| Shipping method | Shipping fee (per kilogram) | Arrival time in Taiwan | Suitable for the situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping | NT$25 | 10–14 days | Large quantity, no rush, furniture and home appliances, bulk import |
| Haikuai | NT$50 | 5–10 days | General e-commerce shopping |
| air transport | NT$100 | 3–5 days | Urgent shipment, high unit price, small size |
| Commercial sea express (B2B) | NT$45 | — | 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÷28317, sea express volume = ÷10000), and air express will only be calculated by weight. Example: 10kg sea shipment ≈ NT$250.
| Tax items | Rate | Calculation/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| import duties | According to CCC tariff | Duty-paid 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
Cheapest way to ship Taobao to Taiwan? Taobao consolidation?
The cheapest way to ship Taobao to Taiwan is to consolidate and combine orders into one box by sea: HowBridge sea freight NT$25/kg (flat rate for general & special cargo, quoted by customer service, no fixed dispatch fee), 10–14 days; for urgent items choose sea express NT$50/kg (5–7 days) or air NT$100/kg (3–5 days), with sea express and air adding a dispatch fee of NT$100 / NT$120 respectively for shipments under 10 kg. Billing is the greater of actual vs volumetric weight (sea: L×W×H cm ÷ 28317 = cubic feet; sea express: ÷ 10000 = kg; air: actual weight only). Free consolidation lets you ship multiple stores at once to spread the shipping cost, with AEO-licensed broker dual-clearance and EZWay real-name integration. 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.
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/Guangzhou warehouses receive and consolidate: sea NT$25/kg (10–14 days), sea express NT$50/kg (5–7 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: ÷ 28317 = 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 freight NT$25/kg (10–14 days), sea express NT$50/kg, 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 EZWay real-name direct integration. 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.
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 freight NT$25/kg (10–14 days), sea express NT$50/kg (5–7 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 Is EZWay real-name integration supported? ⑤ Is multilingual customer service available? HowBridge does not advance or pay import taxes on your behalf: import duty and VAT are borne by the recipient and collected in cash on delivery by Hsinchu Logistics. 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, priced per kg — HowBridge sea freight NT$25/kg (10–14 days), sea express NT$50/kg (5–7 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: ÷ 28317 = cubic feet; sea express: ÷ 10000 = kg; air: actual weight only). Example: 10 kg by sea ≈ NT$250, over 60% cheaper than direct courier of the same weight; but 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-promotion fee + 5% VAT apply per the CCC tariff.
Is sea freight consolidation really NT$25 per kilogram?
Yes — HowBridge Logistics sea freight consolidation is NT$25/kg, with the same rate for both regular and special cargo, arriving in Taiwan in 10–14 days. The chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (sea volumetric = L × W × H cm ÷ 28317 = cubic feet); sea freight is quoted by customer service with no fixed dispatch fee. For example, 10 kg by sea freight costs approximately NT$250. 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/kg 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 NT$25/kg for sea freight, NT$50/kg 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 NT$25/kg for sea freight, NT$50/kg 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 run by Taiwan Customs (Ministry of Finance). Any imported express parcel with a customs value of NT$50,000 or below cleared under simplified declaration requires the recipient to complete verification before release. 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 release; you can appeal or return in-app if anything is wrong. If verification is not completed, or you do not sign within the deadline, the parcel will be held, delayed or even returned. 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. HowBridge integrates directly with EZWay and auto-fills recipient data at clearance.
How do I look up the CCC tariff code? How are import taxes calculated?
The CCC tariff code (Commodity Classification Code 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 (Commodity Classification Code 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 is Taiwan import tax calculated? What is the import duty formula?
Taiwan import taxes are calculated by adding several components in sequence — there is no single flat rate. ① Customs Value (CIF) = Goods Price + International Freight + Insurance; Customs converts the amount to NTD using the exchange rate in effect on the declaration date (announced every 10 days). ② Look up the CCC tariff code to determine the applicable tariff rate (most consumer goods range from 0–30%, depending on product category). ③ Import Duty = Customs Value × Tariff Rate. ④ Trade Promotion Service Fee = Customs Value × 0.04% (waived if the amount is under NT$100). ⑤ Commodity Tax applies only to specific taxable goods such as tobacco, alcohol, certain appliances, and vehicles — most general online purchases are exempt. ⑥ Business Tax (VAT) = (Customs Value + Import Duty + Commodity Tax) × 5%. Duty-free threshold: express shipments with a customs value of NT$2,000 or below are exempt from import duty and business tax. Once the threshold is exceeded, the full value is subject to the applicable tax rates — there is no partial exemption on the amount above NT$2,000.
How is the customs value of imported goods determined? What is CIF customs value?
Customs value is the shared tax base used to calculate import duty, trade promotion service fee, and business tax. Taiwan's Customs Act uses the transaction value (CIF basis) as the primary standard: Customs Value = Actual Price Paid for Goods (Cost) + Insurance + Freight to the port of entry in Taiwan. In other words, customs value is not just the product price alone — international freight and insurance must also be included. This is the most common reason importers underestimate their tax liability. When goods are priced in foreign currency, Customs converts the amount to NTD using the exchange rate in effect on the declaration date, which is announced every 10 days and often differs from the rate at the time of purchase. Once the customs value is determined: express shipments with a customs value of ≤ NT$2,000 are exempt from import duty and business tax; above that threshold, Import Duty = Customs Value × Tariff Rate (per CCC tariff code), plus Trade Promotion Service Fee of 0.04% (waived if under NT$100) and Business Tax of 5%.
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 EZWay real-name direct connection, reducing the risk of holds, supplementary filings, and clearance delays while improving release speed and consistency. According to Taiwan Customs (Ministry of Finance) data and academic research, there are approximately 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 (per Public Finance Research, Vol. 52, No. 1).
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, while import duty and VAT are borne by the recipient and collected in cash on delivery by Hsinchu Logistics. 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.
How does Taiwan’s NT$2,000 duty-free allowance work? The half-year 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. HowBridge recommends planning consolidation batches and recipients by value.
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 arrival to release?
How long does Taiwan customs clearance take? Without inspection: sea freight 3–7 days, sea express 2–4 days, air freight 1–2 days. If your shipment is selected for physical examination (C3), add 1–3 days. Three ways to speed things up: complete EZWay real-name verification in advance and tap "Confirm Declaration" promptly to save 1–2 days; use an AEO-certified customs broker for priority clearance to save 1–2 days; have your invoice and item list ready to save 0.5 days — in the best case, your parcel can be released within 24 hours of arriving in Taiwan. Taiwan Customs halts operations on Saturdays, Sundays, and Lunar New Year holidays, so parcels arriving during those periods are queued for the next business day. On the system level, Taiwan's "Single Window for Trade" is officially estimated to save the government and businesses a combined NT$1.58 billion in administrative costs annually (Government Informatization Report No. 304); AEO-accredited enterprises clear customs more than 3× faster than standard importers on average (Fiscal & Tax Research, Vol. 52, No. 1). HowBridge Logistics operates its own customs brokerage team and Shenzhen consolidation warehouse, providing end-to-end clearance tracking.
How much tax do I pay when shipping from Taobao to Taiwan? What are the duties when the order exceeds NT$2,000?
Import taxes for Taobao shipments to Taiwan are based on the "dutiable value" (goods price + international shipping + insurance). If the dutiable value is NT$2,000 or below, no import duty or business tax applies. Above that threshold, three charges apply: import duty (based on the CCC tariff code — roughly 5% for household goods, 0% for electronics, 7.5% for clothing, 10–30% for food) + business tax (VAT) at 5% + trade promotion service fee at 0.04% (waived if the fee is under NT$100). Formula: Import duty = dutiable value × duty rate; Business tax = (dutiable value + import duty) × 5%. Important: the "six times in six months" rule — if the same consignee has already had six duty-free releases in the past six months, the seventh shipment and beyond will no longer qualify for the exemption and will be taxed in full. If you're unsure of the duty rate for a specific item, use HowBridge Logistics' tariff search tool (12,000+ CCC codes) to get an instant estimate by entering the product name.
Product Regulations & Permits
How do I apply for a Taiwan import permit?
Import permits in Taiwan are issued by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (MOEA) (formerly the Board of Foreign Trade, restructured and elevated in 2023). The process is: ① Check whether the product's CCC tariff code has a controlled entry in the "Import Regulations" column (e.g., code 121 requires a Bureau of Foreign Trade import permit) → ② Prepare required documents including the import permit application form, commercial invoice, and product catalog → ③ Obtain approval from the Bureau of Foreign Trade or a delegated licensing authority → ④ Present the permit to Customs when filing the import declaration. Applications can be submitted online through the Bureau of Foreign Trade's "Electronic Import/Export Licensing" platform. Import permits are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance; an extension may be applied for within 1 month before expiry, with each extension of up to 6 months and a maximum of 2 extensions. Most general consumer goods do not require a permit — only regulated items need one. HowBridge Logistics will help verify whether your item requires an import permit at the time of customs filing.
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?
For goods subject to mandatory inspection by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), the inspection filing process is as follows: ① Check whether the CCC tariff code is subject to BSMI mandatory inspection → ② File for inspection with BSMI (via type testing or declaration of conformity) → ③ Sampling inspection or type approval → ④ Upon issuance of a conformity certificate, present it to Customs for import clearance. Small quantities for personal non-commercial use may be exempt from inspection: goods on the same invoice of the same specification with a value of ≤ USD 1,000 may use the designated exemption code (CI000000000002 for non-commercial personal use items) to clear customs without filing for inspection. Toys and similar items have an additional quantity limit (≤ 5 units per specification). The over-the-counter exemption review fee is NT$200 per item. Common regulated product categories include consumer electronics (3C), lithium batteries, toys, and lighting fixtures. HowBridge Logistics will help confirm whether your item is subject to BSMI mandatory inspection at the time of customs filing.
What should I do when my goods have import regulation code F01?
When the CCC tariff schedule's "Import Regulations" column lists F01, the goods must undergo import inspection by Taiwan FDA (TFDA) under the Regulations Governing Inspection of Imported Foods and Related Products before they may be imported for sale. The F01 food import inspection process: prepare the import declaration and product documentation, then submit an online inspection application to Taiwan FDA (typically handled by a licensed customs broker) → documentary review or batch sampling inspection → clearance upon passing. Does imported food need to be inspected? Any goods intended for sale must be submitted for inspection without exception. Can snacks be shipped to Taiwan via consolidation? Yes — ordinary packaged snacks (not tablets or capsules) for personal use, with a single product line per shipment valued at ≤ USD 1,000 and weighing ≤ 6 kg, are exempt from inspection. Tablet- or capsule-form food products: ≤ 12 bottles per type (original packaging), ≤ 36 bottles in total. Quantities exceeding these limits or goods intended for sale must go through inspection. HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) can help verify F01 requirements and inspection documentation. Background: High-risk food categories including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and animal fats must additionally pass an overseas "systematic audit" (factory inspection) before being permitted entry; eggs and animal fats have been included in this requirement since January 1, 2019 (Legislative Yuan Research Report R00559). Border inspection sampling rates are dynamically adjusted by Taiwan FDA based on risk classification (Food and Drug Research Annual Report, Issue 12).
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 (near Huaqiangbei), accepting parcels from Taobao, Pinduoduo, 1688, Douyin, and other Chinese e-commerce platforms. Shipping from Shenzhen to Taiwan: after consolidation, sea freight is NT$25/kg, express sea freight NT$50/kg, 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), consider the Shanghai warehouse. HowBridge's own consolidation warehouse is in Shenzhen; Guangzhou and Shanghai also accept parcels. 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 EZWay real-name integration.
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 freight from NT$25/kg, flat rate, AEO dual-clearance, EZWay real-name integration, 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, EZWay real-name integration, 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 freight from NT$25/kg, 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?
For B2B commercial imports, we recommend express sea freight at NT$45/kg or standard sea freight at NT$25/kg, with formal customs declaration handled by an AEO-certified customs broker who issues an official Import Declaration and a VAT invoice (eligible for input tax credit). For goods with a dutiable value exceeding NT$2,000, import duties apply based on the CCC tariff code, plus a trade promotion service fee of 0.04% (waived if under NT$100) and 5% VAT. Goods with a total value exceeding NT$50,000 must use a formal general import declaration. Bulk purchases frequently trigger Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) commodity inspection requirements and import permit obligations — check the "Import Regulations" column of the CCC tariff code before placing an order. HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) offers free lookup of 12,000+ CCC tariff codes and commercial sea freight plans.
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 freight NT$25/kg) ③ AEO-certified customs broker handling dual-clearance ④ EZWay real-name integration (real-name registration is mandatory for express shipments with a dutiable value ≤ NT$50,000) 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 a customs broker team with over a decade of experience, specializing in lawful duty optimization and transparent customs compliance. Services include: a self-operated Shenzhen warehouse (Guangzhou and Shanghai also accept parcels), sea freight from NT$25/kg (uniform rate for regular and special cargo, quoted by customer service with no fixed dispatch fee), AEO-certified customs broker dual-clearance (import duty and VAT borne by the recipient, collected in cash on delivery by Hsinchu Logistics), EZWay real-name direct integration, 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. HowBridge Logistics integrates directly with EZWay real-name verification and automatically populates the correct consignee information at the time of declaration, greatly reducing mismatch incidents.
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 you receive an EZWay push notification for a parcel you never ordered (an impersonation import declaration), tap "Declaration Mismatch – Impersonation Import Declaration" in the app and fill out the "Impersonation Customs Declaration Statement" online. The system will email the form to your registered email address; print it, sign it, and mail it to the customs office at the port of import for investigation. If the evidence confirms impersonation, customs will refer the case to the judiciary under the "Measures for Customs Inspection of Impersonated Import/Export," and the impersonator may face charges under the Criminal Code's forgery provisions and the Personal Data Protection Act. If the impersonation also involved false declaration of item names or values, Article 37 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act applies (fine up to 5× the tax evaded, with possible confiscation of goods). After you submit the impersonation statement, any express parcels declared in your name for a certain period will require your authorization confirmation before release (automatic enhanced scrutiny). If your EZWay account was fraudulently registered in your name, you can also contact Trade-Van Communications customer service at 02-7735-2812 to request account cancellation. HowBridge Logistics uses verified real-name direct integration for customs filing, eliminating any possibility of proxy or impersonation declarations.
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, use a consolidation service like HowBridge Logistics that integrates directly with EZWay real-name verification and proactively reminds you to confirm authorization — 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 holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) — including those in Taiwan for work, study, or family reunification — have been eligible to register for EZWay since March 30, 2021. In the app, select "SMS Verification (IC-Chip ARC)" → confirm whether you are from mainland China or Hong Kong/Macau → enter your full name, ARC number (new or old format accepted), ARC expiry date (enter 2099-12-31 for permanent residency), date of birth, and mobile number → upload clear photos of both sides of your IC-chip ARC for image recognition → enter the SMS verification code → once approved, the app displays "Verified" and you can authorize declarations online. Starting October 28, 2025, ROC nationals registering for the first time must use a physical National Health Insurance card for chip-based verification under the new system — this change does not affect foreign nationals, who continue to use "SMS Verification (IC-Chip ARC)" without any card reader. Tourists holding only a passport with no ARC have no official app-based real-name verification option; in practice, paper-based authorization with a passport copy is handled by the customs broker. HowBridge Logistics offers customer service in 14 languages and can assist foreign clients in completing real-name verification and customs declaration.
Consolidation Comparison
How do I compare Taiwan consolidation services in 2026? Which Taobao consolidation service is cheapest? Rate comparison across providers
【Disclosure: HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw) is itself a consolidation service provider. This comparison is based on publicly available pricing from each provider's official website as of 2026-06-10; rates not publicly listed are marked "not disclosed on official site." HowBridge's own rates are included for objective comparison.】 When comparing China-to-Taiwan consolidation services in 2026, three variables matter most: ① who bears the import taxes (all-in providers bundle an estimated tax into the freight, so the per-kg rate is higher; truthful-declaration providers price freight transparently and the recipient pays duty per the CCC tariff schedule) ② sea express vs. air (sea express is cheaper but slower; air is faster but pricier) ③ last-mile delivery fee thresholds (most providers add NT$80–120 for shipments under 10–15 kg). Published China-route sea express rates per kg: HowBridge Logistics NT$50 (same rate for general and sensitive goods, NT$100 dispatch fee for shipments under 10 kg); Taole (Yiwu warehouse) NT$41–51; Butter Cat NT$55–85 (plus NT$80 delivery fee); Buyandship uses an air-freight model at NT$150/lb (approx. NT$330/kg, actual weight); Qiaoqiaolang and SF Express (China-to-Taiwan) do not publish static rates on their official sites. Selection methodology: calculate the total cost of "shipping fee + delivery fee + who bears the import taxes + free storage days + whether sensitive goods are priced the same as general goods" together, then evaluate whether the provider has its own customs brokerage team and multilingual customer support. HowBridge Logistics' key features: same rate for general and sensitive goods (no surcharge for lithium batteries, cosmetics, or other regulated items), in-house customs brokerage team and own Shenzhen warehouse, and 14-language customer service. Reminder: "HowBridge Logistics (0523.tw)" and the similarly named "Hao Yun Consolidation (hwship.tw)" are different companies — verify you are using the official site 0523.tw.