Our International Trade and Customs practice specializes in providing comprehensive and highly specialized legal advice to both local and international clients. We focus on preventing contingencies and achieving efficiency in foreign trade operations by delivering strategic legal solutions that simplify and streamline such processes.
We have one of the most experienced and skilled teams in Ecuador, with deep expertise in implementing customs optimization tools such as Free Trade Zones, AEO programs, and special customs regimes. Our team has successfully represented clients in various proceedings, including customs assessments, valuation, origin, and tariff classification disputes, as well as in obtaining or renewing foreign trade operation permits, among others.
Our experience includes:
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- International leading company in the poultry sector: We successfully represented the client in a post-clearance audit conducted by the National Customs Service of Ecuador regarding import duties. During the proceeding, we demonstrated that the tariff classification applied by the client was correct.
- Leading local company in the vehicle distribution sector: We successfully represented the client in a judicial challenge seeking the reimbursement of Special Consumption Tax (ICE) and Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on vehicle imports.
- International leading company in the passenger transportation sector: We successfully represented the client in several administrative sanctioning proceedings initiated by the National Customs Service of Ecuador. We demonstrated in the administrative process that the client had not committed the alleged infractions.
- International leading company in the pharmaceutical sector: We successfully represented the client in a sanctioning proceeding initiated by the National Customs Service of Ecuador for alleged customs fraud. We proved in the administrative process that the client had not committed any offense, thus avoiding the seizure of goods.
- International leading company in the retail sector: We successfully represented the client in a post-clearance audit conducted by the National Customs Service of Ecuador regarding import duties. We demonstrated that the customs value declared by the client was correct.
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- Advisory on customs and foreign trade operations, including analysis of rules of origin, customs valuation, tariff classification, among others.
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- Advisory on international commercial contracts, documentary credits, and the application of INCOTERMS 2020.
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- Advisory on obtaining authorizations, qualifications, and permits required for customs operations, such as the application of special regimes, cargo consolidation/deconsolidation, courier services, special warehouses, among others.
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- Advisory on the application of international trade agreements, including rules of origin and dispute resolution.
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- Structuring of Free Trade Zone projects, including authorization processes, user qualification requests, and general legal support for operations conducted under this regime.
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- Advisory on the qualification process as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
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- Support in information requests, reasonable doubt procedures, and post-clearance audits conducted by the customs authority.
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- Legal advice at any stage of customs litigation, including administrative claims, mediation processes, and judicial challenges.
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- Advisory and representation in trade defense proceedings, including anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures.
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- Advisory on the application of customs benefits derived from investment contracts.
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- Advisory on the application of benefits for exporters, including drawback procedures, reimbursement of local taxes, among others.
“With deep knowledge of tax and customs regulation, the practice at CorralRosales attracts instructions from a multitude of clients, most notably multinationals, seeking assistance with tax assessment procedures, due diligence processes and the tax aspects of corporate and financing transactions. In addition, the firm is singled out for its contentious expertise, and proficiency in international tax and customs matters.”
Legal 500 – Tier 2
“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Latin Lawyer – Highly Recommended
“Andrea Moya leads this impressive offering and garners reviews from clients, with one customer describing her as “an excellent professional, who gives timely responses, which adapted to all our needs”.
Chambers
Team
Partners
Andrea Moya
Partners
Alberto Bonilla
