How to Set Up Long-Term Authorization Online via the CPT Single Window? One Authorization, Up to 5 Years, for Companies and Individuals
Under Article 17 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments, when import express consignments are declared using a simplified declaration form, customs brokerage authorization can be completed using one of three methods: (1) a written case-by-case or long-term authorization, (2) an online case-by-case or long-term authorization via the CPT Single Window, or (3) an online case-by-case authorization via the real-name authentication platform (EZ WAY). To reduce the need to confirm every single shipment, both companies and individuals can log in to the CPT Single Window with a certificate to set up an "online long-term authorization" (operation code WJA02), and the Ministry of Finance states a single authorization can last up to 5 years. Please confirm the actual customs clearance verification process with your customs broker before applying.
Last updated: 2026-08-29 | Sources: Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments (amended 115-02-23), Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Sea Express Consignments, Regulations Governing the Implementation of the CPT Single Window, Ministry of Finance press release "Using the CPT Single Window to Authorize Customs Brokerage Online" (2023-05-23), Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance Express Consignee Real-Name Authentication Zone and FAQ, Pilot Program Implementation Guidelines for Express Consignee Real-Name Authentication and Online Customs Brokerage Authorization, CPT Single Window Service List (Government Open Data Platform)
What Is "Online Long-Term Authorization"? How Does It Differ from EZ WAY
"Online long-term authorization" is a method where you log in to the CPT Single Window with a certificate and grant a designated customs broker a one-time authorization to "file customs declarations on my behalf," with a set validity period (the Ministry of Finance states it can be up to 5 years). EZ WAY, on the other hand, is an online "case-by-case" authorization on the real-name authentication platform, where the consignee personally taps "Declaration matches" (申報相符) in the app for every single shipment. Both are authorization methods explicitly listed in the regulations; the difference is "one authorization covering a period of time" versus "confirming shipment by shipment."
Article 17, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments (amended February 23, 2026 [ROC year 115]): "When import express consignments are declared by a customs broker using a simplified declaration form, customs brokerage authorization shall be completed by one of the following methods: 1. A written case-by-case or long-term authorization; for a written case-by-case authorization, the customs broker shall, at the time of filing the declaration online, certify the declaration and then present the authorization letter upon request by Customs. 2. An online case-by-case or long-term authorization via the CPT Single Window. 3. An online case-by-case authorization via the real-name authentication platform established by the customs clearance network operator."
Paragraph 2 of the same article (effective from March 1, 2026 (ROC year 115) per Article 29): "If customs brokerage authorization is not completed by one of the methods listed in the preceding paragraph and recorded in the Customs clearance information system, Customs may refuse to accept the declaration." In other words, the regulation requires "completing authorization by one of the three methods, with a record in the system" — not "EZ WAY only."
Comparing the three methods side by side makes it clear: only the third method (the real-name authentication platform, i.e. EZ WAY) is limited to "case-by-case" authorization; both the first method (written) and the second method (online via the CPT Single Window) include both "case-by-case" and "long-term" options. To learn about EZ WAY shipment-by-shipment confirmation process, see the Complete Guide to EZ WAY and the Guide to the New Pre-Confirmation of Authorization Rules; this page focuses on the second method, "online long-term authorization."
According to the "CPT Single Window Service List" published on the Government Open Data Platform, the online authorization operations include: WJA01 Apply for Case-by-Case Customs Brokerage Authorization, WJA02 Apply for Long-Term Customs Brokerage Authorization, WJA03 Maintain Customs Brokerage Authorization, WJA04 Inquire Customs Brokerage Authorization, WJA05 Company Inquiry of Authorized Declarations, WJC01 Maintain Company-Individual Authorization Relationship, WJD02 Inquire Authorization Status, WJD04 Inquire Authorization Records. This article focuses on WJA02.
Who Can Apply? Which Certificate Do Companies and Individuals Need
Both companies and individuals can apply. A Ministry of Finance press release dated May 23, 2023 states: "When import/export firms and individuals authorize customs brokerage — whether case-by-case or long-term — they can all use the CPT Single Window online authorization system," "a single authorization can be valid for up to 5 years," and "only a Business Certificate is needed, or an employee can be authorized to use a Citizen Digital Certificate."
| Applicant | Login Certificate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Companies (import/export firms) | Business Certificate | Can also use WJC01 ("Maintain Company-Individual Authorization Relationship") to authorize an employee to act on the company's behalf using a Citizen Digital Certificate (per the CPT Single Window online long-term authorization user guide, there is a cap on the number of employees that can be authorized — the actual system screen governs) |
| Individuals (natural persons) | Citizen Digital Certificate | The CPT Single Window already offers registration and login via Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate (TW FidO) (per Ministry of Finance announcement); those without a card reader may want to use this route |
| Can companies use EZ WAY? | Not applicable | The Customs Administration real-name authentication FAQ states: "Companies are not eligible for real-name authentication; please use a paper authorization method when filing an import declaration" — companies were always required to use written or online authorization |
Note that "principal" and "authorized broker" are two different parties: the principal is you (the taxpayer/consignee or company), and the authorized broker is your chosen customs broker. Before applying, get the broker's system identification information (such as their Unified Business Number) and confirm they are willing to accept the authorization in the system.
Validity Period, Start/End Dates, and Effective Date Rules
The validity period can be up to 5 years, and you fill in the start and end dates yourself; the authorization only takes effect once the other party accepts it in the system. Per the CPT Single Window online long-term authorization user guide: either the principal or the customs broker can initiate the request, the system emails both parties, and the authorization is only established once the other party clicks "Accept Authorization Relationship." The start date cannot be earlier than the system default "next day," and cannot overlap with an existing authorization period.
- Maximum validity period
- Ministry of Finance: a single authorization can be valid for up to 5 years.
- Who can initiate
- Either the principal (you) or the authorized broker (customs broker) can initiate the request; the system emails both parties.
- When it takes effect
- It only takes effect once the other party clicks "Accept Authorization Relationship" in the system — if only one party has submitted, it is not yet established.
- Start date rule
- The start date cannot be earlier than the day the system defaults to as "the next day" — in other words, if you apply today, the earliest it can start is tomorrow.
- No overlap allowed
- The start and end dates cannot overlap with an existing authorization relationship; use WJA04 beforehand to check the end date of any existing authorization.
- Customs bonded operator code
- Per the user guide, this only needs to be entered by specific entities such as bonded businesses or shipping/airline companies; ordinary importers do not need it.
- Inquiry and maintenance
- Use WJD02 to check authorization status, WJD04 to check authorization records, and WJA03 to maintain (including terminate) an authorization.
The rules above are summarized from the CPT Single Window online long-term authorization user guide; the system interface and rules may be updated, so please refer to the instructions shown on screen when you log in.
Application Steps (WJA02 in Six Steps)
The process is: prepare your certificate and broker information → log in to the CPT Single Window → enter the WJA02 online authorization system → fill in the principal, authorized broker, and period → submit → the authorization takes effect once the broker accepts. The entire process is online — no paper needs to be mailed.
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Prepare Your Certificate and the Broker Information
Companies: a Business Certificate (or an authorized employee's Citizen Digital Certificate); individuals: a Citizen Digital Certificate or Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate. Also ask your customs broker for their system identification information, such as their Unified Business Number, and confirm they will accept the authorization in the system.
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Register and Log In to the CPT Single Window
Go to portal.sw.nat.gov.tw: first-time users should click "Certificate Registration," then use "Certificate Login" afterward. For a full introduction to the CPT Single Window, see What Is the CPT Single Window.
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Enter the Online Authorization System
After logging in, go to "Customs Clearance Services → Certificate Customs Clearance Services" to enter the online authorization system, then select "WJA02 Apply for Long-Term Customs Brokerage Authorization." Before applying, you can use WJA04 to check existing authorization relationships and avoid overlapping periods.
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Fill In the Principal, Authorized Broker, and Authorization Period
Principal = you (the company or individual); authorized broker = the customs broker. The start date must be at least the next day, the end date is set as needed, and the maximum validity period is 5 years. Ordinary importers do not need to enter a customs bonded operator code.
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Submit the Application and Wait for Acceptance
After submission, the system emails both parties; remind your customs broker to accept the authorization relationship in WJA03 ("Maintain Customs Brokerage Authorization"). The authorization is not established until the broker accepts.
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Confirm It Is in Effect and Notify Your Consolidator
Use WJD02 ("Inquire Authorization Status") to confirm the authorization is in effect; the customs broker can then reference it when filing declarations. HowBridge customers should tell customer service that the long-term authorization has been completed and provide the authorized broker name, and make sure the declarant name/company name and Unified Business Number (or national ID number) on the consolidation form exactly match the certificate and authorization data.
Comparison Table of the Three Statutory Authorization Methods
Companies can only use the written or CPT Single Window online methods (EZ WAY is not applicable); individuals can use all three, and the difference comes down to whether shipment-by-shipment confirmation is required and what tools are needed.
| Method | Legal Basis (§17 Para. 1) | Applicable To | Validity Period | What You Need | What to Do for Each Shipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written case-by-case authorization | Item 1 | Companies + Individuals | Single shipment | Authorization letter (the broker certifies it when filing online, and presents it if Customs requests) | Sign an authorization letter for each shipment |
| Written long-term authorization | Item 1 | Companies + Individuals | As stated in the authorization letter | A long-term authorization letter, registered with Customs by the broker | Not required (the broker references it during the validity period) |
| CPT Single Window online case-by-case authorization (WJA01) | Item 2 | Companies + Individuals | Single shipment | Business Certificate / Citizen Digital Certificate | Complete it online for each shipment |
| CPT Single Window online long-term authorization (WJA02) | Item 2 | Companies + Individuals | Up to 5 years | Business Certificate / Citizen Digital Certificate (including Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate) | No shipment-by-shipment authorization needed (the actual verification performed by the customs clearance system is governed by Customs and your broker) |
| EZ WAY (real-name authentication platform) | Item 3 | Individuals only | Shipment by shipment | Real-name authentication using the consignee's own postpaid mobile number, or National Health Insurance card / residence permit, etc. | Tap "Declaration matches" in the app for each shipment (within 7 days of the push notification) |
EZ WAY's 7-day deadline comes from Point 9 of the Pilot Program Implementation Guidelines for Express Consignee Real-Name Authentication and Online Customs Brokerage Authorization: if a consignee does not complete the online customs brokerage authorization within 7 days of the day after the platform sends the customs brokerage authorization message, the platform must create an exception record and notify the express customs broker to contact the consignee to complete the online authorization or obtain a paper authorization letter as required.
What This Means for Consolidation Customers: Who Should Apply
Three types of customers benefit the most: company customers (who cannot use EZ WAY anyway), individuals who consolidate shipments from China frequently (who want to avoid confirming every shipment), and people who are often overseas (since EZ WAY has restricted operation from overseas IP addresses since June 20, 2025).
Company Customers
The Customs Administration FAQ clearly states that companies are not eligible for real-name authentication and must use paper authorization. Instead of preparing a written case-by-case authorization letter for every shipment, it is more efficient to use a Business Certificate to set up a WJA02 online long-term authorization once, which the broker can then reference for the entire validity period.
Individuals Who Consolidate Shipments Regularly
Anyone with a Citizen Digital Certificate (or Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate) can grant a one-time authorization to their chosen customs broker. It is still worth completing EZ WAY real-name authentication as well, because under Article 18, Paragraph 3 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments, declarants who use a real-name-authenticated mobile number can skip declaring their national ID number, keeping the declaration data simpler.
People Who Are Often Overseas
According to a Public Television Service (PTS) report, EZ WAY has not accepted connections from overseas IP addresses since June 20, 2025, so you cannot tap "Declaration matches" while abroad. Once a long-term authorization is established, it remains valid for the whole period without needing to operate the app domestically for each shipment; it is still recommended, however, that the setup itself be completed while in Taiwan.
Since March 1, 2026, Customs has fully implemented "pre-confirmation of authorization" for simplified-declaration import express consignments (per the Customs Administration dedicated page: if an importer is on the pre-authorization list and has not responded to confirm authorization, the system returns a B6F error and rejects the declaration). Under the regulations, long-term authorization is one of the completion methods explicitly listed in Article 17, but the Customs Administration dedicated page does not separately explain the actual verification process the customs clearance system applies to those who have already set up a long-term authorization. Before applying, please have your customs broker confirm the procedure with their local Customs office, and test with a small shipment before relying on it fully. This page explains the system — it is not a guarantee of how Customs will process your case.
HowBridge only operates a Shenzhen warehouse and a Taoyuan warehouse, and only handles consolidation from China to Taiwan; shipments arriving in Taiwan are declared as import express consignments under the simplified declaration process by our partner customs broker. If you have already completed a long-term authorization, please: (1) fill in the declarant information on the consolidation form to match your certificate — company name plus Unified Business Number, or your full legal name plus national ID number — along with your own mobile number; (2) tell customer service the name of your authorized customs broker; (3) keep a screenshot of the WJD02 authorization status page for reference. This ensures the customs broker can correctly reference your authorization when filing the declaration.
Common Mistakes and Things to Watch For
The four most common mistakes are: entering today as the start date (the system requires at least the next day), overlapping with an existing authorization period, entering incorrect authorized-broker information, and assuming the authorization is in effect before the other party has clicked "Accept".
The Start Date Cannot Be Today
Per the user guide, the start date cannot be earlier than the system default next day. For urgent shipments, use a written case-by-case authorization or EZ WAY (individuals) instead.
Check for an Existing Authorization First
The start and end dates cannot overlap with an existing authorization. Use WJA04 to check the end date of any existing authorization, and if you are switching brokers, first terminate the old authorization in WJA03.
Get the Authorized Broker Right
The authorized broker must be the customs broker itself — not the consolidator and not the freight forwarder. Get the broker correct identification information, such as its Unified Business Number, directly from them.
Has the Other Party Accepted?
If only one party has submitted, the authorization is not yet established. Use WJD02 to confirm the status shows as effective before you start shipping.
Renew Before the Authorization Expires
Once an authorization expires, the broker can no longer reference it. You can set up the next period in advance, before it expires, with the start date set after the old authorization end date to avoid overlap.
Keep Your Declaration Information Consistent
Authorization only settles "who files the declaration on your behalf" — it does not fix errors in the declaration data itself. The name/company name, Unified Business Number or national ID number, and mobile number on the consolidation form must all match your certificate and authorization data exactly, or the declaration will still be returned for correction.
Do Not Confuse Real-Name Authentication With Long-Term Authorization
EZ WAY real-name authentication is about identity verification (Article 18, Paragraph 3 lets declarants using a real-name-authenticated mobile number skip entering their national ID number); long-term authorization is about customs brokerage authority. Individual customers can use both at the same time.
Complete the Setup While in Taiwan
EZ WAY has restricted overseas IP addresses since June 20, 2025. Whether the CPT Single Window has the same restriction is not stated in official public information, so to be safe, complete your certificate-related operations while connected to a network inside Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legally, you only need to choose one of the three authorization methods under Article 17 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments, and the CPT Single Window online long-term authorization is the second method. However, since March 1, 2026, Customs has implemented pre-confirmation of authorization for simplified-declaration import express consignments, and the Customs Administration dedicated page does not separately explain the actual verification process the customs clearance system applies to those who already have a long-term authorization — please have your customs broker confirm with their local Customs office and test it first. Separately, EZ WAY real-name authentication still simplifies your declaration data (declarants using a real-name-authenticated mobile number can skip entering their national ID number), so individual customers can use both at the same time.
Yes. A Ministry of Finance press release dated May 23, 2023 clearly states that "when import/export firms and individuals authorize customs brokerage — whether case-by-case or long-term — they can all use the CPT Single Window online authorization system." Individuals log in with a Citizen Digital Certificate; the CPT Single Window also already offers registration and login via Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate.
The Ministry of Finance states that "a single authorization can be valid for up to 5 years." You enter the start and end dates yourself in WJA02; the start date cannot be earlier than the system default next day, and it cannot overlap with an existing authorization period.
No. The Customs Administration real-name authentication FAQ states: "Companies are not eligible for real-name authentication; please use a paper authorization method when filing an import declaration, providing a case-by-case authorization letter to your company's chosen customs broker." If a company does not want to prepare a written case-by-case authorization letter for every shipment, it can use a Business Certificate to set up an online long-term authorization via the CPT Single Window.
First use WJA04 to check your existing authorization, then terminate the old authorization in WJA03, and afterward set up a new WJA02 authorization for the new customs broker. The new authorization start date must fall after the old authorization end date, or the system will block it due to overlapping periods.
The authorization relationship is only established once the other party clicks "Accept Authorization Relationship" in the system. After submission, the system emails both parties — remind your customs broker to accept it in WJA03, then use WJD02 to check the authorization status and confirm.
According to a Public Television Service (PTS) report, EZ WAY has not accepted connections from overseas IP addresses since June 20, 2025. Once a long-term authorization is established, it remains valid for the whole period without needing to operate the app domestically for each shipment. However, it is recommended to complete the certificate-related setup itself while in Taiwan — official public information does not state whether the CPT Single Window has any restriction on overseas connections.
Tell customer service the name of your authorized customs broker, and make sure the declarant information on the consolidation form — company name plus Unified Business Number, or your full legal name plus national ID number — along with your own mobile number, exactly matches your certificate and authorization data. HowBridge only operates a Shenzhen warehouse and a Taoyuan warehouse and only handles consolidation from China to Taiwan; once shipments arrive in Taiwan, our partner customs broker files them under the simplified declaration process, and only matching data allows them to correctly reference your authorization.
Legal Basis and Official Sources
- Article 17 of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments (amended 115-02-23; Paragraph 2 effective from 115-03-01 per Article 29) — the three customs brokerage authorization methods:law.moj.gov.tw
- Full text of the Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Air Express Consignments (Article 16 on pre-declaration, Article 18 Paragraph 3 on exemption from entering a national ID number for real-name-authenticated mobile numbers, Article 29 on effective dates):law.moj.gov.tw
- Regulations Governing Customs Clearance for Sea Express Consignments (the corresponding rules for sea-freight simplified declarations):law.moj.gov.tw
- Regulations Governing the Implementation of the CPT Single Window (covers participating parties including import/export firms, freight forwarders, express operators, and individuals; certificate registration):law.moj.gov.tw
- Ministry of Finance press release "Use the CPT Single Window to Authorize Customs Brokerage Online — Convenient and Secure Customs Clearance, Everyone Is Welcome to Use It" (2023-05-23; available to both import/export firms and individuals, validity up to 5 years, Business Certificate or an employee's Citizen Digital Certificate):mof.gov.tw
- CPT Single Window Online Long-Term Authorization User Guide (WJA01–WJA04, WJC01; rules on initiating, accepting, start dates, non-overlap, etc.):PDF
- CPT Single Window Service List (Government Open Data Platform; WJA/WJC/WJD operation codes and names):data.gov.tw
- Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance "Express Consignee Real-Name Authentication" FAQ (Q11: companies are not eligible for real-name authentication):customs.gov.tw
- Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance "Pre-Confirmation of Customs Brokerage Authorization" dedicated page (B6F error declarations are rejected):customs.gov.tw
- Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance press release "Attention Online Shoppers: Customs Fully Implements Pre-Confirmation of Authorization Starting March 1" (2026-02-24):customs.gov.tw
- Point 9 of the Pilot Program Implementation Guidelines for Express Consignee Real-Name Authentication and Online Customs Brokerage Authorization (complete online authorization within 7 days of the day after the push notification):law-out.mof.gov.tw
- Ministry of Finance press release "CPT Single Window Mobile Citizen Digital Certificate Registration Service Launches October 1":mof.gov.tw
- PTS News "EZ WAY Bans Overseas IP Connections Starting June 20, 2025":pts.org.tw
- CPT Single Window Portal (Certificate Registration / Certificate Login):portal.sw.nat.gov.tw