BSMI-Regulated Products List and Shipping Tips
- The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) classifies high-risk products such as power banks, Bluetooth devices, LED lights, toys, and home appliances as products subject to mandatory inspection. Imports without a valid inspection mark may be returned, destroyed, or ordered to undergo supplemental inspection.
- Personal-use exemptions may apply. Eligibility is determined based on products of the same specifications and type under the same customs declaration. A total value of US$1,000 or less may be cleared using the applicable CI exemption code. Some categories have separate quantity limits when the value exceeds US$1,000, such as a limit of 5 units for information technology equipment and toys.
- Run a 30-second check before shipping: enter the product name or CCC code on our /bsmi lookup page to see whether it is regulated and find the applicable code.
- Products intended for sale are commercial imports. You must obtain type approval or registration of product certification and affix the required inspection mark. Personal-use imports may not be resold.
Sources: Commodity Inspection Act, Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection of Commodities, BSMI List of Customs Clearance Codes for Inspection Exemptions effective 2019/4/1, and the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance. See the cited references at the end of this page.
📅 Last updated: 2026-07-30 (personal-use exemption thresholds comprehensively revised and corrected based on the Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection of Commodities and the BSMI List of Inspection Exemption Codes; unsupported monetary figures and percentages replaced with qualitative descriptions; inspection mark descriptions revised according to official illustrations) · ✍️ HowBridge Editorial Team · 🛡️ Compiled from Customs announcements and current regulations
What Is BSMI, and Why Does Taiwan Customs Check It?
BSMI stands for the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. It is responsible for product safety inspections in Taiwan. To protect consumers from unsafe products, such as overheating power banks that may catch fire or noncompliant children’s toys, the BSMI designates high-risk products as products subject to mandatory inspection under the Commodity Inspection Act. These products must pass inspection and bear a product inspection mark before importation.
Why Do Forwarded Packages Get Held at Customs?
Customs may inspect the contents of packages during clearance. If a package contains a BSMI-regulated product without a valid inspection mark and it does not qualify for a personal-use exemption, customs may return or destroy it, or require supplemental inspection. Supplemental inspection often costs more than the product itself. This is one of the most common problems encountered by first-time forwarding customers.
How to Check a Power Bank's BSMI Certification: 3 Steps to Find Out Whether It Has Really Been Inspected
Turn the unit over to find the number starting with “R”, then check the model using the commodity inspection mark lookup of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI). Power banks have been products subject to mandatory inspection since May 1, 2014 (ROC year 103). The commodity inspection mark on compliant products consists of an official symbol + an identification code, and products such as power banks that go through registration of product certification use an R-prefixed code (R stands for registration). Only if it can be found in the lookup and the model and specifications match the physical unit has it truly been inspected; if it can't be found or the model doesn't match, treat it as uninspected.
3-Step Lookup
- Find the number: turn the power bank over to the back or bottom and look for the R-prefixed number on the commodity inspection mark (e.g., R3xxxxx). The mark is usually printed on the unit, the outer box, or the manual; if it appears in none of those three places, the product has almost certainly not been inspected.
- Check it on the official website: use the commodity inspection mark lookup on the Commodity Inspection Online Application Service website of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs: the lookup for marks printed by businesses applies to self-printed R/C-prefixed marks, and the lookup for marks printed by the BSMI applies to BSMI-printed marks; to check in reverse whether an item requires inspection at all, use the lookup of products subject to mandatory inspection.
- Compare the model and specifications: check that the obligatory inspection applicant, product name, and model shown in the system exactly match the unit in your hands. A common trap is “the certificate number is genuine, but the registered model differs from the model the seller sent”—that certificate cannot be used for this unit. If in doubt, call the BSMI's toll-free inquiry line at 0800-007-123.
The BSMI's “Three Don'ts” for Consumers
The official advice to consumers is the “three don'ts”: don't buy products without a “commodity inspection mark”, don't buy products at unreasonably low prices, and don't buy products of unknown origin from merchants; ask for an invoice and a warranty when buying. In a consolidated-shipping context, these three translate to “no mark visible on the seller's page, an unreasonably low price, and no Taiwan distributor found for the brand”—if any one of them applies, the risk of being held at customs rises significantly.
7 Major Categories of BSMI-Regulated Products Commonly Rejected by Customs
1. Lithium Battery Products and Power Banks
Chargers, power banks, lithium batteries, and small appliances with built-in batteries, such as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. These products are subject to both BSMI inspection and air transport restrictions.
2. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Wireless Communication Devices
Bluetooth earphones, Bluetooth speakers, wireless network adapters, Wi-Fi routers, wireless keyboards and mice, and wireless security cameras. Devices that transmit 2.4GHz or 5GHz signals are also subject to NCC radio-frequency regulations.
3. LED Lighting, Bulbs, and Light Strips
Household LED bulbs, LED light strips, desk lamps, night-lights, Christmas lights, and automotive LED lights. Incorrect electrical specifications can cause fires, making these products a key focus of BSMI inspections.
4. Toys, Including Electronic and Infant Toys
Toys for children under age 3, battery-powered toys, mechanical toys, and plastic toys, including those requiring plasticizer testing. Safety standards are especially strict.
5. Household Appliances, Small and Large
Hair dryers, electric kettles, electric fans, air purifiers, space heaters, electric blankets, ovens, and coffee makers. Nearly all household appliances that plug into 110V power are regulated. See the voltage guide for details on voltage requirements.
6. Infant Safety Products
Baby walkers, strollers, cribs, child safety seats, pacifiers, and polycarbonate baby bottles. These products are subject to dedicated CNS standards for children’s products.
7. Automotive Electronic Accessories
Dashcams, car USB chargers, electronic phone mounts, car air purifiers, and car vacuum cleaners. Most electronic devices powered through a vehicle’s electrical system are regulated.
How to Tell Whether a Product Requires BSMI Inspection
Use these three methods for a quick check:
Method 1: Check the Product for a Product Inspection Mark
A compliant product will bear a product inspection mark, consisting of the official symbol and an identification number with a prefix such as R3xxxx or C1xxxx. If you cannot find this mark in the product photos or unboxing videos, the product has probably not been inspected. Compare the mark with the examples on the /bsmi lookup page.
Method 2: Use HowBridge’ BSMI Lookup Tool
Enter the product name or CCC code on the /bsmi lookup page to see whether the product is regulated, which CNS standard applies, and the corresponding exemption code. The tool is free and provides instant results, making it the easiest way to check before shipping.
Method 3: Pre-Shipment Inspection at the Forwarding Warehouse
When your package arrives at HowBridge’ Shenzhen warehouse, we perform a basic inspection. If we find a high-risk BSMI-regulated product, such as a power bank without Chinese-language instructions, we will notify you so you can decide whether to return it to the seller or change the shipping method before dispatch.
5-Step Pre-Shipment Checklist
- Can you see a product inspection mark in the product photos?
- Does the product description mention compliance with Taiwan CNS standards?
- Does the seller offer a dedicated shipping option for Taiwan?
- Mainland Chinese domestic-market brands without a Taiwan distributor are unlikely to have undergone BSMI inspection.
- If in doubt, check the CCC code and exemption code on the /bsmi lookup page.
No BSMI Certification? Personal-Use Exemptions and Commercial Imports
Personal Use: Enter the Exemption Code If You Meet the Threshold
Under the Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection of Commodities, imported personal-use products not intended for sale may be exempt from inspection. Eligibility is determined based on products of the same specifications and type under the same customs declaration. The general threshold is a total value of US$1,000 or less. Some categories have separate quantity limits when the value exceeds US$1,000, such as a limit of 5 units for information technology equipment and toys. If eligible, the customs broker can enter the applicable CI inspection exemption code on the customs declaration, effective since 2019/4/1. For example, the code for information technology equipment is CI000000000010. No case-by-case application is required. Thresholds and codes vary by product category, so check the /bsmi lookup page before shipping.
- Before shipping, use the /bsmi lookup page to check whether the product is regulated and identify the applicable exemption code and threshold.
- Confirm that the total value and quantity of products with the same specifications and type in the same shipment and customs declaration are within the exemption threshold.
- The customs broker will enter the CI inspection exemption code on the customs declaration. If the shipment exceeds the threshold or involves special circumstances, apply to the BSMI for exemption approval.
- Customs will review and release the shipment. If additional documents are requested, provide the product information and an explanation of its intended use.
Commercial Imports Intended for Sale
Products intended for sale in Taiwan must complete formal inspection procedures applicable to their category, such as type approval or registration of product certification, and bear the required product inspection mark before they can be listed for sale. Processing time and cost depend on the product category, applicable CNS standards, and required tests. Using a professional agent or customs broker is recommended.
The Key Difference Between Personal-Use and Commercial Imports
A personal-use exemption requires the product to be for your own use and not for sale. If customs identifies signs of commercial activity, such as multiple units of the same model, commercial packaging, or invoices, the shipment may be classified as a commercial import and become ineligible for the personal-use exemption. It must then undergo the formal inspection process.
How Much Does BSMI Certification Cost? First Distinguish “Official Fees” from “Testing Fees”
Personal-use imports that meet the exemption threshold cost NT$0; costs arise only if you intend to sell. Commercial imports for sale require registration of product certification, and the costs fall into two parts: official fees paid to the BSMI (set by regulation at fixed amounts), and type testing fees paid to an accredited laboratory (quoted according to product category, applicable CNS standards, and test items, with no official price). A common misconception is to lump the two together, so when you see a single figure online such as “certification costs tens of thousands of dollars”, first ask whether it refers to official fees or testing fees.
Official fees (under the Regulations Governing Fees for Commodity Inspection, last amended July 13, 2026, i.e., ROC year 115)
| Item | Amount (NT$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for registration of product certification: review fee | 5,000 per type | Charged separately for each main type |
| Series type review fee | 3,000 per item | For types in the same series that differ in appearance |
| Review fee for extension of a registration certificate | 3,000 per certificate | Extension of an expiring certificate |
| “R”-prefixed inspection marks | 10 per mark | Mark fee for marks printed by the business itself |
| Reissue / replacement / additional copies of certificates and attestations | 500 per copy | Certificate fee |
| Factory inspection assessment fee | 8,000 per person per day | Half rate for less than 4 hours |
| Annual fee (registration fee) | Charged under Schedule 2 of the Regulations | Paid annually; the amount depends on the product category |
⚠️ This site does not list estimates for type testing fees: testing fees are quoted individually by BSMI-accredited laboratories according to product category, applicable CNS standards, and test items, and sufficient samples must be provided; figures circulating on the market are mostly case-specific quotes and not generally applicable, so this page lists no numbers—ask an accredited laboratory or certification body directly for a quote. The official fees are as shown in the table above, and you can verify them against the regulations yourself.
✅ The most common situation for consolidated-shipping customers: you don't need to pay any of this. When personal-use goods not intended for sale meet the exemption threshold (total value of the same specification and model under the same customs declaration of US$1,000 or less; information technology equipment and toys above that value are additionally capped at 5 units), the customs broker enters the CI inspection-exemption clearance code and the goods can clear customs, with no need to apply for registration of product certification and none of the fees above. Registration of product certification is required for commercial imports “intended for sale in Taiwan”.
Customs Rejection Cases and Costs
Case A: 4 Xiaomi Power Banks
A customer bought 4 Xiaomi power banks of the same model from Taobao at RMB 99 each to give to friends. Customs found that they had no BSMI inspection marks. Because the shipment contained multiple identical units, it was deemed commercial and did not qualify for a personal-use exemption. Result: all products were detained and destroyed, and the customer lost both the purchase price and international shipping charges.
Case B: 1 Bluetooth Headset for Personal Use
A customer bought 1 Sony Bluetooth headset for RMB 1,200. Although it was a single unit for personal use, customs requested a personal-use declaration and additional product information during inspection. The shipment was released after the customer submitted the documents, but it remained in the warehouse for several days and incurred storage fees. Preparing purchase records and an explanation of intended use in advance can shorten the process.
Case C: 5-Meter LED Light Strip
A customer bought 1 roll of 5-meter RGB LED light strip for RMB 89. Although LED lighting products are regulated, this was a single item for personal use and its value was far below the exemption threshold. Customs released it directly after the exemption code was entered on the declaration, with no additional charges.
5 Practical Tips for Shipping BSMI-Regulated Products
- Confirm that the seller can provide a BSMI certificate—Before ordering, ask the seller directly whether the product has BSMI certification. Taiwan brands and products sold through Taiwan distributors usually do, while brands intended solely for the mainland Chinese market generally do not.
- Prioritize Taiwan brands or authorized imports—For the same power bank model, the version sold by a Taiwan distributor will have BSMI certification, while an unauthorized Taobao import may not. It may cost more, but it can be used legally and includes warranty coverage.
- Ship large lithium battery products by sea—Products containing lithium batteries face air transport restrictions but may be shipped by sea. However, the BSMI inspection requirement applies regardless of the shipping method.
- Keep quantities of identical products low—Multiple units of the same product are a key factor in determining whether a shipment is a commercial import. A single item for personal use is the safest option. Multiple unmarked units of the same model carry a much higher risk of being classified as commercial.
- Ask your forwarding provider to check BSMI regulations—HowBridge automatically screens arriving products for BSMI-regulated items and proactively notifies customers of their available options.
Why Choose HowBridge for BSMI-Regulated Products?
Self-Service BSMI Lookup
Check regulatory status by product name
Proactive Arrival Inspection
Regulated products are automatically flagged at our Shenzhen warehouse
Declaration Assistance
Guidance on declaring personal-use exemption codes
Customer Service in 14 Languages
Includes explanations of BSMI regulations
Return Assistance
Help returning problem items to the seller
Transparent Billing
All charges are clearly itemized
BSMI Package Forwarding FAQ
Legal Basis and Official Sources
- Commodity Inspection Act—scope of products subject to inspection, inspection methods, exemption grounds under Article 9, and penalties for importing uninspected products—and the Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection of Commodities—exemption requirements for personal-use products not intended for sale—Taiwan Laws and Regulations Database.
- List of Common Customs Clearance Codes for Inspection Exemptions—effective 2019/4/1; monetary and quantity thresholds and CI codes for each category of personal-use products not intended for sale, including CI000000000010 for information technology equipment—Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs × Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance.
- Regulations Governing Fees for Commodity Inspection (last amended July 13, 2026, i.e., ROC year 115): review fees for registration of product certification (NT$5,000 per type, NT$3,000 per item for series types), certificate extension (NT$3,000 per certificate), “R”-prefixed inspection marks (NT$10 per mark), certificate fees (NT$500 per copy), factory inspection assessment fees (NT$8,000 per person per day, half rate for less than 4 hours), and annual fees under Schedule 2—Taiwan Laws and Regulations Database (pcode J0100023).
- Power bank regulation and inspection standards: power banks have been products subject to mandatory inspection since May 1, 2014 (ROC year 103); inspections of power banks on the market are conducted under CNS 14336-1, CNS 15364, and CNS 14857-2—announcement of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs.
- Taiwan–Japan Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA): signed November 29, 2012 (ROC year 101), covering mutual recognition between the BSMI and the Japanese side for mandatory commodity inspection (product certification certificates); about 457 regulated items on the Japanese side (safety testing and certification only) and about 281 electrical and electronic regulated items on Taiwan’s side (safety + EMC, mostly required to follow certification-scheme procedures); a different system from the customs AEO MRA—BSMI overseas trip report (reporters: Technical Specialist Chen Ming-feng, Sixth Division, and Specialist Chen Yen-chung, Fifth Division).
- Official lookup portals: Commodity Inspection Online Application Service website (commodity inspection mark lookup), lookup of products subject to mandatory inspection; inquiry line 0800-007-123; Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs. Site tools: BSMI-Regulated Products Lookup and CCC Tariff Code Lookup with 12,000+ Codes.
Related Tools and Guides
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