What Is the CCC Code?
The CCC Code (Commodity Classification Code) is the 11-digit standard tariff number that Taiwan Customs uses to classify imported and exported goods. Every imported product must be assigned its corresponding CCC Code on the customs declaration so that Customs can calculate the import duty, business tax, commodity tax, and any inspection or quarantine requirements.
📝 In One SentenceThe CCC Code is Taiwan's exclusive "product ID number." Every product maps to a unique 11-digit code that determines its tariff rate, inspection requirements, and import restrictions at the time of customs declaration.
CCC vs. HS Code: The Difference
Many people confuse the CCC Code with the HS Code. Here is how the two actually relate:
| Item | HS Code | CCC Code |
|---|
| Full name | Harmonized System | Commodity Classification Code |
| Issuing body | WCO (World Customs Organization) | Customs Administration, Taiwan |
| Length | 6 digits (international standard) | 11 digits (incl. Taiwan's 5-digit extension) |
| Purpose | Uniform international trade classification | Taiwan import/export customs declaration |
| Relationship | First 6 digits of the CCC = HS Code | CCC = HS + Taiwan's 5-digit breakdown |
📌 Bottom line: The first 6 digits of a CCC Code are exactly the international HS Code, while the last 5 digits are Taiwan's own extended breakdown. So the HS Code used by U.S. Customs shares the same first 6 digits as Taiwan's CCC Code, but its final 5 digits are the United States' own "Schedule B" number.
Breaking Down the 11 Digits of the CCC Code
3304.99.10.00-9 (Korean face mask)
Digits 1-2:33 = Chapter (cosmetics — Chapter)
Digits 3-4:04 = Heading (beauty and cosmetic preparations — Heading)
Digits 5-6:99 = Subheading (other cosmetics, international HS)
Digits 7-8:10 = sub-subheading (face masks, Taiwan extension)
Digits 9-10:00 = further subheading (general)
Digit 11:9 = check digit (calculated automatically by the system)
CCC Code Examples for 8 Common Products
| Product | CCC Code | Import Duty |
|---|
| iPhone | 8517.13.00.00-3 | 0% |
| Korean face mask | 3304.99.10.00-9 | 5% |
| Luxury handbag (cowhide) | 4202.21.00.10-7 | 5% |
| Nike sneakers | 6404.11.00.00-3 | 7.5% |
| Illy coffee (roasted) | 0901.21.00.00-2 | 0% |
| Wine (<14%) | 2204.21.10.00-3 | $10/L specific/per-unit duty |
| Perfume (with alcohol) | 3303.00.00.00-7 | 5% |
| Nintendo Switch console | 9504.50.00.00-7 | 0% |
How to Look Up a CCC Code and Its Tariff Rate
Method 1: HowBridge's 12,000+ tariff lookup (fastest, recommended)At https://0523.tw/search, type a term in Chinese such as "面膜" (face mask) or "咖啡豆" (coffee beans) to instantly match the CCC Code, tariff rate, licensing requirements, and AI-powered suggestions.
Method 2: Customs Administration single-window portal (official)On the Customs Administration's "Import/Export Tariff and Commodity Classification Search" at https://portal.sw.nat.gov.tw/APGA/GA03, enter a CCC number or product name. It is the most authoritative source but more cumbersome to use.
⚠️ Warning: choosing the wrong tariff-rate column can trigger extra dutyEach CCC Code has 3 tariff-rate columns: ① Column 1 = WTO member states (including Taiwan; this is the one most commonly used) ② Column 2 = special countries ③ Column 3 = preferential rates (e.g. ECFA, New Zealand ANZTEC). When in doubt, Column 1 is the safest choice.
CCC Code — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a CCC tariff code and its import duty?
There are two official channels for checking a CCC tariff code and import duty: ① the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance "Tariff Rate Search System," and ② the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs "Commodity Classification and Import/Export Regulations Search." Enter a product name or CCC Code to look up the 11-digit tariff code, import duty rate, and import regulations. For consolidated-shipping items, the tariff code is determined by the customs broker based on the product name; HowBridge works with AEO-certified customs brokers to help verify the CCC Code, tariff rate, and import regulations, and you can also use 0523.tw for an online import duty and tax estimate. Most IT products such as computers carry a 0% duty under the ITA and are only subject to the 5% business tax.
Q1. What is the CCC Code? Is it the same as the HS Code?
The CCC Code (Commodity Classification Code) is the 11-digit standard commodity classification tariff code used by Taiwan Customs. Its first 6 digits match the internationally standard WCO HS Code (Harmonized System), while the last 5 digits are Taiwan's own extended sub-classification. Example: for CCC 0901.21.00.00-2, the first 6 digits 0901.21 mean "coffee, roasted, not decaffeinated" (the internationally standard HS Code), and the last 5 digits 00.00-2 are Taiwan's exclusive breakdown. Every imported product needs a CCC Code on the customs declaration before its duty can be calculated.
Q2. How do I read the 11-digit CCC Code structure?
The 11 digits of a CCC Code break down into 4 levels: ① Digits 1-2 = Chapter (Chapter, Chapters 1-99, the broad category) ② Digits 3-4 = Heading (Heading, a subdivision within the Chapter) ③ Digits 5-6 = Subheading (Subheading, uniform international HS Code) ④ Digits 7-8 = sub-subheading (Taiwan's exclusive breakdown) ⑤ Digits 9-10 = further subheading ⑥ Digit 11 = check digit (calculated automatically).
Q3. How do I find the CCC Code and tariff rate for my product?
Three official lookup channels: ① the Customs Administration's "Import/Export Tariff and Commodity Classification Search" at portal.sw.nat.gov.tw ② HowBridge's "12,000+ tariff lookup tool" at
0523.tw/search, with instant matching from Chinese input ③ the "HS code-BERT" AI classification API. Tariff-rate columns: "Column 1" applies to WTO member states (including Taiwan), "Column 2" to special countries, and "Column 3" to preferential rates.
Q4. Why do identical products have different tariff rates?
A different CCC Code means a different tariff rate. Common reasons for the difference: ① different intended use ② different material (pure-cotton shirt 12% / synthetic-fiber shirt 10.5%) ③ degree of processing (unroasted coffee beans 0% / instant coffee 12.5%) ④ commercial vs. personal use ⑤ tax-inclusive pricing. Filing the wrong CCC = Customs correction + back duty + penalties.
Q5. Who fills in the CCC Code for consolidated shipments? Do I need to learn it?
With HowBridge consolidation: the CCC Code is filled in for you by our customs broker. Members only need to provide the "product name in Chinese + quantity + unit price + intended use," and we classify it automatically using the Customs Administration's tariff database. That said, if you are importing commercially (for resale) or bringing in large quantities for personal use (more than NT$50,000 per batch), it is worth learning the basic CCC structure yourself.