Ecuador and the Netherlands Strengthen customs control and Intellectual Property protection

On June 19, 2025, the Second Supplement of the Official Register No. 63 formalized the publication of the Agreement between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Ecuador on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.

This agreement marks a key milestone in bilateral cooperation aimed at preventing, detecting, and investigating customs violations, including smuggling, commercial fraud, and the counterfeiting of products protected by intellectual property rights. It establishes effective collaboration mechanisms between the customs authorities of both countries, including:

• Exchange of strategic and operational information.
• Notification of documents and administrative rulings.
• Coordinated surveillance of goods, means of transport, and individuals under suspicion.
• Mutual assistance in specific customs investigations. 

Moreover, the agreement strengthens the implementation of border measures in line with international standards, safeguarding trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs from infringement through counterfeit or pirated goods. It also provides for stricter controls, particularly for goods in transit or intended for export or import between both jurisdictions.

The agreement ensures the confidentiality and lawful use of shared information, respecting the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality.

This development has a direct impact on customs control authorities, foreign trade operators, and holders of intellectual property rights, all of whom will benefit from enhanced international coordination to combat piracy, counterfeiting, and other cross-border crimes.

At Quevedo & Ponce, we provide comprehensive legal counsel in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, legal actions for infringement or counterfeiting, implementation of border measures before SENADI and the Ecuadorian Customs Service (SENAE).