The measure was formalized through a resolution from Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE), which mandated efforts on zero tariffs on Colombian products starting on June 1 and repealed the so-called “security tax.”

The elimination of that tax benefits production and commercial sectors in areas such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, and automotive spare parts, among others, after having faced surcharges of up to 100 percent in May.

The tax was imposed by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in February with an initial rate of 30 percent on Colombian imports, arguing that Bogota was not making enough efforts to fight drug trafficking and illegal mining along the shared border.

The tariff was subsequently raised to 50 percent, and as of May 1, it reached 100 percent for most products from Colombia.

The decision caused a response from the Colombian Government, which rejected the accusations and suspended electricity sales to Ecuador, restricted the land import of several Ecuadorian goods, and imposed differentiated tariffs between 35 and 75 percent on 191 products from the neighboring country.

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