Ecuador Expat Forum

USAMama
Joined 2016
Posts: 1

7 years ago

Paperwork to receive prescription shipped by DHL?

7 years ago

Hello kind people, :-)

I'm not an expat--I'm looking for some knowledgeable advice on shipping to Ecuador. Apologies if this isn't an appropriate use of the forum.

I'm trying to ship some prescription medications from the US to my daughter, who is studying abroad in Quito. The very helpful folks at DHL told me that on the receiving end she may need to provide a "sanitary certificate", which can be obtained from the local government (e.g. city hall).

I did a little googling around, and it looks like the "sanitary certificate" is something that seems to be more aimed at commercial importers. It also looks like it costs $650--at which point it's going to be cheaper for me to fly down there and hand carry the package. Or, at least to see if she can get the prescription filled there.

Can anyone advise if the sanitary certificate is truly necessary? Or, is there some less expensive version of this paperwork which is suitable for personal use? I was planning on putting in the prescription along with the medications--would that be sufficient documentation?

Finally, I have the option of either shipping to one of the DHL offices, or having the package delivered to my daughter's host mom's office. DHL said either option would be fine--do any of you have any advice on which of these would be preferable?

Thanks very, very much in advance for any suggestions and guidance.

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Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.