Shipping Blood Pressure Monitors and Glucose Meters to Taiwan: Special Approval and Formal Declaration Guide

📅 Updated:

Omron, Accu-Chek, Withings, Welch Allyn | Get TFDA special approval first, then import with a formal declaration

United States Route in Preparation — Not Yet Available

HowBridge does not currently offer or operate any United States-to-Taiwan freight forwarding, purchasing-agent, or payment-agent service. The service does not currently exist, and there is no usable U.S. or Oregon warehouse address, no official rates, and no guaranteed transit times. Any warehouse names, shipping fees, or transit times mentioned elsewhere on this page are general market information only and do not represent services offered by this website. They must not be used to fill in a shipping address or place an order. If this route becomes available in the future, only the official website announcement and the terms then in effect will apply.

Services currently available: Taobao/Tmall Shipping to Taiwan Mainland China-to-Taiwan Freight Forwarding Route China-to-Taiwan Shipping Overview
⚠ Blood pressure monitors and glucose meters are medical devices: personal imports still need approval — there is no "1-2 units exempt" rule

Under Article 6(4)–(5) of Taiwan's Regulations for Special Approval of Manufacture and Import of Specific Medical Devices (特定醫療器材專案核准製造及輸入辦法), only the 8 items listed in the Annex (adhesive bandages, liquid bandages, cotton swabs, condoms, tampons, daily disposable contact lenses, corrective lenses and medical masks), within the Annex quantities, can be imported for personal use through simplified clearance, and shipments not carried in by a traveler are limited to once every six months. Blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, test strips and CGMs are not in the Annex, so you must apply for special approval under Article 17 with a diagnosis certificate or prescription and other documents. Under Article 7, instruments are limited to one unit per model and consumables to a six-month supply. At import, they must be declared on a general import declaration (formal declaration); EZ WAY simplified declaration does not apply. Prices below are market references only: Omron HEM-7361T USD$120 in the US vs. NT$5,000 in Taiwan, Withings BPM Core USD$179, Accu-Chek Guide USD$30.

Contents

  1. How do I buy blood pressure or glucose monitors in the US and ship them to Taiwan?
  2. 5 major product categories
  3. 5 major medical device brands
  4. TFDA medical device classification + personal use
  5. 5 major buying platforms
  6. Shipping medical devices to Taiwan in 6 steps
  7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I buy blood pressure or glucose monitors in the US and ship them to Taiwan?

  • 30-50% price gap: Omron HEM-7361T is USD$120 in the US vs. NT$5,000 in Taiwan (save NT$1,200+)
  • Latest US models: Omron Complete (EKG + blood pressure), Withings BPM Core / Cardio
  • Smart app connectivity: Omron Connect / Withings Health Mate / Withings ECG App
  • Withings BPM series: French D2C brand sold in the US, wireless + ECG features
  • Accu-Chek test strips: bulk buying can save 50%+ for diabetes essentials
  • Gifts for seniors: filial gifts and overseas Chinese sending health devices to family in Taiwan

5 major product categories

TypePrice rangeMain brandsShipping
Home blood pressure monitorUSD$50-200Omron HEM-7361T / Platinum, Withings BPM ConnectEMS air freight
Smart blood pressure monitor (EKG)USD$130-280Omron Complete, Withings BPM Core / CardioEMS air freight
Glucose meter + test stripsUSD$30-100Accu-Chek Guide / Aviva, One Touch, ContourNextEMS air freight
Continuous glucose monitoring CGMUSD$300-500 / monthDexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3, Eversense E3Temperature control needed (not suitable for regular consolidation)
Blood oxygen + thermometerUSD$30-100iHealth, Innovo Premium, Withings ThermoEMS air freight

5 major medical device brands

1. Omron (Japan, blood pressure monitor leader)

Main products: HEM-7361T, Platinum, Complete (EKG), Evolv
Price gap: ① Omron HEM-7361T on Amazon US is USD$120 (NT$3,800) vs. NT$5,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① founded in Japan in 1933 ② global #1 in home blood pressure monitors ③ Omron Connect App.

2. Accu-Chek (Roche, Switzerland, glucose meters)

Main products: Guide, Aviva, Performa, Mobile
Price gap: ① Accu-Chek Guide is USD$30 (NT$950) at Walgreens US vs. NT$1,800 in Taiwan
Notes: ① Roche group ② 50 test strips are USD$25 vs. NT$1,200 in Taiwan ③ buy through Walgreens / CVS.

3. Withings (France, smart D2C)

Main products: BPM Connect, BPM Core, BPM Cardio, Thermo
Price gap: ① Withings BPM Core is USD$179 (NT$5,650) in the US vs. NT$8,500 in Taiwan
Notes: ① French smart health D2C brand ② BPM Core = blood pressure + EKG + heart sounds ③ Health Mate App.

4. Welch Allyn (US, professional medical)

Main products: Home Blood Pressure Monitor, ProBP, Spot Vital Signs
Price gap: ① Welch Allyn Home BP is USD$140 (NT$4,400) in the US vs. NT$6,500 in Taiwan
Notes: ① founded in the US in 1915 ② hospital-grade accuracy ③ Hillrom group.

5. iHealth / Innovo (affordable smart devices)

Main products: iHealth Track, Innovo Premium, Wellue O2Ring
Price gap: ① iHealth Track is USD$50 (NT$1,580) in the US vs. NT$2,800 in Taiwan
Notes: ① affordable smart blood pressure monitors ② iHealth App + Apple Health ③ buy through Amazon / iHealthLabs.com.

TFDA medical device classification + personal use

Medical device classes (Article 3 and the Annex of the Regulations Governing the Classification of Medical Devices: Class I low risk, Class II medium risk, Class III high risk)
  • Class I: clinical mercury thermometers (Annex J.2920)
  • Class II: non-invasive blood pressure measurement systems, i.e. ordinary blood pressure monitors (Annex E.1130); clinical electronic thermometers (Annex J.2910)
  • Other items: glucose meters, pulse oximeters, oral irrigators, stethoscopes, first aid kits, CGM continuous glucose monitors, cardiac monitors, insulin pumps and others — the class is as determined by the TFDA; you can ask the TFDA under Article 5 of the same Regulations

3 key rules

  • Simplified clearance (Annex items only): adhesive bandages, liquid bandages, cotton swabs, condoms, tampons, daily disposable contact lenses, corrective lenses and medical masks may be imported for personal use within the Annex quantities; shipments not carried in by a traveler are limited to once every six months (Article 6(4)–(5))
  • Blood pressure monitors / glucose meters / test strips / CGMs: not in the Annex. For personal use, apply for special approval under Article 17 with your ID, the instructions for use, a signed undertaking not to sell or transfer the device, and a diagnosis certificate or prescription naming the device from a medical institution in Taiwan or abroad. Instruments are limited to one unit per model and consumables to a six-month supply (Article 7)
  • Commercial import: requires a Ministry of Health and Welfare medical device license (import regulation code 504) and a licensed medical device dealer

5 major buying platforms

1. Amazon US Health

Region: US Type: general marketplace

Advantages: ① full Omron / Accu-Chek / iHealth selection ② Subscribe & Save test strips 15% off ③ Lightning Deals
Drawback: ① choose Sold by Amazon carefully

2. Walgreens / CVS / Costco

Region: US Type: pharmacy / warehouse club

Advantages: ① cheapest Accu-Chek test strips ② Walgreens Rewards ③ Costco bulk buying
Drawback: ① Costco membership required for some items

3. Withings.com / Omron Healthcare official stores

Region: US / France Type: official brand stores

Advantages: ① limited colors ② bundle kits ③ global warranty registration
Drawback: ① consolidation is required

4. Best Buy Health

Region: US Type: electronics + medical

Advantages: ① full Withings / Omron / iHealth selection ② Black Friday discounts ③ My Reward 5%
Drawback: ① consolidation is required

5. Dexcom.com / FreeStyle Libre official stores

Region: US Type: CGM official brands

Advantages: ① CGM monthly subscription delivery ② prescription + physician flow ③ US insurance may apply
Drawback: ① US prescription required (Taiwan prescription translation may be used in special cases)

Shipping medical devices to Taiwan in 6 steps

1Confirm category and TFDA class

① Blood pressure monitors are Class II (classification Annex E.1130); for glucose meters, test strips and CGMs, the class is as determined by the TFDA ② For items not in the simplified-clearance Annex, prepare a diagnosis certificate or prescription and apply for special approval under Article 17 (one instrument per model, consumables up to a six-month supply) ③ Wi-Fi / Bluetooth included: under Article 9(3) of the NCC's Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Import and Reporting of Controlled Telecommunications Radio-Frequency Devices (電信管制射頻器材製造輸入及申報作業管理辦法), low-power RF devices for personal use imported by mail or other means not carried in person may enter with a signed personal-use declaration, up to 2 units per shipment and 10 units per person per year (individuals must be 18 or older); the latest NCC rules prevail

2Choose a platform

① Omron / Accu-Chek → Amazon / Walgreens ② Withings → Withings.com official store ③ Welch Allyn → Amazon Sold by Welch Allyn ④ CGM → Dexcom.com subscription

3Confirm where you buy and how it ships

HowBridge currently offers consolidation from mainland China to Taiwan only: items bought on mainland Chinese platforms such as Taobao or JD.com are sent to our Shenzhen warehouse, consolidated and shipped to Taiwan for clearance and delivery. HowBridge has no US warehouse and does not offer US consolidation; for US purchases, please use the seller's international shipping.

4Photos after warehouse arrival

① photo confirmation of outer box and expiration date ② original box + test strips + accessories intact ③ use reinforced protective packing for high-value smart devices

5Choose a shipping method

① Blood pressure monitors and glucose meters are small and light, so air shipping works well; actual transit time depends on the method ② HowBridge does not offer cold-chain or dedicated medical device services, so CGM sensors that need refrigeration or temperature control are not suitable for regular consolidation ③ When several items are shipped together, each item must still be declared truthfully

6Formal declaration and clearance

① Blood pressure monitors, glucose meters and test strips are medical devices under import regulation code 504, so under Article 12(1)(2) of the Air / Maritime Express Consignment Clearance Regulations they must be declared on a general import declaration. When creating your consolidation order, choose "Formal declaration" (current setting: NT$800 declaration fee per shipment, taxes extra) and provide your TFDA special-approval documents; EZ WAY simplified declaration does not apply ② Declare the item name, quantity and value truthfully ③ Tariff reference: blood pressure monitors 9018.90.10.90-2 and glucose meters 9027.89.80.10-6 carry 0% duty; diabetes test strips 3822.19.90.20-6 carry 5% duty; all three fall under import regulation code 504 (medical devices) ④ If the dutiable value exceeds NT$2,000, taxes apply (plus 5% business tax) ⑤ For the difference between simplified and formal declaration, see the formal declaration guide.

FAQ: shipping medical devices to Taiwan

Q1. Is consolidating an Omron HEM-7361T worth it?
Once the special-approval fee and formal declaration fee are counted, buying a single unit may not pay off, and you need special approval first. ① Omron HEM-7361T: ① Amazon US USD$120 (NT$3,800) ② Taiwan NT$5,000, a price gap of NT$1,200 (24%) ② Estimated taxes: blood pressure monitors fall under tariff 9018.90.10.90-2 with 0% duty; the dutiable value (product NT$3,800 + about NT$200 international freight) = NT$4,000, which exceeds NT$2,000, so 5% business tax of NT$200 applies; add the TFDA special-approval fee of NT$2,000 (personal-use application, per application) and the formal declaration fee of NT$800 (HowBridge's current setting, once per shipment; other carriers charge their own fees), for a total of about NT$7,000 (4,000 + 200 + 2,000 + 800) — about NT$2,000 more than the Taiwan price of NT$5,000, so a single unit does not save money ③ Omron Complete (EKG + blood pressure): ① US USD$200 (NT$6,300) ② Taiwan NT$8,500; for models with ECG functions, customs decides the final classification (electrocardiographs 9018.11.00.00-9 are also 0%) ④ In practice: ① buy Sold by Amazon ② sync through Omron Connect App ⑤ Note: ① blood pressure monitors are not in the simplified-clearance Annex; personal imports require special approval under Article 17 of the Regulations for Special Approval of Manufacture and Import of Specific Medical Devices, limited to one unit per model ② Wi-Fi / Bluetooth NCC (personal-use declaration: up to 2 units per mailed shipment and 10 per person per year under Article 9(3) of the NCC's Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Import and Reporting of Controlled Telecommunications Radio-Frequency Devices; the latest NCC rules prevail) ③ global warranty is limited ⑥ Recommendation: ① gift for seniors → Omron HEM-7361T ② family health tracking → Omron Complete + EKG.
Q2. Is Withings BPM Core smart blood pressure + EKG worth it?
Once the special-approval fee and formal declaration fee are counted, it ends up slightly more expensive than in Taiwan, and you need special approval first. ① Withings BPM Core: ① Withings.com US USD$179 (NT$5,650) ② Taiwan NT$8,500, a price gap of NT$2,850 (34%) ② Estimated taxes: blood pressure monitors carry 0% duty (9018.90.10.90-2; for models with ECG functions customs decides the classification, and electrocardiographs 9018.11 are also 0%). Product NT$5,650 + about NT$300 international freight = dutiable value NT$5,950; 5% business tax is about NT$298, subtotal about NT$6,248; add the TFDA special-approval fee of NT$2,000 (personal-use application, per application) and the formal declaration fee of NT$800 (HowBridge's current setting, once per shipment; other carriers charge their own fees), for a total of about NT$9,050 (5,950 + 298 + 2,000 + 800 = 9,048) — about NT$550 more than the Taiwan price of NT$8,500, so it does not save money ③ In practice: ① use the Withings.com official store ② BPM Core = blood pressure + EKG + heart sounds, 3-in-1 ③ Health Mate App + Apple Health sync ④ Note: ① French D2C brand ② Bluetooth + Wi-Fi NCC (personal-use declaration: up to 2 units per mailed shipment and 10 per person per year under Article 9(3) of the NCC's Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Import and Reporting of Controlled Telecommunications Radio-Frequency Devices; the latest NCC rules prevail) ③ not in the simplified-clearance Annex; apply for special approval under Article 17, one unit per model ⑤ Recommendation: ① smart health → Withings BPM Core ② simpler model → Withings BPM Connect USD$99.
Q3. Is bulk buying Accu-Chek test strips cost-effective?
Once the fees are counted it may not save money, and you must stay within the six-month supply limit. ① Accu-Chek Guide test strips, 50 count: ① Walgreens US USD$25 (NT$790) ② Taiwan NT$1,200, a price gap of NT$410 (34%) ② Tariff: diabetes test strips 3822.19.90.20-6 carry 5% duty under import regulation code 504 (medical devices); if the dutiable value exceeds NT$2,000, duty and 5% business tax apply ③ Bulk purchase: ① 5 boxes, 250 strips = USD$125 (NT$3,950), about NT$4,355 with 5% duty and 5% business tax (3,950 × 1.05 × 1.05, excluding international freight); adding the NT$2,000 special-approval fee and the NT$800 formal declaration fee per shipment brings it to about NT$7,155 ② Taiwan NT$6,000, so it ends up about NT$1,155 more ④ Note: ① test strips are not in the simplified-clearance Annex; apply for special approval under Article 17, with consumables limited to a six-month supply (Article 7) ② strip shelf life is 1.5-2 years ③ the Accu-Chek Guide meter and strips must match the model ⑤ Recommendation: ① estimate a six-month supply from your physician's prescription instead of stocking a full year ② lancets and similar accessories are also medical device consumables — include them in the same application.
Q4. How should Dexcom G7 CGM consolidation be handled?
Special approval is required, and HowBridge does not offer cold-chain shipping. ① Dexcom G7 CGM: ① Dexcom.com subscription in the US is USD$300-500 / month (3-4 sensors) ② buying in the US requires a US physician's prescription ③ Importing into Taiwan: CGMs are not in the simplified-clearance Annex. For personal use, apply for special approval under Article 17 of the Regulations for Special Approval of Manufacture and Import of Specific Medical Devices, attaching a diagnosis certificate or prescription naming the device from a medical institution in Taiwan or abroad; sensors are consumables, limited to a six-month supply (Article 7) ② Price comparison: ① US Dexcom G7 USD$300-500 / month (prescription price) ② Taiwan NT$15,000-25,000 / month self-pay ③ Note: ① sensors have a short shelf life and storage-temperature requirements; HowBridge offers no cold-chain or dedicated medical device service, so regular consolidation is not recommended ② do not order and ship before approval ④ Recommendation: ① type 1 diabetes → discuss Dexcom G7 with your physician ② type 2 → FreeStyle Libre 3 requires the same application ③ check the latest TFDA requirements before applying.
Q5. Are iHealth / Innovo affordable smart devices worth it?
Once the fees are counted it costs more than buying in Taiwan, and special approval still applies. ① iHealth Track: ① US USD$50 (NT$1,580) ② Taiwan NT$2,800, a price gap of NT$1,220 (44%) ② Estimated taxes: blood pressure monitors 9018.90.10.90-2 carry 0% duty; product NT$1,580 + about NT$200 international freight = NT$1,780. A dutiable value within NT$2,000 is exempt from duty and business tax (values in the same shipment are combined, and the exemption no longer applies after more than 6 duty-free releases in half a year; Customs makes the final assessment); add the TFDA special-approval fee of NT$2,000 (personal-use application, per application) and the formal declaration fee of NT$800 (HowBridge's current setting, once per shipment; other carriers charge their own fees), for a total of about NT$4,580 (1,780 + 2,000 + 800) — about NT$1,780 more than the Taiwan price of NT$2,800, so a single unit does not save money ③ Innovo Premium pulse oximeter: ① US USD$30 (NT$950) ② Taiwan NT$1,500 ④ In practice: ① buy Sold by Amazon ② iHealth App + Apple Health ⑤ Note: ① blood pressure monitors and pulse oximeters are medical devices not in the simplified-clearance Annex; apply for special approval under Article 17 ② models without FDA / TFDA clearance are not exempt from that application just because they are for personal use ③ Apple Health / Google Fit sync ⑥ Recommendation: ① entry-level → iHealth Track ② one unit per model.
Q6. Will medical devices be inspected by customs?
There is no public data on inspection rates; what matters is complete paperwork. ① Common reasons for document requests: ① several units of the same model, or consumables exceeding a six-month supply ② suspected commercial import ③ blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, test strips or CGMs without special-approval documents ② How to respond: ① provide Amazon / Withings / Walgreens order invoices ② declare item names, quantities and values truthfully ③ keep your special-approval documents ready ④ declare on a general import declaration (formal declaration); EZ WAY simplified declaration does not apply ③ Key rules: ① simplified clearance covers only the 8 Annex items and quantities, once every six months for shipments not carried in by a traveler ② other devices for personal use require special approval under Article 17 — one instrument per model, consumables up to a six-month supply ③ commercial imports require a medical device license + medical device dealer registration ④ Tariff rates: ① blood pressure monitors 9018.90.10.90-2 and glucose meters 9027.89.80.10-6: 0% duty ② diabetes test strips 3822.19.90.20-6: 5% duty ③ 5% business tax applies when the dutiable value exceeds NT$2,000 ④ Wi-Fi NCC (personal-use declaration: up to 2 units per mailed shipment and 10 per person per year under Article 9(3) of the NCC's Regulations Governing the Manufacture, Import and Reporting of Controlled Telecommunications Radio-Frequency Devices; the latest NCC rules prevail) ⑤ Recommendation: ① packing medical devices with clothing can share international freight, but every item must still be declared truthfully ② keep complete PayPal / credit card records ③ CGMs that need refrigeration are not recommended for regular consolidation.

Related reading

HowBridge currently ships from mainland China to Taiwan only

HowBridge operates only a Shenzhen consolidation warehouse and a Taoyuan operations warehouse. We have no US warehouse and offer no medical device counter or cold-chain service. For US purchases, please use the seller's international shipping; items bought on Taobao, JD.com and other Chinese platforms can be sent to our Shenzhen warehouse and consolidated to Taiwan. However, medical devices such as blood pressure monitors and glucose meters need TFDA special approval first, and you must choose "Formal declaration" when creating the consolidation order; do not ship them without approval.

See China-to-Taiwan shipping →