What is the BSMI commodity inspection process?
What is the answer? Start with the conclusion
Goods subject to BSMI (Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection) mandatory inspection must be filed for inspection: check whether the CCC code is regulated → file for inspection with BSMI (type testing or declaration of conformity) → sampling inspection or type approval → present conformity certificate to Customs for clearance. Small quantities of non-commercial personal use items valued at ≤ USD 1,000 may use exemption code CI000000000002 to bypass the inspection filing requirement.
What is the difference between BSMI exemption and inspection?
Start a BSMI application by checking the product’s 11-digit CCC code and current import regulation to determine whether mandatory inspection applies. For non-sale personal goods or commercial samples, eligibility for exemption is assessed per import declaration, model/specification, CIF value and quantity under the Regulations Governing Exemption from Inspection. CI000000000002 is not universal: toys, protective helmets, lighters, stationery, infant products and information-technology equipment use specific codes 005–010 with separate limits. If no exemption applies, the importer or authorized agent files for inspection under the method announced for that product: batch inspection, monitoring inspection, registration of product certification, or declaration of conformity. Clear customs only after the required evidence or procedure is complete.
| Competent authority | Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) |
|---|---|
| Non-commercial personal use exemption | Same import declaration and model/specification, CIF value ≤ USD 1,000; product-specific codes and quantity limits still apply |
| Exemption code | CI000000000002 |
| Toy quantity limit | Same import declaration and model/specification, CIF value ≤ USD 1,000; product-specific codes and quantity limits still apply |
| Over-the-counter review fee | NT$200 per item |
| Review fees | NT$3,500 / NT$5,000 |
| Series-model fees | NT$2,000 / NT$3,000 |
Sources: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Regulations on Exemption from Commodity Inspection and Customs Clearance Codes · Commodity Inspection Act (Laws & Regulations Database) · International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Import Regulations Lookup · National Central Library Theses and Dissertations — 胡翎琬, A Study of Market Surveillance of Commodities Subject to Mandatory Inspection (2014)
BSMI Commodity Inspection — 4-Step Process
1Check whether mandatory inspection applies
Verify whether the CCC tariff code is subject to BSMI mandatory inspection.
2File for inspection
Submit an inspection application to BSMI (via type testing or declaration of conformity).
3Sampling inspection or type approval
Undergo sampling inspection or type approval as required.
4Present certificate to Customs
Once a conformity certificate is issued, present it to Customs to complete import clearance.
Glossary
- BSMI Mandatory Inspection
- A category of goods regulated by BSMI that must pass inspection before importation into Taiwan (common examples: consumer electronics (3C), lithium batteries, toys, and lighting fixtures).
- Exemption Code CI000000000002
- A designated code for non-commercial personal use items that allows them to clear customs without filing a BSMI inspection application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between BSMI exemption and inspection?
regulatory basis
Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) — Commodity Inspection Exemption Portal · Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) · Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Regulations on Exemption from Commodity Inspection and Customs Clearance Codes · Commodity Inspection Act (Laws & Regulations Database) · International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Import Regulations Lookup · National Central Library Theses and Dissertations — 胡翎琬, A Study of Market Surveillance of Commodities Subject to Mandatory Inspection (2014)
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