Taiwan CITES Import Permit 2026
To import wild animals, plants, and their products listed in the CITES Appendices, an applicant must apply to the International Trade Administration, MOEA for a CITES import/export permit. The process involves confirming the applicable Appendix, preparing documents proving legal origin, applying online through cfgate, obtaining the original physical permit after approval, and entering the permit number in the customs declaration. The permit is valid for 6 months and covers one import only. If the goods cannot be shipped from the original port of loading in time, the applicant may apply for an extension within one month before expiry under Article 15 of the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities; each extension may be no longer than 6 months, and no more than 2 extensions are permitted. However, goods designated by public notice of the International Trade Administration, MOEA cannot be extended and must be imported within the prescribed period; if the permit expires, a new application is required. Readers should confirm with the issuing authority whether CITES goods fall within the non-extendable category.
Last updated: 2026-05-27 · HowBridge Logistics editorial team · Reviewed by an AEO customs broker partner
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. |
Reminder: control status depends on the scientific name. Common names alone are not enough.
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.
Validity Period and Extension: An import permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance (Regulations Governing Import of Commodities, Article 13), and each permit covers one import. If the goods cannot be shipped from the original port of loading within that period, the applicant may apply for an extension within one month before the permit expires; each extension may not exceed 6 months, and no more than 2 extensions are permitted (Article 15 of the same Regulations). However, goods designated by public notice of the International Trade Administration must be imported within the prescribed period and may not be extended. When applying, please confirm with the issuing authority whether CITES goods fall within the category for which extensions are not permitted.
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.
Importing without a CITES permit may lead to penalties, seizure, or criminal liability under wildlife conservation rules.
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.
6. Authorities and lookup channels
| Permit authority | International Trade Administration; application system: cfgate.trade.gov.tw. |
| Conservation authority | Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture. |
| Species lookup | Ministry of Agriculture resources or the CITES official appendix list. |
| Permit validity | 6 months from the date of issuance (Regulations Governing Import of Commodities, Article 13). If the goods cannot be shipped as scheduled, the applicant may apply for an extension within one month before expiry; each extension may not exceed 6 months, and no more than 2 extensions are permitted (Article 15). However, goods designated by public notice of the International Trade Administration may not be extended. |
| Customs inspection code | 8, meaning document inspection is required. |
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7. FAQ
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