and fog obstruct the visibility of the limited signage.    In such circumstances, infrequently used airports and military airports will be used for domestic or international air operations.
Waterway Transport	Seasonal changes occur in two periods: • Rainy from December to June known as "Winter" or rainy season. "Summer" or dry season, with less rainfall that extends from June to December	Lower water levels affect transportation on major waterways. During the dry season: sedimentation, sharp rocks and low channels affect the service. The high rainfall generated an uncontrolled riverbed, which does not allow adequate navigation.

 

 

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling
Activity Type	Time Frame	Comments / Details
Storage	From October to April	The biggest problem is the effect of the rainy season on the roads that provide access to the warehouses. Additionally, some roofs of government warehouses are negatively affected by rains. The government has warehouses in some strategic locations, from where humanitarian aid items can be distributed to support local emergencies.
Handling	N/A
Other	N/A	The wet season (high temperatures and abundant rain) is recorded between December and April-May due to the presence of the warm El Niño current and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The dry season, characterized by low temperatures and little rain, lasts from June to November or December

 

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

GOVERNMENT

Based on the Ecuadorian Constitution of 2008, the Government of Ecuador assumed leadership in emergency preparedness and response actions, reorganizing what until then was known as Civil Defense, and creating a new organization: the Risk Management Secretariat ( SGR) Gestión de Riesgos  In a joint effort with provincial governments, the SGR became the organization responsible for developing a Decentralized National Risk Management System (SNDGR), supporting people and communities that are negatively affected by natural and/or disasters caused by the man. The SGR is responsible for establishing policies and directives to ensure a coordinated Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) system by promoting the development and improvement of capabilities aimed at: 1) identifying, preventing and mitigating risks; 2) respond and assist during emergency situations; 3) apply recovery and reconstruction actions after the occurrence of a disaster.

 

Risk management is part of the general security of the country and is the direct responsibility of each public and private sector entity within its geographical scope; Risk management will operate continuously as a normal part of planning and management. The risks will be managed under the principle of subsidiary decentralization, which will imply direct responsibility of the institutions within their geographical scope. When an entity's risk management capabilities are insufficient, other territories with greater financial and technical capacity can provide the necessary support, without being relieved of their own responsibilities. The general objective, mandated by the Constitution, is to minimize vulnerability.

 

The SNDGR is made up of the governing body; the risk management units of all public and private entities at the local, regional and national level; scientific entities that study threats and vulnerabilities; and coordination mechanisms, among others. All state ministries and UN agencies present in Ecuador are part of the SNDGR.

 

The Emergency Operations Committees Manual (COE) Manual del COE  establishes that the Armed Forces are part of the Operational Group responsible for logistical support (in addition to managing external security).

 

Source: National Risk and Emergency Management Service. Actors of the National Decentralized Risk Management System.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY

Ecuador has had a Humanitarian Country Team (EHP) since 2014, whose leader is the Resident Coordinator. The EHP is assisted by UN agencies, national and international humanitarian organizations and donors. The EHP supported Ecuador in the April 16 earthquake, including in the activation and organization of emergency groups. The Logistics Cluster was active during the emergency until May 30.

 

The Ecuadorian Red Cross is present throughout the country. Many NGOs are present at the local level and work directly with communities on preparedness, development and protection.

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List.

 

Ecuador - Ministries and UN Agencies Liaison
Sector	Ministry	UN Agency
Agriculture and Food Security	Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock   Ministry of Economy and Social Inclusion   Risk Management Secretariat	FAO, WFP
Health, Nutrition	Ministry of Public Health	PAHO UNICEF
Education	Ministry of Education	UNICEF
Potable Water	Ministry of Public Health National Water Secretariat	UNICEF
Transport Logistics and Communications	Ministry of Defence	WFP
Protection of Women & Children	Ministry of Justice	IOM, FICR
Coordination and Evaluation	Risk Management Secretariat	OCHA

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory Departments & Quality Control 

The Technical Directorate of Standardization plans, organizes, directs, controls and evaluates the quality, safety, and security parameters of the products and services that are marketed in the country. That is, it is responsible for the formulation and study of voluntary technical regulatory documents, which are approved by consensus in a technical committee for the use and application of interested parties. There are different Ecuadorian quality certifications and mandatory and voluntary regulations that can be adopted by organizations depending on the company's business model, etc. 

ISO Standards  (see: Ecuador SEA Accreditation) 

ISO standards have several families and diversified branches to adapt to different companies and their different areas such as quality, environment, social responsibility and risk management and safety. 

Despite being established by the International Standardization Organization (ISO), the national certifier of these regulations is the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization. 

BPM 

Good Manufacturing Practices aim to establish conditions and requirements that ensure safety and hygiene in the food production chain. The entity in charge of evaluating this certification is the National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA) 

Agrocalidad 

The Phyto and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency AGROCALIDAD is the entity in charge of the regulation and control of the health of the agricultural sector and the safety of food in primary production, with the objective of contributing to the sustained increase in the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, as well as the quality of life of agricultural producers. 

National Public Health Research Institute (INSPI) 

INSPI is a National and International Reference Institution in Research. It is the state agency in charge of the execution of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation and is the National Reference Laboratory that provides specialized services in public health, within the framework of the National Health Policy and Health Research. INSPI currently has 10 National Reference Laboratories, with its headquarters in Guayaquil and 2 zones in Cuenca and Quito. 

Lines of investigation 

The lines of research are the thematic axes, which include a set of objectives, policies and scientific-technical methodologies aimed at solving public health problems identified in research areas such as: 

• Communicable Diseases 

• Non-communicable diseases 

• Environment, Nutrition and Toxicology 

• Systems and Technologies in Human Health 

• Population and Public Health 

Research Centers 

The research centers are units recognized by the institution, with history and infrastructure; where projects can be articulated with various groups and research methodologies. The centers are: 

• Multidisciplinary Research Center (CIM) “Dr. “Ernesto Gutiérrez Vera” 

• Research Center for Infectious and Vector Diseases “CIREV” 

• Epidemiology, Geomatics, and Biostatistics Research Center “EpiSIG” 

Certifications 

Certifications obtained. Integrated Quality Management System of the National Public Health Research Institute INSPI – “Dr Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez” 

• ISO 9001:2015 Certification. Quality Management: 

• Research, Development and Innovation Directorate 

• Specialized laboratory services – Liveries 

• Production of Culture Media, Reagents and Dyes 

• National Vector Reference Center 

• National Zoonoses Reference Center 

• Directorate of Promotion and Transfer of Knowledge 

 

National Public Health Research Institute INSPI 

Quito, Ecuador 

Telephone: 593-(042) 2288097 – 2287428 – 2280405 

www.investigacionsalud.gob.ec  

 

Ecuadorian Standardization Service (INEN) 

The Ecuadorian Standardization Service - INEN, INEN, formerly known as the Ecuadorian Institute of Normalization, was created on August 28, 1970. The INEN is the National Standardization Organization of the Republic of Ecuador and is also in charge of technical regulation and metrology. . In 2007, the Ecuadorian Quality System law granted INEN the status of a national technical arm dependent on the Ministry of Industry and Productivity. 

It is a public sector entity at the national level; of a scientific and technological nature; with technical, administrative, operational and financial autonomy. 

In close collaboration with government entities, industry, consumers and academia, INEN is responsible for the development, publication and promotion of Ecuadorian standards and other standardization products. INEN promotes standardization in Ecuador in order to contribute to the national economy, support sustainable development, promote the health, safety and well-being of workers and the public, protect consumers and facilitate national and international trade. 

The mission of INEN is to continually improve the quality of the national productive system and the competitiveness, trust and satisfaction of Ecuadorian society, through standardization, technical regulation, conformity evaluation and metrology processes, adding value with the human talent and complying with legal and regulatory requirements. 

INEN is also a member of the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT) and the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC). INEN is part of the Affiliate Countries Program of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). 

 

E8-29 Baquerizo Moreno and Diego de Almagro streets 

Building: INEN P.O. Box 01-17-3999 

Quito, DM EC170517 Pichincha 

Ecuador 

Tel: +(593 2) 382 5960 / +(593 2) 382 5961 

E-mail: internationalinen@gmail.com  

 

Ecuadorian Accreditation Service (SAE) 

The Ecuadorian Accreditation Service SAE is the Ecuadorian public body that is responsible for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies. The SAE provides confidence in the certifications of one of the most popular standards of the international organization ISO: 9001. 

It is located in the city of Quito. The Ecuadorian Accreditation Service is an entity attached to the Ministry of Industries and Productivity. 

SAE is a full member of ILAC, a full member of IAF and a full member of IAAC. 

SAE Accreditation Ecuador is responsible for accreditation, that is, for recognizing the technical competence of the different conformity assessment bodies (OEC). These organizations provide testing, calibration, inspection, or certification services for management systems, people, or products. 

The Minister of Industries or his representative is the one who chairs the Interministerial Quality Committee (CIMC), which gives guidelines and policies to the Quality System. Representatives of the Coordinating Ministers of Production, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture, Health, Transport and Electricity are also part of the CIMC. 

Executive Director: Carlos Echeverría Cueva. Carlos Martín Echevarría Cueva 

Email: cecheverria@acreditacion.gob.ec  

Av. Amazonas N38-42 and Juan José de Villalengua 

Quito, Ecuador 

Phone: 593-2 2454393 

 

National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA) 

ARCSA is the technical body in charge of the regulation, technical control and health surveillance of the following products: processed foods, food additives, processed water, tobacco products, medicines in general, nutraceutical products, biological products, processed natural products for medicinal use, medicines homeopathic and dental products; medical devices, biochemical and diagnostic reagents, hygienic products, pesticides for domestic and industrial use, manufactured in the national territory or abroad, for import, export, marketing, dispensing and sale, including those received as donations and products domestic hygiene and personal hygiene absorbents, related to human use and consumption; as well as establishments subject to health surveillance and control established in the Organic Health Law and other applicable regulations, except for those of public and private health services. 

 

National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance «ARCSA» 

Quito, Ecuador 

Telephone: (593)2907 074 

http://www.controlsanitario.gob.ec/  

 

Internal Revenue Service (SRI) 

The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) SRI is a technical and autonomous entity that has the responsibility of collecting internal taxes established by Law through the application of current regulations. Its purpose is to consolidate the tax culture in the country in order to sustainably increase voluntary compliance with tax obligations by taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service (SRI) offers automatic services that you can access with your username and password. 

• Access code, Keys. 

• RUC. 

• Billing. 

• Facilities. payment. 

• Return. of taxes. 

• Endorsement. of notes. of credit. 

• Certificates. 

• Online payments. 

For more information you can call 1700 SRI SRI or consult the website www.sri.gob.ec  You can also visit the Agency Map at: SRI mapa-de-agencias 

Other private certification, analysis, pre-shipment inspection companies accredited in Ecuador, (not limited to): 

• SGS del Ecuador S.A. 

• Cotecna des Ecuador S.A. 

• Inchcape Ecuador S.A. 

• Bureau Veritas Ecuador S.A 

 

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links:  4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.