The Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (SRI) announced that pet food, including nutritionally balanced dry and wet food, will be exempt from VAT on 30 January 2025.

This applies to both imported and locally purchased products, as they are classified as veterinary items.

The measure was established through Executive Decree No. 516 by President Daniel Noboa Azín.

According to the 2022 census, 60% of Ecuadorian households have at least one pet, totaling approximately 7.6 million companion animals, of which 68.5% are dogs and 31.5% are cats.

The Internal Revenue Service and the National Customs Service (Senae), with support from the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (AGROCALIDAD), will oversee the classification of pet food. Products not intended for pet nutrition will remain subject to the applicable VAT rate. The government continues to implement policies related to taxation and animal care.