| Shipping method | Shipping fee (per kilogram) | Arrival time in Taiwan | Suitable for the situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight | NT$25 | 7–14 days | Large quantity, no rush, furniture and home appliances, bulk import |
| Sea express | NT$50 | 5–10 days | General e-commerce shopping |
| Air freight | NT$100 | 3–5 days | Urgent shipment, high unit price, small size |
| Commercial sea express (B2B) | Project quote | — | B2B bulk commercial import |
＊For sea express and air freight, an additional delivery fee of NT$100 and NT$120 will be charged respectively. The sea freight will be quoted by customer service; the billing will be based on the larger actual weight and volume (sea freight volume = length × width × height cm÷28316, sea express volume = ÷10000), and air express will only be calculated by weight.
| Tax items | Rate | Calculation/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| import duties | According to CCC tariff | Customs value below NT$2,000 is exempted (not applicable if more than 6 times in half a year) |
| Promotional trade service fee | 0.04% | Duty paid value × 0.04% |
| business tax | 5% | (Duty paid value + customs duty + excise tax) × 5% |
| excise tax | Depending on the item | Tobacco, alcohol and specific items are charged separately |
*Data source: Customs Import Tariffs of the Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance. The website provides 12,000+ CCC tax code inquiries and real-time tax calculations.
Consolidation Service
How can you save on Taobao shipping to Taiwan? Compare the full delivered cost
No shipping method is cheapest for every Taobao parcel to Taiwan. Fix the products, packaging, destination and delivery needs, then compare two complete quotes. Sea freight, sea express, air and platform delivery all need the same cost checklist. For small parcels, check minimum charges and local delivery fees first. For light, bulky items, ask about volumetric billing. Combining parcels may remove repeated fees or increase the bill; mark unquoted costs as “to confirm”, not zero. Disclosure: HowBridge provides consolidation services. This page explains how to compare quotes; it does not claim that HowBridge or any other operator is always cheapest, or use competitors’ prices without a current like-for-like check.
How to ship Pinduoduo to Taiwan? Pinduoduo consolidation?
Pinduoduo does not ship directly to Taiwan; you must first send orders to a consolidator’s mainland-China warehouse address, then have them combined and forwarded. HowBridge’s own Shenzhen warehouse receives and consolidates: sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (7–14 days), sea express NT$50/unit (5–10 days), air NT$100/kg (3–5 days); sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, while sea freight is quoted by customer service, billed on the greater of actual vs volumetric weight (sea: ÷ 28316 = cubic feet; sea express: ÷ 10000 = kg; air: actual weight only). Confirm the seller can ship to the warehouse address before ordering; after arrival, an AEO-licensed broker handles dual-clearance and EZWay real-name verification before delivery. Per the Air Express Consignment Clearance Regulations, parcels with a customs value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from import duty and VAT.
What is the most cost-effective way to ship from Alibaba 1688 to Taiwan?
Sea Express is the top recommendation for shipping from Alibaba 1688 to Taiwan. The chargeable unit is the greater of actual weight (kg) and volumetric weight, where volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 10,000; Sea Express costs NT$50 per chargeable unit. A dispatch fee of NT$100 applies if a single shipment is under 10 chargeable units. For sea freight (general ocean shipping), please contact customer service for a quote. Customs clearance is handled via simplified declaration, which can be filed under a company or business entity name; upon completion, a customs duty notice and import declaration are issued, and the input VAT amount is eligible as a business tax credit. A dutiable value exceeding NT$2,000 is subject to customs duty + trade promotion service fee of 0.04% (waived if under NT$100) + VAT 5%. Before placing an order, check the "Import Regulations" column of the CCC tariff code to confirm whether commodity inspection or an import permit is required. HowBridge Logistics offers a free search of 12,000+ CCC tariff codes and dedicated 1688 Sea Express programs.
How do I ship from Douyin (TikTok Shop) to Taiwan? Which consolidator do you recommend?
Douyin Shop (Douyin Shop) does not ship directly to Taiwan. You need to enter a consolidator's China domestic address at checkout, and the consolidator will then consolidate and forward the shipment. HowBridge Logistics' own Shenzhen warehouse accepts Douyin packages: sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (7–14 days), sea express NT$50/unit, air freight NT$100/kg; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, while sea freight is quoted by customer service; free consolidation, online tracking, AEO-certified customs broker for dual-clearance, and help completing EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation. Import duty and VAT are borne by the recipient and collected in cash on delivery by Hsinchu Logistics. Note that 3C electronics, lithium batteries, and Bluetooth products from Douyin are often subject to BSMI mandatory commodity inspection — check the CCC tariff code for inspection requirements before importing. Per the Air Express Consignment Clearance Regulations, imports with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from customs duty and VAT.
How do you choose a forwarder for shipping Xianyu (Goofish) purchases to Taiwan? What should you compare, and how are shipping costs calculated?
To choose a forwarder for shipping Xianyu (Goofish) purchases to Taiwan, compare 6 things first: ① where the receiving warehouse is and how parcels are matched to your account; ② whether you can see photos after arrival and request photos or an item count before shipping; ③ the volumetric weight formulas and rounding rules for Sea express and Air freight; ④ whether the free storage period is long enough to wait for parcels from several sellers; ⑤ whether partner customs brokers help with simplified declaration and EZ WAY real-name authorization; ⑥ whether the forwarder only ships, or also pays for goods on your behalf. If the item's checkout page does not support shipping to Taiwan, you can first ship it to a consolidation warehouse within China and then have it forwarded. Taking HowBridge as an example: parcels are received at the Shenzhen warehouse, and the address ends with your personal identifier for account matching; 366 days of free storage and free consolidation (Terms of Service §2.1); Sea express NT$50 per unit (greater of actual weight and length×width×height÷10000, rounded up, plus NT$100 if the actual weight is under 10 kg); Air freight NT$100 per kg (actual weight only, plus NT$120 under 10 kg); Sea freight from NT$25 per kg or NT$150 per cu ft (volume ÷28316, quoted by customer service according to the goods); no purchasing or paying for goods on your behalf. Own delivery-time statistics with sample sizes are in the “Own statistics” section of this page. HowBridge is a consolidation provider and does not give a neutral ranking; arrival photos are not an authenticity check, and second-hand items are not automatically exempt from duty or inspection.
Shipping & Routes
What is a Taiwan dedicated shipping route? How much does it cost? How do rates compare?
A "Taiwan dedicated shipping route" (Taiwan Dedicated Line) is an exclusive consolidation lane shipping directly from China to Taiwan, where the consolidator handles export and import customs clearance on both ends. HowBridge Logistics Taiwan routes: sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (7–14 days), sea express NT$50/unit (5–10 days), air freight NT$100/kg (3–5 days) — same rate for regular and special cargo; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, while sea freight is quoted by customer service. 5 key factors when choosing a Taiwan route: ① Is the rate the same for regular and special cargo (no surprise surcharges)? ② Does the rate include customs clearance? ③ Is clearance handled by an AEO-certified customs broker (dual-clearance)? ④ Will they help you complete EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation? ⑤ Is multilingual customer service available? Import duty and VAT are borne by the recipient (the taxpayer), in the amount assessed by Customs. For home-delivery shipments you can pay in one of two ways: Hsinchu Logistics collects the tax on delivery (collection fee NT$30), or you choose “HowBridge collects and pays”, where the tax is added to your HowBridge member bill and HowBridge pays it on your behalf (handling fee NT$40 per shipment, waived when the tax is 0; an e-invoice is issued for the handling fee, not for the tax itself). Imports with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from customs duty and VAT.
How much is shipping from China to Taiwan? Best China consolidation?
Shipping cost from China to Taiwan varies widely by method: ① Direct courier (SF Express / international couriers) for small parcels is about NT$200–500, fastest door-to-door, suited to urgent 1–3 kg items; ② Consolidation (combine & repack) is cheapest — HowBridge sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (7–14 days), sea express NT$50/unit (5–10 days), air NT$100/kg (3–5 days), flat rate for all cargo; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, while sea freight is quoted by customer service, billed on the greater of actual vs volumetric weight (sea: ÷ 28316 = cubic feet; sea express: ÷ 10000 = kg; air: actual weight only). Note: bulky light items (pillows, lamps) are billed by volumetric weight, so sea freight is not always cheaper — estimate first. A customs value of NT$2,000 or below is exempt from import duty and VAT; above that, duty + 0.04% trade-trade promotion service fee + 5% VAT apply per the CCC tariff.
Is sea LCL consolidation really from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft?
Yes — HowBridge Logistics sea LCL consolidation starts from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft, with the same rate for both regular and special cargo, arriving in Taiwan in 7–14 days. The chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (sea volumetric = L × W × H cm ÷ 28316 = cubic feet); sea freight is quoted by customer service with no fixed dispatch fee. Sea freight is ideal for high-volume, non-urgent shipments such as furniture, appliances, and wholesale imports. For urgent shipments, sea express at NT$50/unit or air freight at NT$100/kg are available. Imports with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from customs duty and VAT.
What does "same rate for regular and special cargo" mean?
"Same rate for regular and special cargo" (same rate for regular and special cargo) means that regular goods and special cargo — including lithium batteries, liquids, magnetic items, cosmetics, branded goods, and more — are charged at the same freight rate with no additional surcharge based on cargo type. HowBridge Logistics charges from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft for sea LCL consolidation, NT$50/unit for sea express, and NT$100/kg for air freight, all at the same rate for regular and special cargo; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, while sea freight is quoted by customer service, with transparent pricing and no surprise special-cargo surcharges. Key comparison tip: many providers advertise low sea freight rates that only apply to regular cargo, and charge extra for special cargo (lithium batteries, cosmetics, liquids). Always confirm whether a provider offers truly same-rate pricing for regular and special cargo, and whether the rate includes customs clearance — look at the all-in landed cost, not just the per-kg rate.
How much does SF Express cost from mainland China to Taiwan? SF Express direct vs. consolidation — which is better value?
SF Express International charges per-shipment weight with a high first-weight rate, making it ideal for urgent items, documents, samples, or high-value electronics under 5 kg. HowBridge Logistics consolidation rates are from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft for sea LCL consolidation, NT$50/unit for sea express, and NT$100/kg for air freight (same rate for general and sensitive goods; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, sea freight quoted by customer service), with free package consolidation to spread costs across multiple orders. In practice: use SF Express direct shipping for small, urgent items under 5 kg; for 10 kg or more, multi-store orders, clothing and household goods, or bulk purchases, consolidation saves 30–90% on shipping. Also note that SF Express charges additional resource adjustment fees and peak-season surcharges on China-to-Taiwan shipments — always include these surcharges in your price comparison.
Customs & Duties
How do I use EZWay real-name customs verification?
EZWay is the real-name verification app for express-parcel recipients built and operated by Tradevan with its own investment and incorporated by Taiwan's Customs Administration (Ministry of Finance) into the online authorisation mechanism (not commissioned by Customs). When an imported express parcel with a customs value of NT$50,000 or below is cleared under simplified declaration with online authorisation, the recipient must complete verification and authorisation before Customs will accept the declaration; EZ Way is only one authorisation method and its use is not legally mandatory. Four steps: ① download "EZWay" from the App Store / Google Play → ② register with your own mobile number + national ID / ARC number and complete face and document verification → ③ when the parcel reaches customs the app sends a push notification (showing declaration date, amount = price + shipping, and item name) → ④ after checking the details, tap "Confirm & Sign" to complete the authorisation confirmation (confirming is not the same as release — Customs still processes the declaration); you can appeal or return in-app if anything is wrong. If you use online authorisation but verification and authorisation are not completed, Customs may decline to accept the declaration, which can delay the parcel or require a correction or return. Foreign residents with an ARC are equally eligible; each recipient must register with their own mobile number — no shared or proxy accounts. Parcels over NT$50,000 are cleared as a general import by a broker and do not use EZWay. When goods leave the warehouse, HowBridge passes the declarant details registered in your account to its partner customs broker, and reminds you and helps in 14 languages with verification; the push notification comes from EZWay, and "Confirm & Sign" must still be tapped by you in the app.
How do I look up the CCC tariff code? How are import taxes calculated?
The CCC tariff code (Standard Classification of Commodities of the Republic of China) is an 11-digit number: the first 6 digits are the international HS code; the first 8 digits constitute the customs import tariff number (which determines the duty rate and import regulations); digits 9–10 are the statistical subheading; and digit 11 is the check digit. To look up a code, use HowBridge Logistics' free search of 12,000+ CCC tariff codes with instant duty calculation. Import taxes = dutiable value × duty rate + trade promotion service fee 0.04% (waived if under NT$100) + commodity tax (applies to tobacco, alcohol, and specific items only) + VAT 5% (tax base = dutiable value + customs duty + commodity tax). Express shipments with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from customs duty and VAT.
What is a CCC Code? How many digits does it have? How do I read it?
A CCC Code (Standard Classification of Commodities of the Republic of China) is the 11-digit classification number assigned by Taiwan Customs to each type of imported goods, used to determine the applicable import duty rate and import regulations. Structure: the first 6 digits are the international HS code (universally recognized); digits 7–8 are Taiwan's tariff subheading (determining the duty rate and import regulations); digits 9–10 are the statistical subheading; and digit 11 is the check digit. The first 8 digits together form the "customs import tariff number," which is the key determinant of the tax rate. To look up a code, use HowBridge Logistics' free search of 12,000+ CCC tariff codes — enter a product name in Chinese and instantly match the complete tariff number and applicable rate. Once you have the code, import taxes = dutiable value × duty rate + trade promotion service fee 0.04% (waived if under NT$100) + commodity tax (for specific items only) + VAT 5%. Express shipments with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from customs duty and VAT.
What is the difference between a CCC Code and an HS Code? Are they the same as a tariff number?
An HS Code (Harmonized System, established by the World Customs Organization) is a globally standardized 6-digit classification used consistently across all countries. A CCC Code, by contrast, is Taiwan's national tariff number — it extends the HS 6-digit base with 5 additional digits for a total of 11 digits; the first 6 digits of a CCC Code are the HS Code. The first 8 digits of the CCC Code constitute the "customs import tariff number," which is Taiwan's basis for determining the applicable duty rate and import regulations (digits 7–8 are Taiwan's country-specific subheading). Key point: overseas sellers and product packaging typically provide only the 6-digit HS Code, but Taiwan's customs duties are assessed based on the first 8 digits. Within a single 6-digit HS Code, Taiwan may subdivide the classification into subheadings with different duty rates — so an HS Code alone may not accurately correspond to the Taiwan-specific tax rate. Use HowBridge Logistics' database of 12,000+ CCC codes: enter a Chinese product name or the first 6 digits of an HS Code to match the complete 11-digit code and the applicable duty rate.
What are C1 / C2 / C3 clearance channels? How do they differ and how long does each take?
Taiwan Customs uses an automated cargo clearance system that automatically assigns each import declaration to one of three channels: C1 (Release Without Examination) — cleared by computer, typically within a few hours; C2 (Document Review) — importer must submit supporting documents for customs review, approximately 1–2 business days; C3 (Physical Inspection) — goods are physically opened and examined against declared descriptions and quantities, approximately 2–5 business days (with sub-types C3M for document review plus inspection, and C3X for inspection without documents). The channel is determined automatically by the customs risk-assessment system; importers cannot select or request a specific channel. Being assigned C2 or C3 generally does not affect the final tax amount — only the release timeline. To expedite clearance: declare item descriptions, quantities, and values accurately; complete EZWay real-name registration; and engage a customs broker with AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification. Actual timelines may be extended during public holidays or periods of high inspection volume.
How are Taiwan import taxes calculated? Formula, tax base and worked example
Taiwan import taxes are calculated sequentially, not by applying one flat rate to the goods price. First determine the dutiable value (DPV) under the Customs Act. Ad valorem duty = DPV × the applicable 11-digit CCC tariff rate. Ad valorem commodity tax = (DPV + import duty) × the applicable rate. Taiwan VAT = (DPV + import duty + applicable commodity tax or Tobacco and Alcohol Tax + the tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge) × 5%. The trade promotion service fee = DPV × 0.04%; an assessed or supplementary fee of no more than NT$100 is waived. If DPV is NT$10,000, the duty rate is 5%, and no other tax applies, duty is NT$500, Taiwan VAT is NT$525, and the NT$4 trade promotion service fee is waived, for a total of NT$1,025. DPV is not always simply goods price plus freight and insurance: Article 29 requires adjustments for commissions, packing, buyer-supplied assistance, qualifying royalties, subsequent proceeds, and freight and insurance. Only a straightforward FOB transaction with no other adjustments may be simplified to FOB + freight + insurance.
What is customs value? CIF, transaction value and the six valuation methods
Customs value is the basis for ad valorem duty and the trade promotion service fee, and the starting component of the commodity-tax and Taiwan-VAT bases. The primary method starts with the actual or payable transaction value for goods sold from the exporting country to Taiwan, then adds objectively measurable items required by Article 29(3) of the Customs Act, including packing, buyer-supplied assistance, qualifying royalties, subsequent proceeds, and freight and insurance to the port of import. Separately identifiable post-import installation, maintenance, domestic freight, interest and import taxes are excluded. Only a straightforward FOB transaction with no other additions or exclusions may be simplified to FOB + freight + insurance. If Customs reasonably doubts the declared value and the taxpayer cannot explain it, valuation proceeds through identical goods, similar goods, domestic selling price, computed value and the fallback method; the taxpayer may request that the two middle methods be reversed.
What is AEO customs broker consolidation? What are the benefits?
AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) is an international-standard certification issued by Customs to supply-chain entities that meet security and compliance requirements. Taiwan's AEO program has two tiers: "General AEO" — enjoys reduced document review rates and lower cargo inspection rates; "AEO-S (Security-Certified AEO)" — enjoys the lowest inspection rates, and if selected for inspection may be upgraded to exemption; shipments with a declared FOB value of NT$100 million or more may qualify for direct release without examination. HowBridge Logistics works with AEO-certified customs brokers for clearance, combined with dual-clearance and reminders that help recipients complete EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation, reducing the risk of holds, supplementary filings, and clearance delays while improving release speed and consistency. According to a Ministry of Finance press release dated 13 May 2025, there are 948 AEO-certified enterprises nationwide (524 General AEO + 424 Security-Certified AEO), accounting for roughly 50% of annual total trade value. Their average clearance time is more than 3× faster than non-AEO operators. Taiwan has also signed Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with 10 countries including the US, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, granting priority clearance in signatory countries on export.
What is dual clearance? Is it legal?
What does dual clearance mean: "Dual clearance" means the consolidator handles customs clearance in both the exporting country and Taiwan, so the recipient does not need to engage a customs broker themselves. HowBridge Logistics does not use all-in tax-bundled pricing: its AEO-certified customs brokers handle dual-clearance. Import duty and VAT are borne by the recipient (the taxpayer), in the amount assessed by Customs. For home-delivery shipments you can pay in one of two ways: Hsinchu Logistics collects the tax on delivery (collection fee NT$30), or you choose “HowBridge collects and pays”, where the tax is added to your HowBridge member bill and HowBridge pays it on your behalf (handling fee NT$40 per shipment, waived when the tax is 0; an e-invoice is issued for the handling fee, not for the tax itself). Is dual clearance legal? Legal dual clearance means accurately declaring item descriptions, quantities, and values and paying duties in full per the CCC tariff schedule. Dual clearance itself is not illegal — what is illegal is under-declaring or falsifying declarations. Risks of all-in tax-bundled consolidation: if the operator uses under-declaration or false declarations, Taiwan Customs may recover unpaid duties and impose penalties under Article 37 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act, and the goods may be seized. Will dual-clearance shipments be inspected by Customs? Accurately declared shipments can withstand any inspection. Choose an operator that declares truthfully to avoid supplementary tax assessments, penalties, and cargo seizure. Important warning: smuggling or mailing controlled quarantine items from mainland China (such as meat products) through consolidation or postal channels carries a maximum penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of up to NT$3,000,000 under the Animal Infectious Disease Control Act; failing to apply for quarantine inspection carries a separate fine of NT$50,000 to NT$1,000,000 (per Legislative Yuan Legal Affairs Bureau analysis). Never entrust prohibited food items for shipment.
What is a duty free allowance? Taiwan NT$2,000 6-times rule
Taiwan’s NT$2,000 duty-free allowance: imported express parcels with a customs value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from import duty and VAT (a simplified declaration is still required, only the tax is waived). How customs value is calculated: customs value = goods price + shipping + insurance (CIF); the allowance is based on customs value, not the item’s listed price. Will a consolidated box over NT$2,000 be taxed? Yes — consolidation combines items into a single customs value, and once it exceeds NT$2,000 the full amount is taxed, not just the excess. Under Article 11 of the Air Express Consignment Clearance Regulations there are three tiers: customs value ≤ NT$2,000 is low-value duty-free; NT$2,001–50,000 is low-value taxable; over NT$50,000 must use a general import declaration. The half-year 6-times rule: if the same recipient is granted duty-free release more than 6 times within a half-year period, customs may withhold the exemption; a half-year period means January–June and July–December. Before consolidation, estimate tax using the customs value of the whole consignment and check exemptions already used in the current half-year. Do not split one consignment or use false recipient data.
How much tobacco and alcohol tax is charged on imported alcohol? How are the taxes calculated for wine, whisky, and beer shipped to Taiwan?
When shipping alcohol from overseas to Taiwan, in addition to import duties and 5% VAT, a tobacco and alcohol tax is levied under Article 8 of the Tobacco and Alcohol Tax Act. There are three main rate categories: fermented alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine) — NT$7 per litre per degree of alcohol content; distilled spirits (e.g., whisky, brandy, vodka) — NT$2.5 per litre per degree of alcohol content; beer — NT$26 per litre (flat rate). For example, 1 litre of wine at 12% ABV: tobacco and alcohol tax = NT$7 × 1 × 12 = NT$84, to which import duty and 5% VAT are then added. Personal-use imports of alcohol are subject to a 5-litre limit; quantities exceeding this limit require an alcohol import business permit. HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) can assist with confirming alcohol tax calculations and required documentation.
How long does customs clearance take in Taiwan? How many days from customs processing to release? (Historical observation: 2026-09-09)
The following historical sample reflects the observation made on 2026-09-09, not current shipment statuses. How long customs clearance takes in Taiwan depends first on the transport mode and the segment. HowBridge’s main service is sea express (sea-freight express under simplified declaration) from the Shenzhen warehouse to Taiwan, and the figures on this page apply to sea express only. Among the customs events this site retrieved from the Customs Port Trade Single Window GC329 using clearance numbers, 517 sea express house bills had complete acceptance and release records (release dates 2025-09-30 to 2026-09-06): 501 (97%) were released within 1 minute of acceptance, the longest about 2.7 days. Another 535 had been accepted but not yet released at the last query and were not tracked further to release, and at least 166 of them were still unreleased 24 hours after acceptance, so these 517 cannot be used to estimate the final distribution of all cases. After release there is still warehouse exit and delivery: the observed median from release to warehouse exit was 18.8 hours, with 84% within 3 days; the median from warehouse exit to signed delivery (295 that could be matched) was 26.6 hours. For sea freight (regular sea-freight consolidation) and air freight, this site’s sample is insufficient and no figures are given. The above is historical statistics, not a delivery guarantee.
Are Taobao orders over NT$2,000 always taxed? Shipping-inclusive threshold and tax calculation (2026)
Whether a Taobao parcel exceeds NT$2,000 is determined by the customs value of the entire consignment, not just the merchandise subtotal in the cart. In principle, customs value includes the transaction value, international freight and insurance to Taiwan’s port of import, plus any other amounts that must legally be included. Under Article 49 of the Customs Act, an entire consignment with a customs value not exceeding NT$2,000 is generally exempt from customs duty, commodity tax and business tax collected by Customs, provided it does not fall under an exclusion such as tobacco or alcohol, tariff-quota agricultural products or frequent imports. Once the customs value exceeds NT$2,000, the low-value exemption no longer applies and tax is calculated on the full customs value of the consignment—not merely the amount above NT$2,000. Any other statutory exemption is applied separately. For goods subject to ad valorem duty, a common estimating sequence is: customs duty = customs value × the CCC tariff rate determined by Customs; business tax = (customs value + customs duty + any applicable commodity tax, tobacco and alcohol tax, and tobacco health and welfare surcharge) × 5%; trade promotion service fee = customs value × 0.04%, although an assessed or supplementary fee of NT$100 or less is waived. Example: with a customs value of NT$3,000, an ad valorem duty rate of 10% and no other commodity tax, customs duty is about NT$300, business tax about NT$165, and the NT$1.2 trade trade promotion service fee is waived because it does not exceed NT$100, for estimated taxes and fees of about NT$465. Do not guess the rate from a Taobao category: the actual rate depends on the material, use, specifications, origin and exact CCC code; some goods use specific or compound duties. The low-value exemption is also limited to six qualifying releases per calendar half-year for the same taxpayer: 1 January–30 June and 1 July–31 December. Imports may continue from the seventh release, but this low-value exemption no longer applies. EZ WAY is an authorization and declaration-data confirmation tool; it does not change exemption eligibility or tax rates. From 1 March 2026, individuals using online authorization for simplified express declarations should verify the product description and declared value before confirming.
Product Regulations and Permits
How do I apply for an import permit formerly handled by the Bureau of Foreign Trade?
The former Bureau of Foreign Trade was reorganized as the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (TITA) on 2023-09-26. Before applying, identify the product’s 11-digit CCC code and then check its general import regulations. Only code 121 calls for an ordinary import permit (I/P) application to TITA. Code 111 denotes a restricted import, while other codes may require approval, inspection, testing, or quarantine by another competent authority; checking only for 121 is not sufficient. Goods made in Mainland China must also be checked separately for MW0/MP1: MW0 generally means importation is prohibited, while MP1 means importation is conditionally permitted and requires a further review of MXX, NXX, and EX. MXX generally requires a TITA I/P, NXX exempts the goods from a TITA I/P, and EX opens only the portion covered by the published product description. For an ordinary application, sign in to cfgate with a standard account or business certificate and upload the documents required for the applicable code and case. There is no application fee. TITA’s process page states 1 business day after all supporting documents have been received, excluding time spent consulting other competent authorities. An ordinary permit is generally valid for 6 months; extensions and exceptions are governed by the Regulations Governing the Importation of Commodities. The FOB USD 20,000 threshold, the CIF NT$32,000 threshold plus quantity/weight conditions for industrial products made in Mainland China, and the NT$2,000 customs-value threshold belong to three different systems and are not interchangeable.
Do all imports to Taiwan require a permit?
Not necessarily. Most general consumer goods imported into Taiwan are permit-free. Under Taiwan Customs (Ministry of Finance) regulations, goods not listed in the "Restricted Import Commodities Table" generally do not require an import permit. Only goods with a controlled entry in the "Import Regulations" column of their CCC tariff code require an import permit or licensing inspection — for example: licensing code 121 (Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA import permit required), F01 (Taiwan FDA food import inspection required), or commodities subject to mandatory inspection (Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) commodity inspection required). Simply checking the "Import Regulations" column for the relevant CCC tariff code will confirm whether a permit is needed. HowBridge Logistics provides free lookup for 12,000+ CCC tariff codes.
What is the BSMI commodity inspection process?
Start a BSMI application by checking the product’s 11-digit CCC code and current import regulation to determine whether mandatory inspection applies. For non-sale personal goods or commercial samples, eligibility for exemption is assessed per import declaration, model/specification, CIF value and quantity under the Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection. CI000000000002 is not universal: toys, protective helmets, lighters, stationery, infant products and information-technology equipment use specific codes 005–010 with separate limits. If no exemption applies, the importer or authorized agent files for inspection under the method announced for that product: batch inspection, monitoring inspection, registration of product certification, or declaration of conformity. Clear customs only after the required evidence or procedure is complete.
What should I do when my goods have import regulation code F01?
F01 is an import regulation code in the "Classification List of Goods under Import Regulations F01 and F02 of the Republic of China" announced by TFDA: goods whose CCC tariff code is marked F01 must, on import, apply to Taiwan FDA (Ministry of Health and Welfare) for import inspection under the Regulations of Inspection of Imported Foods and Related Products (the latest version of the list took effect on 2026-04-01). When importing from mainland China, first check whether the same column shows MW0: MW0 is the "mainland goods not permitted for import" trade control, and food in Chapters 1–24 marked MW0 cannot be imported; the small-quantity permit exemption covers only industrial products in Chapters 25–97, and the personal-use inspection exemption only exempts the F01 inspection, not MW0. Inspection in practice: businesses required to register as food businesses must complete registration first; within 15 days before the goods arrive at the port or after arrival, file with the port inspection authority using the inspection application form, product data sheet and a copy of the import declaration (a customs broker can file on your behalf); incomplete documents must be supplemented within 30 days of the notice being served, extendable once by 30 days. Based on risk, the inspection authority applies batch-by-batch inspection, intensified batch sampling (20%–50%), general batch sampling (2%–10%), batch-by-batch document checks, verification inspection or monitoring inspection; goods that pass receive an import permit notice, and goods that fail may request one re-inspection within 15 days, otherwise they are returned or destroyed, or an application may be made for correction within a set period. Products not subject to batch-by-batch inspection may apply for release under bond when testing takes more than 5 days, checks or sampling are difficult, or the goods are perishable; in some cases a deposit of 1 to 4 times the dutiable value is required. Goods not for sale and within the announced quantities can be exempted from the inspection application: general food valued at US$1,000 or less and weighing within 6 kg; tablet- or capsule-form food up to 12 bottles per type and no more than 36 bottles in total. Exempted goods may not be sold; goods to be sold must go through inspection and carry Chinese labeling. Inspection fees are charged per the schedule of the Standards for Fees Charged for Inspection of Imported Foods and Related Products.
What is import regulation code 121?
Import regulation code 121 is a code in Taiwan's customs import tariff schedule under the "Import Regulations" column, indicating that the goods are listed on the "Restricted Import Goods Table" and may only be cleared through customs with an Import Permit issued by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (MOEA). When a CCC tariff code is marked 121, an Import Permit must be obtained before shipment. The application requires an application form, commercial invoice, product catalogue, and other documents, submitted to the Bureau of Foreign Trade (or its authorized inspection and licensing agency) — applications can be filed online through the "Electronic Import/Export Visa" system. The permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance and may be extended twice. Once obtained, the permit must accompany the goods through customs clearance. HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) will assist in confirming this requirement and the required documentation when handling customs declarations.
Platform & Services
Shenzhen consolidation warehouse recommendation — where is HowBridge Logistics' warehouse?
HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) operates its own consolidation warehouse in Shenzhen, accepting parcels from Taobao, Pinduoduo, 1688, Douyin, and other Chinese e-commerce platforms. Shipping from Shenzhen to Taiwan: after consolidation, sea LCL consolidation starts from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft, express sea freight NT$50/unit, and air freight NT$100/kg (same rate for regular and special cargo; sea express and air add a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg, sea freight quoted by customer service). How to fill in the warehouse address: when placing an order on an e-commerce platform, enter the HowBridge Shenzhen warehouse address together with your Taiwanese mobile number (10 digits) as the delivery address — parcels arriving at the warehouse are logged automatically. How long is free storage: free warehousing and free consolidation are provided; parcels can be stored at no charge while awaiting consolidation (the number of free days is posted in the official plan announcement). Shenzhen vs. Yiwu vs. other Mainland consolidation warehouses: Most Taobao and 1688 sellers are concentrated in Guangdong — South China shipments are routed most efficiently through the Shenzhen warehouse. For East China goods (Yiwu small commodities), other consolidators’ Shanghai warehouses may be an option. HowBridge operates only its own consolidation warehouse in Shenzhen and has no Shanghai warehouse. 4 key factors when choosing a consolidation warehouse: ① own warehouse (not a third-party re-forwarding operation) ② free consolidation and free storage ③ AEO-certified customs broker handling dual-clearance ④ help with EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation.
Best cross-border logistics platform in Taiwan? How to choose?
Taiwanese cross-border consolidation platforms fall into four types by warehouse model, each suited to different needs: ① Own overseas warehouse + AEO-licensed broker (e.g. HowBridge: own Shenzhen warehouse, sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft, quoted per product by customer service, flat rate, AEO dual-clearance, help with EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation, 12,000+ free CCC tariff lookups, 14-language support) — transparent landed cost and lawful tax saving, best for regular or high-volume buyers who value clearance compliance; ② Postal / official forwarding — widely available but slower, usually without tariff estimation or customisation; ③ General third-party consolidators — rates vary, confirm flat-rate pricing and whether clearance is included; ④ Re-forwarding platforms — they re-entrust a third-party warehouse, adding cost and loss risk. Check six things: own warehouse (not re-forwarding), transparent flat-rate pricing, AEO-licensed broker dual-clearance, help with EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation, a CCC tariff estimator to avoid under-declaration penalties, and multilingual support. Always compare the "total landed cost" (incl. clearance and duties), not the per-kg rate alone.
Does HowBridge Logistics offer customer service in 14 languages?
Yes, HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) provides customer service in 14 languages: Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Hindi, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. This makes the platform accessible for foreign workers in Taiwan, new immigrants, and cross-border sellers who need consolidation and customs services — you can inquire about freight estimates, CCC tariff codes, EZWay real-name registration, and clearance status in your native language. HowBridge is one of the few cross-border logistics platforms in Taiwan to offer multilingual support, combined with sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (quoted per product by customer service), AEO-certified customs broker dual-clearance, and a self-operated Shenzhen warehouse.
How do I import goods to Taiwan by sea freight for B2B commercial purposes?
B2B commercial imports from mainland China to Taiwan (Commercial sea express or Sea freight) take 6 steps in practice. ① First check the import regulations of the CCC tariff code: BSMI mandatory inspection, F01 food inspection, 121 import permit, and MW0 (not permitted for import) for mainland goods. "Mainland industrial products not permitted for import" in Chapters 25–97 are exempted from a permit only when the whole declaration's CIF value is within NT$32,000 and each item is within 24 pieces (within 40 kg if not countable); tariff codes excluded by Ministry of Economic Affairs announcement, such as electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers, do not qualify. Above the threshold the goods revert to not permitted for import, and splitting shipments to get around this is not allowed; the exemption also does not exempt you from commodity inspection and other import regulations. ② Import in the name of a company or business; you can apply to the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, for importer/exporter registration. ③ Choose the shipping line: Commercial sea express is quoted per project (bulk shipments), usually 5–10 days; it goes through the maritime express consignment zone but is formally declared on a foreign goods import declaration (G1), and each piece (bag) may not exceed 70 kg gross weight; overweight, large or non-urgent whole consignments go by Sea freight (from NT$25 per kg or NT$150 per cu ft, quoted by customer service according to the goods, usually 7–14 days). ④ Declaration deadline: declare within 15 days from the day after the means of transport arrives; late declarations incur a late declaration fee of NT$200 per day. ⑤ After computer review and random selection, Customs sets the clearance method: no document review or inspection (C1), document review (C2) or cargo inspection (C3); inspection is by sampling in principle. ⑥ Pay taxes for release: ad valorem import duty = dutiable value (CIF) × duty rate; trade promotion service fee = dutiable value × 0.04%, waived at NT$100 or less; business tax = (dutiable value + import duty + commodity tax or tobacco and alcohol tax and the tobacco health and welfare surcharge) × 5%; businesses claim the input tax deduction with the deduction copy of the customs-collected business tax payment certificate. Why you cannot use the simplified declaration of personal express shipments: under Article 12 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance Procedures for Maritime Express Consignments, ten situations, including dutiable value over NT$50,000, goods subject to import/export regulations and goods liable to commodity tax, require a general import/export declaration. HowBridge only ships from mainland China to Taiwan, and customs declarations are handled together with AEO-certified partner customs brokers.
How do I choose a consolidation service in 2026? What are the red flags to avoid?
How to choose a consolidation service in 2026 — 6 red-flag checklist items: ① Own overseas warehouse (not a third-party re-forwarder) ② Transparent, uniform pricing for regular and special cargo (HowBridge: sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft, quoted per product by customer service) ③ AEO-certified customs broker handling dual-clearance ④ help with EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation (express shipments with a dutiable value ≤ NT$50,000 declared under online authorisation need real-name verification and authorisation; EZ Way is only one authorisation method) ⑤ CCC tariff code estimation tool to avoid customs surcharges from under-declaration ⑥ Multilingual customer support. Common low-price traps: "special cargo priced separately," "customs handling fee charged extra," and "inflated volumetric weight" — always compare the total landed cost, not just the per-kilogram freight rate. Under-declaring the value of goods violates Article 37 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act; in addition to back duties, fines may be imposed — always declare accurately.
What is HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw)? What do customers say about it?
HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) is a Taiwan-based cross-border consolidation and import customs clearance platform operated by HowBridge（好運器資訊有限公司） (Taiwan Unified Business No. 57151105, established August 2017), specializing in lawful duty optimization and transparent customs compliance. Services include: a self-operated Shenzhen warehouse, sea LCL consolidation from NT$25/kg or NT$150/cu ft (uniform rate for regular and special cargo, quoted by customer service with no fixed dispatch fee), customs declarations handled in cooperation with an AEO-certified partner customs broker, help completing EZWay real-name verification and declaration confirmation, free lookup and real-time duty estimates for 12,000+ CCC tariff codes, and customer service in 14 languages. Ideal for Taobao/Pinduoduo/1688/Douyin shoppers and B2B bulk importers. Goods with a dutiable value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from import duty and VAT.
EZWay & Customs
I received an EZWay push notification but the declared amount or item name doesn't match. Will tapping "Declaration Mismatch" affect future customs clearance?
If an EZWay push notification shows an amount or item name that doesn't match what you actually ordered, please tap "Declaration Mismatch" in the app and select the appropriate sub-reason (item name mismatch / price mismatch / impersonation import declaration). Taiwan Customs' official FAQ explicitly states: customs will only use the response to apply risk-management checks on the "customs broker" — "tapping 'Declaration Mismatch' will not cause any obstruction to customs clearance." The common internet claim that "pressing mismatch will flag your account and make future clearances harder" is not the official position. Before responding, confirm whether a family member or purchasing agent filed the declaration in your name, and verify the address and contents with the customs broker shown in the app. If you receive a customs penalty notice before discovering the error, you may apply for a review within 30 days from the day after receipt, addressed to the issuing customs office, under Article 47 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act. When goods leave the warehouse, HowBridge Logistics passes the declarant details registered in your member account to its partner customs broker; still check every push notification item by item, and if anything is wrong tap "Declaration Mismatch" and contact customer service to have it corrected.
I received an EZWay push notification for a parcel I never ordered — what do I do about an impersonation declaration, and what are the legal consequences?
If EZ WAY shows a customs push for goods you did not buy, first check with family, the seller, platform or purchasing agent, then ask the listed customs broker to verify the address, item description and value. If it still does not match, choose “Declaration mismatch — identity used for an import declaration,” complete the online statement, print and sign the emailed copy, and send it to the customs office of import. Since 1 March 2026, online authorization for personal simplified express declarations requires prior confirmation; reject mismatched details and clarify them before authorizing. Customs may refer a case to prosecutors when concrete impersonation evidence exists. Criminal liability depends on the actor, intent, document and use of personal data; it is not automatically attributed to the impersonated recipient. For a fraudulently registered account, contact Trade-Van at 02-7735-2812.
Should I enable EZWay preauthorization? What's the difference between preauthorization and case-by-case authorization?
The difference between EZWay preauthorization and case-by-case authorization lies in the timing of your confirmation. With case-by-case authorization, the customs broker files the declaration first, then pushes a notification to you, and you confirm "Declaration Confirmed" after the fact. With preauthorization, the broker must push the declaration details to you first, and customs will only accept the filing after you respond with "Declaration Confirmed." Taiwan Customs' official position is to recommend enabling preauthorization — the Customs Administration's press release dated 2022-09-21 explicitly recommends that consumers enable preauthorization to prevent impersonation and protect their own rights (go to App → "Member Profile Settings" → "Enable Preauthorization"; takes effect the following day). The trade-off is that once enabled, you must actively monitor and promptly respond to every push notification; otherwise your parcel cannot clear customs and delivery will be delayed. Some consolidation service providers recommend "not enabling" it for the sake of delivery speed — this reflects the provider's operational interest, not official government advice. Practical recommendation: if preventing impersonation is your priority, enable it (most effective), but you must be able to respond to push notifications in a timely manner. If you shop online frequently and worry about missing a notification, choose a consolidation service that proactively reminds you to confirm authorization (such as HowBridge Logistics) — balancing security and delivery speed.
I'm a foreigner without a Taiwan national ID card — how do I complete EZWay real-name verification?
Foreign nationals with a valid Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), including workers, students, and dependants in Taiwan, have been eligible to register for EZWay since March 30, 2021. In the app, select "SMS Verification (IC-Chip ARC)" (簡訊認證〔晶片居留證〕) → state whether you are from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau → enter your name, ARC number (new or old format), ARC expiry date (APRC holders enter 2099-12-31), date of birth, and mobile number → upload clear photos of both sides of the IC-chip ARC → enter the SMS code → wait until the app shows "Verified" or "Authentication Successful," then authorize declarations online. Since October 28, 2025, physical National Health Insurance (NHI) card verification applies only when ROC nationals use the NHI-card-number SMS method for a new registration, a data change, or re-verification. Telecom verification with an eligible postpaid number and the foreign-national "SMS Verification (IC-Chip ARC)" route are unchanged and remain card-reader-free. Passport-only visitors without an ARC are not among the official app-registration groups; before ordering, ask the platform and carrier or customs broker whether paper authorization is accepted and which passport or identity documents are required. Never enter a passport number as an ARC number. HowBridge Logistics offers customer service in 14 languages and can assist foreign clients with verification and customs clearance.
Consolidation comparison and selection
How to compare Taobao and mainland China consolidation services in 2026: total cost for the same parcel, rates and volumetric weight
To compare Taobao and mainland China consolidation services, compare the “total delivered cost” of the same parcel, not the per-kilogram starting price: calculate transport mode, actual weight, volumetric formula, rounding, minimum charge, delivery or home-delivery fee, free storage days and import taxes and fees under the same conditions. Using HowBridge's current rules (checked against /pricing on 2026-10-04): an 8 kg, 50×40×30 cm consolidated clothing parcel by Sea express is charged 8 units, 8×50 + delivery 100 = NT$500; the same box by Air freight is 8×100 + 120 = NT$920; a 12.3 kg, 50×40×40 cm parcel by Sea express is charged 13 units = NT$650 (no delivery fee at an actual weight of 10 kg or more). Sea freight starts from NT$25 per kg or NT$150 per cu ft (volume ÷28316, quoted by customer service according to the goods). HowBridge offers 366 days of free storage and free consolidation (Terms of Service §2.1). For other providers, request a written total quotation for the same parcel; a comparison table of 5 providers with official-website sources is at /consolidator-comparison. HowBridge is itself a consolidation provider and only ships China → Taiwan, receiving parcels at its Shenzhen warehouse and handling operations in Taoyuan; before shipping, you still need to check the 11-digit CCC code and import regulations, because whether an item can be shipped comes before the freight rate.