Taiwan CITES Import Permit 2026
Importing CITES-listed species and products such as ivory, rosewood, arowana, rhino horn, or certain herbal materials requires a permit.
Importing CITES-listed wildlife, plants, or derived products requires a CITES import/export permit from Taiwan International Trade Administration. Check the appendix, prepare legal source files, apply through cfgate, collect the original paper permit, and declare the permit number at customs. The permit is valid for six months, one use only, and cannot be extended.
Contents
1. What is a CITES permit? Which goods need one?
CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Taiwan controls imports and exports of CITES-listed species under wildlife conservation rules.
Common imported goods that may need a CITES permit include:
| Category | Common controlled items |
|---|---|
| Animals and products | Ivory and carvings, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, crocodile leather, Asian arowana, and some reptiles. |
| Timber and plants | Rosewood, agarwood, orchids, cacti, and related plant products. |
| Herbal materials | Bear bile, musk, rhino horn powder, and similar materials. Some exemptions may apply. |
| Sea products | Certain shark fins, seahorses, and other listed aquatic species. |
2. Appendix levels and control strength
| Appendix | Status | Import rule | Commercial trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix I | Highest extinction risk | Import permit is required, and the exporting country must issue an export permit. Other authority approval is often needed. | Commercial trade is generally prohibited. |
| Appendix II | May become threatened without control | Use the foreign export permit or re-export permit for import control. | Legal trade may proceed under controls. |
| Appendix III | Species listed by individual countries | Certificate of origin or permit may be required depending on the listing country. | Follow the listing country rules. |
| Re-export | Export from a non-origin country | The middle country must issue a re-export permit. | Legal origin must be traceable. |
3. CITES import permit application process
Application system: Import/export electronic permit system cfgate.trade.gov.tw
Check the CITES appendix
Use the product species scientific name to check whether Appendix I, II, or III applies.
Prepare legal source documents
Prepare foreign CITES permits, legal source proof, breeding documents, artificial propagation proof, or purchase records.
Submit the cfgate application
Log in, select the CITES permit type, enter scientific name, quantity, source, and purpose, and upload files.
Collect the original paper permit
After approval, collect the original paper permit in person or by mail. Submit it at customs.
4. Customs declaration notes
- Enter code 8 in the import declaration inspection method field.
- State the scientific name and permit number in the goods description.
- Submit the original paper CITES permit to customs for review.
- Timber goods may need a species identification report to match the permit.
- If the goods are re-exported later, apply for a re-export permit.
5. Personal-use document exemptions
Travelers carrying small amounts of CITES-listed items for personal use may qualify for document exemptions if official conditions are met, but customs declaration is still required.
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Small personal use | May be exempt from a foreign CITES permit if official conditions are met, but declaration remains required. |
| Commercial import | A CITES permit is required regardless of quantity. |
| Appendix I species | Simplified handling usually does not apply. Confirm with the authority first. |
Personal-use rules change by species and quantity. Follow the latest official notices.
7. FAQ
CITES-listed wildlife, plants, and derived products usually need a permit, such as ivory, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, arowana, rosewood, agarwood, some orchids, bear bile, and musk.
Appendix I has the highest protection and commercial trade is generally prohibited. Appendix II may be traded legally under permit controls.
No. Customs requires the original paper permit. After approval, collect the original in person or by mail.
It is valid for six months from issue, one use only, and cannot be extended. Reapply after expiry.
Use inspection method code 8, state the scientific name and permit number, and submit the original permit.
Some items may qualify for official exemptions, but declaration is still required. Commercial imports always need proper permits.
After getting a CITES permit, how do you prepare customs documents?
HowBridge Logistics tools help prepare packing lists and commercial invoices for AEO broker review, so CITES shipment data stays complete.
Prepare customs documents View permit guide