Customs FAQ for Taiwan Customers
Taiwan Customs has implemented the "Real-Name Authentication System for Recipients of Express Shipments" starting September 21, 2018. Once the real-name authentication is completed, Customs can quickly verify the recipient's identity and expedite the clearance process, allowing recipients to continue enjoying a simplified customs clearance procedure. The real-name system reduces the likelihood of random inspections and the chance of having to pay additional duties, while also improving the speed and convenience of package clearance. Conversely, if a recipient fails to complete the authentication within seven days after the release of goods, Customs will automatically list the recipient as an abnormal recipient in the customs clearance system. This will result in all future shipments being subject to inspection, increasing clearance time and costs.
Our company recommends using the app for online customs declaration authorization to complete real-name authentication:
This method uses a mobile phone number instead of a national ID number, eliminating the need to provide identification documents to the customs broker and reducing privacy concerns. However, if the mobile number is not personally owned or is a corporate number, real-name authentication cannot be completed.
Download the real-name authentication app, "EZ Way," and provide accurate personal identification information to complete the authentication. Note that app-based online customs declaration authorization is case-specific, meaning that for every overseas order (not limited to shipments from our company), Customs will notify the recipient through the app to confirm authorization for each case.
App Download Links:
- Android:https://tinyurl.com/ybgsmah3
- ios:https://tinyurl.com/ycx5uhhq
- EZ WAY User Guide:https://web.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/3150?cntId=cus1_3150_3150_1471
If you have any issues with downloading or using the app for authentication, please contact Trade-Van Network Customer Service Center at 0800-082-188, (02)7735-2800, or email cs885@tradevan.com.tw
If you are unable to use the app for online customs declaration authorization, you can mail a hard copy of the authorization form and a photocopy of the front and back of your ID card to the customs broker:
To:
Customer Service Department
United Consolidators International Co., Ltd.
Room 2029, 2nd Floor, No. 107, Hangxiang Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City
TEL: 03-3992018#233
Authorization Form Download:[Click here to download]
For detailed regulations regarding the "Real-Name Authentication System for Recipients of Express Shipments," please visit: https://web.customs.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=88C3016BD909355C&s=85ED2F52F5B7996C
According to the "Conditions for Exempting Imported Food and Related Products from Inspection Application and Their Applicable Customs Codes" under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, effective December 1, 2015, individuals importing tablet or capsule-type food products for personal use (not for resale) via mail or cargo are exempt from applying for import inspection with Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, FDA. Customs may directly release these products as long as the quantity adheres to the updated limits:
- Maximum quantity per product:12 bottles/boxes/cans/packages/bags.
- Total combined quantity:No more than 36 bottles/boxes/cans/packages/bags (in original packaging).
For detailed announcement content, please refer to the Taiwan FDA website.
If the quantity exceeds the above limits, or if there are concerns regarding the nature of the food product, import procedures must be applied for at the FDA's Food Safety Division.
Under the "Management Regulations of Drug Samples and Gifts" issued by the Taiwan FDA, as of July 1, 2015, individuals importing tablet-type drugs for personal use from abroad must apply for import approval from the FDA's Food Safety Division.
- Non-prescription drugs:
- Maximum quantity per shipment: 12 bottles, 12 tubes (for soft tubes), or a total of 1,200 tablets.
- Applications cannot be repeated within six months.
- Import approval form example: [Download Sample].
Specific product regulations:
- Eye drops and melatonin are classified as drugs under Taiwan FDA regulations.
- Hair dye is considered a medicated cosmetic.
For these products, it is strongly recommended to obtain an import approval form in advance (processing time: approximately 1–2 weeks) to avoid customs detention or delays, which may result in additional storage fees.
Traditional Chinese medicine dietary supplements (excluding American ginseng):
These are categorized as plants by Taiwan Customs and require approval from both the FDA and the Council of Agriculture (application fee: TWD 2,000) before being imported. Taiwan delivery companies will also charge additional customs declaration fees.
Additional Information:
-
Drug import application procedures:
- Taiwan FDA website:http://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/site.aspx?sid=3928
- Online application:https://oap.fda.gov.tw/B101?type=2
- Contact the FDA's Food Safety Division: (02) 2787-8200
-
Medicated cosmetic application procedures:
- Taiwan FDA website:https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/siteListContent.aspx?sid=359&id=8011
- Contact the FDA's Food Safety Division: (02) 2787-8200
- Plant or plant product import quarantine application form:
Imported drugs must undergo formal customs clearance. When the package arrives, Black Cat Delivery will charge an additional TWD 1,000 (TWD 500 customs fee + TWD 500 handling fee).
Per the new regulations issued by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), effective as of July 1st, 2015, the prescription drugs have to be applied and approved by FDA before any importation. In specific, for the “non-prescription” medicine or supplement, each shipment is limited to 1,200 tablets (max 100 tablet per bottle, up to 12 bottles or units); and only one application for non-prescription drug importation is allowed within any six months period. For more detail, please refer to the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/site.aspx?sid=3928 or call (02)2787-8200.
NOTE: WE, WECARENATURALLY, INC., ADVISE CUSTOMERS TO READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE RELATED SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS BEFORE PLACING ANY SHIPPING ORDER. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT US FOR THE SHIPPING CONSULTATION. NEVERTHELESS, IN NO EVENT SHALL WECARENATURALLY, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY SHIPPING ISSUES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY REJECTION, RETURN, DETENTION, OR DESTROY OF SHIPMENT.
In general, imported goods with a total value of NT$2,000 or less are duty-free. For goods over NT$2,000, most goods are tariffed based on their value. Nevertheless, goods may still be tariffed under the following conditions: (i) the goods are taxed based on their total weight in the event that it’s over 100 lbs even if the reported value is less than NT$2,000; (ii) if the goods are shipped in multiple packages under the same shipment to the same shipping address and same recipient, the packages will be joint tariffed to calculate the customs duty; or (iii) For high-frequency shipments (i.e. same goods, with same recipient and shipping address, shipped more than twice within 30 days period, or more than six shipments within 6 months period), the goods may be subject to tariff even if the reported value for each package is less than NT$2,000. For further details, please refer to Customs and Duties Website http://eweb.customs.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=21
NOTE: WECARENATURALLY, INC. IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PACKAGES OR SHIPPMENT REFUSED OR HELD BY CUSTOMS FOR ANY REASON.
Per the Tax Regulation in Taiwan, all international importations are considered as commercial activities, and shall be tariffed by the Customs. As such, all goods, regardless of the purchasing place (website or physical store) or the purpose of use (personal or commercial use), are subject to the customs process and regulatory review, including but not limited to, prior application, prior notice, package list, tax assessment , and/or tax collection.
You need to prepare certain documentation for the customs clearance, including without limitation:
- Commercial Invoice × 1
- Package List × 1
- Copy of Identification Card × 1
- Power of Attorney × 1