FDA and USDA basics: importing food from Ecuador

Updated 13 oct 2026

Buying from Ecuador is simple once you know which US agency checks what. A short checklist.

Who checks what

• FDA — most foods: cacao, coffee, processed foods, seafood.
• USDA APHIS — plant health: fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers must meet entry conditions to keep pests out.
• NOAA Fisheries — some seafood, including shrimp, under SIMP.
• CBP — customs entry and duties, for every shipment.

FDA checklist

1. Your supplier's facility is registered with FDA.
2. Prior Notice is filed before each shipment arrives.
3. You (the importer) have an FSVP in place to verify the supplier.

On the Ecuador side

Ecuadorian exporters get phytosanitary or zoosanitary certificates from Agrocalidad and clear export customs with SENAE. Ask your supplier to confirm they handle these.

Next steps

Read our product guides: roses, cacao, shrimp.

This is a summary, not legal advice.