Ecuador's President Noboa Appoints New Customs Director

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has appointed Luis Eduardo Váscones Boloña as the new Director General of the National Customs Service (Senae). The designation was made through Executive Decree 483 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Váscones succeeds Sandro Fortunato Castillo Merizalde, to whom President Noboa expressed gratitude for his services.

Váscones brings extensive experience to the role, holding a degree in Foreign Trade Engineering and possessing over two decades of expertise in logistics and international business. His background includes work in maritime, port, and air operations, as well as managing containerized cargo and project logistics. He also has experience in coordinating with various stakeholders in the logistics and port chain, international negotiations, strategic planning, resource optimization, and managing projects related to illicit activities.

The new customs director's vision for Senae focuses on technical, efficient, and results-oriented management. Key objectives include facilitating legitimate trade, bolstering customs controls, and contributing to Ecuador's overall security and competitiveness. Váscones aims to create a customs service that is agile for compliant traders, firm against illicit activities, and strategic in supporting the development of foreign trade.

His appointment is expected to leverage his deep understanding of the foreign trade chain, encompassing port, maritime, and air activities, as well as the interactions between companies and operators involved in the international movement of goods. Váscones's extensive career in logistics and international business is seen as a significant asset in navigating the complexities of customs administration and trade facilitation in Ecuador.