What items cannot be sent to Taiwan on Taobao? 2026 Latest List?

In 2026, Taobao/Pinduoduo sent 7 categories of contraband items that were most frequently intercepted in Taiwan: counterfeit goods (imitation LV/Gucci/NIKE will all be destroyed), lithium-containing batteries (mobile phone power bank chargers must be shipped by sea), liquids/cosmetics in excess (same model > 12 pieces or single bottle > 100ml are prohibited from air shipment), food / Fresh meat (beef, pig, chicken and mutton are prohibited, and live seafood is prohibited), imitation weapons (cosplay prop knives, model guns), tobacco and alcohol (customs declaration is required for 200 cigarettes and 1 liter or more of alcohol), prescription drugs/health products containing controlled ingredients (CBD oil, cold medicine containing ephedrine).

How to confirm whether the goods are prohibited before shipment?

Three methods: use the 12,000+ tariff query tool of Good Luck Machine to enter the product name to see the classification; go to the single window of the Customs Administration to check the import management regulations corresponding to the CCC code; after joining the Good Luck Machine, customer service can assist in confirmation, and 14 languages are available. It is always easier to check before shipping than to check only after customs.

Will customs notify me if contraband is found?

Yes. EZWay APP will push a notification with the title "Goods have been inspected for violations." However, the goods were already in the hands of the customs at the time of notification. You can choose to appeal (within 30 days) or agree to deal with it (usually destroyed, some can apply for return but pay the freight).

Who bears the return shipping costs?

At the recipient's expense. Including return shipping fee (NT$300-1500/item), warehousing fee (NT$50-100 per day), and shipping loss of the product itself. Therefore, self-inspection before shipment to avoid being seized by customs is the most cost-effective way.

How to determine personal use vs commercial import?

Customs will make a comprehensive judgment based on the number, frequency, amount, including outer packaging, and invoices. General rules: 1-3 pieces of the same style are for personal use, and more than 5 pieces must be classified as commercial. Similar goods imported more than 6 times within a year will also be listed. Small amounts multiple times + different items = safest for personal use.

Will the consolidator stop contraband for me?

When the goods arrive, the good luck device automatically scans high-risk items such as BSMI/food inspection and proactively informs customers of processing options (return to the seller or re-plan shipments). However, hidden contraband such as counterfeit goods and drugs will only be discovered by customs X-ray inspections - so self-examination before placing an order is the most important.

Can confiscated goods still be retrieved?

Look at the product type. General restricted products (such as excess health products) can be re-applied or returned (within 30 days). Absolutely prohibited items (drugs, counterfeit goods, CITES) will be destroyed and cannot be retrieved, and may be reported to criminal investigation. The latter recommends 100% confirmation before placing an order.

Taiwan Prohibited and Restricted Import List

2026 updated customs prohibited / restricted categories, personal-use exemption quotas, real seizure cases, and legal alternatives

Difference between "prohibited" and "restricted"
7 categories of absolutely prohibited items
5 categories with quantity limits or inspection requirements
Personal-use exemption quota table
5 real seizure cases
Legal alternatives
FAQ

Difference Between "Prohibited" and "Restricted"

Taiwan Customs manages imported goods in three levels:

Absolutely prohibited: Cannot enter Taiwan by any method. If found, the goods are destroyed and fines may apply. Examples: narcotics, firearms, protected animals and plants.
Restricted imports: Require a permit or inspection before entry. Examples: medical devices, pesticides, food.
Within the personal-use exemption quota: Small personal-use quantities may be exempt from application; exceeding the quota is treated as commercial import. Examples: 12 cosmetic items, 36 bottles of health supplements.

7 Categories of Absolutely Prohibited Items

1. Narcotics and controlled drugs

Cannabis, amphetamines, MDMA, CBD oil (including trace cannabis ingredients), and opiate medicines without a prescription, such as morphine and codeine. Even if legal in the country of origin, they remain illegal in Taiwan.

Common mistakes: CBD gummies purchased in Europe or the U.S., wellness oils, and sports supplements that contain controlled ingredients

2. Firearms, ammunition, and weapons

Real firearms and ammunition, modified guns, some air guns, switchblades, stun batons, and gas guns. Model guns and toys must meet requirements such as plastic construction and no firing capability.

Common mistakes: cosplay prop knives, outdoor hunting knives, and toy guns with metal firing pins

3. Counterfeit and infringing goods

Fake luxury bags, counterfeit sneakers, unauthorized pirated books, pirated discs, and unauthorized cartoon merchandise. If customs inspection finds them, they are destroyed.

Common mistakes: Pinduoduo "LV" or "Gucci" items below half price, Taobao fake NIKE/Adidas, and counterfeit Disney character goods

4. Live animals and plants / protected species

Live pets, plant seeds, soil, and protected animal products such as ivory, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, tiger bone, and CITES-listed species. Even handicrafts, such as an ivory seal, are prohibited.

Common mistakes: ivory handicrafts bought at tourist sites, turtle-shell accessories, and rosewood furniture containing CITES-listed wood species

5. Counterfeit currency and securities

Counterfeit or altered New Taiwan dollars, foreign currency, credit cards, and securities. Possession for collecting or academic research can still be illegal.

Common mistakes: "practice banknotes" sold on Pinduoduo and souvenirs shaped like banknotes

6. Unapproved pornographic or violent publications

Pornographic books, audiovisual materials, some adult toys, and extremely violent publications that have not been approved under publication regulations.

Common mistakes: adult e-commerce products and foreign adult magazines

7. Radioactive, explosive, or flammable items

Radioactive materials, fireworks, firecrackers, highly corrosive liquids, some pressurized gas canisters, mercury thermometers, and dangerous chemicals.

Common mistakes: festival fireworks, campfire accelerants, and strong acid or alkaline cleaners

5 Categories With Quantity Limits or Inspection Requirements

A. Medicines, medical devices, and medical supplies

Prescription drugs require a copy of the doctor's prescription. Health supplements are limited to 36 bottles per person per year. Thermometers must be electronic and mercury-free. Contact lenses must be registered with TFDA.
Personal use: Medicine is generally limited to 6 bottles or a 2-month supply, and health supplements to 36 bottles. Excess quantities may be returned.

Common examples: Japanese supplements, U.S. fish oil, and hyaluronic acid eye drops

B. Food, fresh products, and meat

Fresh meat such as beef, pork, chicken, and lamb is prohibited. Some processed meats such as canned meat and jerky are prohibited. Seafood, including live seafood, is prohibited. Agricultural and livestock products require plant or animal quarantine.
Personal use: General food must be under 6 kg, contain no prohibited items, and show a clear expiration date.

Common examples: pork floss from mainland China, ready-to-eat chicken, and live shrimp or crab, which are all returned or destroyed

C. Cosmetics and skincare

Cosmetics require TFDA registration for commercial import. For personal use, up to 12 items of the same brand and same item may be exempt from inspection. Cosmetics containing special ingredients such as medical-aesthetic acids or medicated skincare may be subject to additional inspection.

Common examples: Korean sheet masks with more than 12 of the same item, and retinol serums

→ Complete guide to forwarding cosmetics to Taiwan

D. Electronics subject to BSMI control

Chargers, power banks, Bluetooth devices, LED products, home appliances, and toys containing batteries may require BSMI commodity inspection. Items without qualified markings may be returned.

Common examples: Xiaomi power banks, Sony Bluetooth earphones, and automotive LED lights

→ Detailed BSMI controlled product list

E. Tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes per person per shipment. Alcohol: 1 liter per person per shipment. Excess quantities require import permits and are not feasible as personal-use shipments.

Common examples: Japanese whisky, where a single 700 ml bottle is usually OK but a full case will be inspected, and mainland Chinese baijiu gift boxes

Personal-Use Exemption Quota Table

Category	Exemption Quota	Notes
General food	6 kg	Excludes meat and fresh products
Health supplements	36 bottles	Same person and same product type
Cosmetics	12 items	Same brand and same item
Medicine	6 bottles / 2-month supply	Prescription items also require a prescription
Tobacco	200 cigarettes (1 carton)	Heavy tax applies above the quota
Alcohol	1 liter	Excess quantity may be returned
BSMI electronics	1 item	One unit of the same model is safest; 3 or more may require a personal-use exemption application

5 Real Seizure Cases

Case 1: CBD gummies purchased through a U.S. buying agent

A customer bought 30 CBD gummies from the U.S., each containing 25 mg. Although legal in parts of the U.S., the product contained cannabis-related ingredients. Customs destroyed the goods and notified the Criminal Investigation Bureau for questioning, while also investigating the buying agent.

Case 2: Fake LV bag from Pinduoduo

A customer bought one RMB 99 "LV short wallet" on Pinduoduo. Customs inspection confirmed it was counterfeit and destroyed it directly. The customer lost about NT$450 including product cost and shipping, and the seller took no responsibility.

Case 3: Excess health supplements from Japan

A customer bought 60 bottles of fish oil and 40 bottles of glucosamine from Japan to share with relatives. Customs determined that the shipment exceeded the 36-bottle annual personal-use quota and had commercial characteristics. The shipment was returned and a NT$5,000 fine was issued.

Case 4: Mainland China ready-to-eat chicken breast gift box

A customer bought a Taobao ready-to-eat chicken breast gift box with 10 packs totaling 800 g as sports nutrition. Customs destroyed it as an unquarantined processed poultry product and reported it to the Council of Agriculture for tracking.

Case 5: Pet product containing ivory decoration

A customer purchased a pet collar from Africa with carved ivory decoration. Customs determined that it violated CITES rules, confiscated the entire shipment, and reported the case to the National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior for investigation of smuggling protected-species products.

Legal Alternatives

Want Japanese wagyu or mainland Chinese pork?

Fresh meat and processed poultry products are prohibited. Local supermarkets in Taiwan, such as Carrefour and Costco, offer legal channels for imported Japanese wagyu, Italian ham, and similar products. Prices may be 20-30% higher, but the purchase is legal and fresh.

Want authentic luxury bags?

Avoid Pinduoduo / Taobao counterfeits and use: ① Taiwan department store boutiques, the safest option ② Japan duty-free store sea freight with original invoices ③ secondhand luxury platforms such as Vestiaire Collective with authentication certificates

Want U.S. / Japanese health supplements?

Split shipments so each shipment stays under 36 bottles. Or choose the same brands already registered with TFDA in Taiwan, often available at Costco or Watsons. Prices may be 20-40% higher than in the U.S. or Japan, but customs clearance is fully legal.

Want to forward large quantities of cosmetics?

Keep the same item under 12 units for personal use. Above that, use commercial import, which requires TFDA registration. See the complete guide to forwarding cosmetics to Taiwan.

FAQ: Things Taobao Cannot Ship to Taiwan

Q1. What items can Taobao not ship to Taiwan? What is the 2026 updated list?

The 7 categories most often intercepted when shipping from Taobao / Pinduoduo to Taiwan in 2026 are: ① Counterfeit goods (fake LV / Gucci / NIKE are destroyed; customs X-ray checks are common) ② Items containing lithium batteries (phones, power banks, and chargers generally cannot use air freight and may need sea freight) ③ Liquids / excess cosmetics (same item > 12 units, or bottles > 100 ml, can be prohibited for air freight) ④ Food / fresh meat (beef, pork, chicken, and lamb are prohibited; live seafood is prohibited) ⑤ Weapon replicas (cosplay prop knives and model guns) ⑥ Tobacco and alcohol (over 200 cigarettes or 1 liter of alcohol requires customs procedures) ⑦ Prescription drugs / supplements with controlled ingredients (CBD oil and cold medicine containing ephedrine). See the 7 detailed categories below for the full list.

Q2. How do I confirm whether an item is prohibited before forwarding?

Use three methods: ① Enter the product name in our 12,000+ tariff-code lookup tool to check the category ② Use the Customs Administration's single-window system to check the import management rules for the CCC code ③ After joining Haoyunqi, customer support can help confirm in 14 languages. Checking before forwarding is always cheaper than finding out after customs holds the parcel.

Q2. Will customs notify me if a prohibited item is found?

Yes. The EZWay app will push a notification with a title indicating that the goods have irregularities after inspection. But by the time you receive the notification, the parcel is already in customs custody. You can choose to file an appeal within 30 days or agree to disposal. Disposal usually means destruction; some items may be returned at your own shipping cost.

Q3. Who pays return shipping costs?

The recipient, meaning you, pays. Costs include: ① return shipping, about NT$300-1,500 per item ② storage fees, about NT$50-100 per day ③ lost original shipping cost for the item. Checking before forwarding and avoiding customs seizure is the most economical approach.

Q4. How does customs distinguish personal use from commercial import?

Customs evaluates the quantity, frequency, value, external packaging, and invoices together. A general rule is that 1-3 units of the same model may be treated as personal use, while 5 or more units are likely commercial. Importing the same type of product more than 6 times in a year may also be monitored. Small quantities, spaced out, with different product types are safest for personal use.

Q5. Will the forwarding company stop prohibited items for me?

When goods arrive, Haoyunqi automatically screens high-risk categories such as BSMI electronics and food inspection items, then proactively notifies customers of handling options such as returning to the seller or replanning shipment. However, hidden prohibited items such as counterfeits or narcotics may only be discovered by customs X-ray inspection, so checking before placing the order is still most important.

Q6. Can seized goods be retrieved?

It depends on the product type. General restricted goods, such as excess health supplements, may allow supplemental application or return shipment within 30 days. Absolutely prohibited items, such as narcotics, counterfeits, and CITES products, are destroyed and cannot be retrieved, and may also be reported for criminal investigation. For the latter category, confirm legality 100% before ordering.

Check Prohibited Items for Free Before Forwarding

12,000+ tariff-code lookup, 24/7 multilingual support to confirm product legality, and help avoiding customs seizure