Taiwan Food Import Inspection 2026

When Taiwan import rules list F01, F02, 508, or 511, TFDA border inspection is required before release.

Short answer: how does food import inspection work?

If the CCC tariff import rule lists F01, F02, 508, or 511, complete food business registration, apply to the TFDA port office, pass document review and sampling when needed, then use the approval notice for customs. Personal-use food under USD 1,000 dutiable value per item and 6 kg may qualify for exemption.

Last updated: 2026-05-27 ยท HowBridge Logistics editorial team ยท Reviewed by an AEO customs broker partner

Contents

  1. F01, F02, 508, 511
  2. Food business registration
  3. Five inspection steps
  4. Port offices
  5. Fees and timing
  6. Exemptions
  7. 508 and 511 special rules
  8. How to check requirement
  9. FAQ

1. Four import rule codes: F01, F02, 508, 511

CodeScopeAuthority
F01Food and related products, including general food, beverages, and processed agricultural products.TFDA
F02Food utensils, containers, packaging, and food-use detergents.TFDA
508Food additives.TFDA
511Capsule and tablet foods, often sold as supplements.TFDA
Note: 508 food additives and 511 capsule/tablet foods also need product registration approval in addition to shipment inspection.

2. Required first: food business registration

Food import businesses must complete TFDA food business registration before applying for import inspection.

PlatformFood business registration system
Websitefadenbook.fda.gov.tw
LoginCompany certificate or platform account
FeeFree
After completionUse the registration number in inspection applications
Tip: keep common imported food categories updated in advance.

3. Five border inspection steps

1

Confirm F01/F02/508/511

Check the 11-digit CCC code and import rule field.

2

Complete food business registration

Register on the food business platform and obtain the registration number.

3

Apply to the port office

Apply at the TFDA office for the arrival port with draft declaration, specification, and label files.

4

Document review and sampling

TFDA reviews documents and may test pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbes, or additives.

5

Receive approval and clear customs

After passing, TFDA issues the food import inspection approval notice for customs release.

4. TFDA port offices

OfficePorts
Keelung OfficeKeelung Port, Su-ao Port
Taipei OfficeTaipei Port
Taoyuan OfficeTaoyuan International Airport
Taichung OfficeTaichung Port
Kaohsiung OfficeKaohsiung Port, Anping Port, Magong Port

Check the TFDA border inspection section for office contacts and service hours.

5. Fees and inspection timing

Document reviewAbout 1 to 3 working days
Laboratory testingAbout 7 to 21 working days depending on test item
Fee calculationBased on the official food import inspection fee rules; minimum about TWD 330.
Exemption approvalSamples, exhibition goods, and R&D items follow the latest official notice.

6. Exemptions: personal use and samples

Personal-use threshold: not for sale, dutiable value not over USD 1,000 per item, and weight 6 kg or less.
Commercial samples, exhibition, or R&D use: apply for exemption approval; common review time is about 7 working days.
Not exempt: goods over the personal-use threshold or for commercial sale still need import inspection.

7. Special rules for 508 food additives and 511 capsule/tablet foods

These categories need product registration approval in addition to each shipment border inspection.

Item508 food additives511 capsule/tablet foods
RegistrationFood additive permit number requiredCapsule/tablet food permit number required
New case review feeAbout TWD 6,000 per caseAbout TWD 6,000 per case
Shipment inspectionStill requiredStill required
Application platformTFDA online platformTFDA online platform
Note: fees and review time are subject to the latest TFDA notice.

8. How to check whether inspection is required

  1. Find the 11-digit CCC code: use Taiwan tariff lookup or the Trade-Van single window.
  2. Check import rule field: F01, F02, 508, or 511 means TFDA inspection is required.
  3. HowBridge Logistics tool: enter product name in customs documents to see possible TFDA inspection alerts.
TFDA border inspection Food business registration Inspection exemption application Taiwan import permit guide

9. FAQ

Do all imported foods need inspection?

No. Only goods whose CCC import rule lists F01, F02, 508, or 511 require TFDA import inspection.

What is food business registration?

It is the TFDA registration required before a food importer can apply for import inspection.

Do personal food imports need inspection?

Personal-use food not for sale may be exempt if each item is under USD 1,000 dutiable value and 6 kg or less.

How is 508 different from F01?

508 food additives need product registration approval in addition to shipment inspection.

What is special about 511 capsule/tablet foods?

They need product registration approval, and each shipment still needs border inspection.

How long and how much does inspection take?

Document review is about 1 to 3 working days. Lab testing may take 7 to 21 working days. Minimum fee is about TWD 330.

Can commercial samples or exhibition foods be exempt?

They may apply for an inspection exemption approval before customs clearance.

This page is a general guide. Actual import rules, inspection procedures, and fees are subject to the latest TFDA and Taiwan Customs notices.

Not sure whether your food import needs inspection?

Use HowBridge Logistics tools to enter the product name, match the 11-digit tariff code, and see import rule alerts before preparing documents.

Check import rules View permit guide