Taiwan Import Permit Guide 2026
Quick answer: how do I know if a permit is required?
Check the import regulation code on the CCC tariff line. A blank field means no import permit is required. A listed code means you must obtain the matching agency document before customs clearance, such as 121 for ITA import permit, C01/C02 for BSMI inspection, F01 for TFDA food inspection, B01 for quarantine, or MW0 for goods prohibited from import from mainland China (exception: small quantities in Chapters 25–97 need no import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces, with a 40 kg limit only for goods that cannot be counted; electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify).
Last updated: 2026-09-17 · HowBridge Logistics editorial team · Compiled from Customs announcements and current regulations
1. How import regulation codes work
Taiwan does not use one universal import license. Each CCC tariff line has an import regulation field that shows which agency document is needed before formal customs clearance. The document may be a permit, inspection, quarantine certificate, test result, or approval letter.
Flow: find the CCC code → check the import regulation code → apply with the matching agency → obtain the document → declare the number during customs clearance.
2. Code → Agency → Document Table
| Code | Agency | Document or process | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121111 | International Trade Administration | Import permit; code 111 needs special approval first | Import permit |
| C01C02 | BSMI | Commodity inspection or registration of product certification | BSMI inspection |
| F01F02508511 | TFDA | Food and food-related product import inspection | Food inspection |
| 503504 | TFDA | Drug or medical device registration and permit | Drug and device |
| Cosmetics | TFDA | Cosmetic product notification | Cosmetics listing |
| B01 | APHIA | Animal and plant quarantine | Quarantine |
| 401-406451 | Ministry of Agriculture | Seeds, fertilizer, pesticide, feed, veterinary medicine, rice, and related goods | Agricultural goods |
| RF device | NCC | Controlled RF device approval or type approval | NCC RF devices |
| Radioactive | Nuclear Safety Commission | Radioactive material or ionizing radiation equipment import permit | Radioactive goods |
| 553550 | Ministry of Environment | Toxic or concerned chemical approval | Chemicals |
| Tobacco/Alcohol | National Treasury Administration | Tobacco and alcohol importer license | Tobacco and alcohol |
| CITES | ITA and Forestry authority | CITES import or export permit | CITES permit |
| 522Controlled drug | TFDA | Controlled drug import permit or consent letter | Controlled drugs |
| Petroleum | Energy Administration | Petroleum import business license or e-visa | Petroleum import |
| Arms/ammunition | National Police Agency | Generally prohibited for individuals; eligible entities must apply under law | Contact NPA |
| Antiques | Ministry of Culture | Permit for antiques, cultural heritage, or artworks | Contact BOCH |
| MW0MP1 | International Trade Administration | Mainland China goods: MW0 = import from mainland China prohibited, MP1 = conditionally allowed (exception: small quantities in Chapters 25–97 need no import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces, with a 40 kg limit only for goods that cannot be counted; electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify) | Mainland goods |
Code ranges are summarized for quick reading. Always confirm the exact current requirement by checking the CCC tariff line in the official ITA system.
Common import regulation codes
These are common codes seen in Taiwan import clearance. The official CCC tariff query result remains authoritative.
What is code 121?
The goods require an import permit issued by the International Trade Administration before customs clearance.
What is code 111?
The goods are controlled imports and need special approval before the import permit process.
What are C01 and C02?
C01 means batch commodity inspection. C02 may use product certification registration.
What is F01?
Food goods must apply for TFDA import inspection before clearance.
What are F02, 508, and 511?
These TFDA codes usually cover food-related utensils, additives, and tablet or capsule food products.
What is B01?
Animal or plant quarantine is required before clearance.
What are 503 and 504?
503 covers human drugs. 504 covers medical devices.
What is 401?
Agricultural approval documents may be required, often for seeds, seedlings, or agricultural products.
What are MW0 and MP1?
MW0 = import from mainland China is prohibited; MP1 = mainland Chinese goods are conditionally permitted (where the special requirement MXX is listed, MXX must be followed).
Exception: small quantities of mainland Chinese goods in Chapters 25–97 may be imported without an import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces (40 kg if it cannot be counted; a single product is identified by its model number, or by the line item on the declaration if there is no model number, and may not be split by size, specification or colour; stone under heading 6802 and tiles under heading 6907 must meet both 24 pieces and 40 kg). Electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers (tariff lines 8711.60.10, 8711.60.20 and 8543.70.99.50) are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify. Inspection, quarantine and other import requirements must still be met separately. Under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announcement, MP1 industrial products carrying the special requirement MXX are also exempt from the MXX requirement within the same conditions.
Exception: small quantities of mainland Chinese goods in Chapters 25–97 may be imported without an import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces (40 kg if it cannot be counted; a single product is identified by its model number, or by the line item on the declaration if there is no model number, and may not be split by size, specification or colour; stone under heading 6802 and tiles under heading 6907 must meet both 24 pieces and 40 kg). Electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers (tariff lines 8711.60.10, 8711.60.20 and 8543.70.99.50) are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify. Inspection, quarantine and other import requirements must still be met separately. Under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announcement, MP1 industrial products carrying the special requirement MXX are also exempt from the MXX requirement within the same conditions.
3. Agency Application Guides
Choose the guide that matches your goods and authority.
- ITA import permit, 121/111, MW0/MP1
- BSMI commodity inspection
- TFDA food import inspection
- TFDA drug and medical device registration
- TFDA cosmetic product listing
- Animal and plant quarantine
- Agricultural import permits
- NCC RF device import approval
- Radioactive material import permit
- Toxic chemical import approval
- Tobacco and alcohol importer license
- CITES permit
- Controlled drug import permit
- Petroleum import business permit
4. Prohibited and Controlled Imports
Prohibited or highly controlled
- Mainland China goods MW0: prohibited from import from mainland China; a special-case import permit can be requested from the International Trade Administration. Exception: small quantities in Chapters 25–97 need no import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces, with a 40 kg limit only for goods that cannot be counted; electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify; inspection, quarantine and other import requirements still apply.
- Arms, ammunition, and controlled knives: generally prohibited for individuals.
- Controlled import list, code 111: special ITA approval is required first.
- Hazardous industrial waste: highly controlled and subject to treatment and reuse permits.
- Penalties for imports without authorization: Anyone who imports goods without obtaining the required import permit, or imports controlled goods, will be deemed by Customs to have evaded controls under the Customs Anti-smuggling Act (海關緝私條例) and may face a fine of up to three times the value of the goods or confiscation of the goods. The case will also be referred to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Under Article 28 of the Foreign Trade Act (貿易法), the Ministry of Economic Affairs may issue a warning, impose a fine of TWD 60,000 to TWD 3,000,000, or suspend the importer or exporter from importing or exporting goods for a period of one month to one year. In serious cases, its registration as an importer/exporter may also be revoked. In June 2026, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that, as of the end of ROC year 114, it had imposed penalties in 3,071 cases referred by Customs involving the unlawful importation of food products from mainland China. Imports were suspended for two months for each customs declaration, and the importer/exporter qualifications of 16 companies and business firms were revoked. The four categories of mainland Chinese products—including wax bottle candy, luosifen (snail rice noodles), latiao (spicy gluten strips), and spicy peanuts—are not permitted imports under the Regulations Governing Trade Between Taiwan Area and Mainland Area (臺灣地區與大陸地區貿易許可辦法). They may not be imported without case-specific approval from the International Trade Administration. Always verify the import requirements before purchasing food products from mainland China online.
5. Three Steps to Check Your Goods
- Find the CCC 11-digit code in the customs tariff query system.
- Check the import regulation code in the ITA import/export regulation query.
- Use HowBridge Logistics tools to match the tariff code, show import rules, and prepare customs documents.
6. FAQ
How do I apply for an import permit? What does it cost and how long does approval take?
Apply online at the Ministry of Economic Affairs International Trade Administration “Import/Export Commodity Electronic Visa System”, free of charge. With complete documents, approval takes approximately 1 working day; download and print the permit after approval (paper certificates are no longer issued). Legal basis: the MOEA International Trade Administration Regulations Governing Import of Commodities (貨品輸入管理辦法). Apply online: Import/Export Commodity Electronic Visa System.
How long is an import permit valid? Can it be extended?
An import permit is valid for six months from its date of issuance under Article 13 of the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities (貨品輸入管理辦法). If the goods cannot be shipped from the original port of departure within the permit's validity period, an extension may be requested within one month before the permit expires. Each extension may not exceed six months, and no more than two extensions may be granted under Article 15 of the same Regulations. However, no extension is permitted for goods that the International Trade Administration has announced must be imported within the specified period. A shorter validity period may also be issued for particular goods or imports from particular regions, while a longer validity period may be issued with case-specific approval.
Is an import permit always required? When is it exempt?
Not necessarily. Goods not included in the List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction may be imported without a permit if any of the following conditions applies: ① the importer is a business, government agency, state-owned enterprise, or public or private school under Article 7 of the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities (貨品輸入管理辦法); ② a person or entity not regularly engaged in importing brings in the goods by sea, air, or postal parcel, and their FOB value does not exceed USD 20,000 or the equivalent; ③ the goods are personal baggage carried by an arriving passenger or by ship or aircraft service personnel, and their quantity and value fall within the limits prescribed by Customs; or ④ the goods are duty-free articles for diplomatic missions, humanitarian relief supplies, or similar items. The exemptions in items ② through ④ are provided under Article 9 of the same Regulations. Conversely, if the goods are included in the List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction, or if a regulatory inspection code appears in the import requirements column of the tariff schedule, the corresponding documents must still be obtained in advance.
What is the legal basis for import permits, and how is the requirement determined?
The main legal basis is the Foreign Trade Act and the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities, and applications go through the International Trade Administration's electronic visa system. Whether a given item needs an import permit is determined by the import regulation code in the “import requirements” column of its CCC tariff code: blank = no import permit required; 121 = an import permit must first be applied for from the International Trade Administration, MOEA.
How do I know whether my goods need an import permit?
Look at the import regulation code in the import requirements column of the goods' CCC tariff code. A blank column means no import permit is required; if a code is listed, you must obtain the corresponding document from the competent authority concerned.
What is the difference between an import permit, examination, quarantine and inspection?
They are all regulatory steps that come before declaration. An import permit is the granting of a permission; examination and inspection usually involve submitting the goods for testing; quarantine guards against disease and pests.
Which goods are prohibited from import?
Mainland China goods coded MW0, firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, and the items on the List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction all call for particular care.
Do small personal-use imports also require a permit?
It depends on the goods and the declared value. Generally, non-restricted import goods may be exempt from permit requirements, but food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animals, plants, and similar items are still subject to the regulations of the relevant competent authority.
What documents does a customs broker need to file a formal customs declaration?
Typically required: a packing list, commercial invoice, bill of lading, and any inspection/approval documents or permit numbers corresponding to the goods.
What happens if you import controlled goods without a permit? How large are the penalties?
You may be penalized separately by two authorities. Customs: Under the Customs Anti-smuggling Act (海關緝私條例), the violation will be deemed an evasion of controls and may result in a fine of up to three times the value of the goods or confiscation of the goods; Customs may also order the goods to be returned. Ministry of Economic Affairs: Under Article 28 of the Foreign Trade Act (貿易法), the International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs may issue a warning, impose a fine of TWD 60,000 to TWD 3,000,000, or suspend the importer or exporter from importing or exporting goods for a period of one month to one year. In serious cases, its registration as an importer/exporter may also be revoked. Example: In June 2026, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that, as of the end of ROC year 114, it had imposed penalties in 3,071 cases referred by Customs involving the unlawful importation of food products from mainland China. Imports were suspended for two months for each customs declaration, and the importer/exporter qualifications of 16 companies and business firms were revoked. Always check the import requirements before purchasing food products from mainland China online to avoid violating the law.
What is code 121?
It means an import permit from the International Trade Administration is required.
What is import regulation code MW0?
It means import from mainland China is prohibited; beyond the exception below, a special-case import permit may be requested from the International Trade Administration. Exception: small quantities of mainland Chinese goods in Chapters 25–97 may be imported without an import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces (40 kg if it cannot be counted; a single product is identified by its model number, or by the line item on the declaration if there is no model number, and may not be split by size, specification or colour; stone under heading 6802 and tiles under heading 6907 must meet both 24 pieces and 40 kg). Electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers (tariff lines 8711.60.10, 8711.60.20 and 8543.70.99.50) are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify. Inspection, quarantine and other import requirements must still be met separately.
How long does it take to obtain an import permit from the International Trade Administration?
The International Trade Administration's “import and export of goods” application-process page states a processing time of 1 working day (counted once the supporting documents are complete, and excluding time spent liaising with other competent authorities); the My E-Government application page says “handled as received once the documents are complete,” with no application fee. Both assume complete documents and exclude liaison with other authorities, so neither can be taken as a guaranteed turnaround for every case. If the goods are MW0 mainland China items that are not open for import, you must first obtain a case-specific approval letter through the International Trade Administration's case-by-case application letter registration before you can apply for an I/P; the Administration's FAQ suggests allowing 1 to 2 months.
Can an individual without importer/exporter registration apply for an import permit?
Yes, subject to conditions. Under Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities (貨品輸入管理辦法), an individual not regularly engaged in importing who brings in goods outside the List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction by sea, air or postal parcel is exempt from a permit where the FOB value does not exceed USD 20,000; above that, a permit must be applied for from the International Trade Administration, and specified items imported under permit are limited to the applicant's own use unless the Administration grants case-specific approval (paragraph 3 of the same article). The application is likewise made on cfgate with an ordinary account (the Administration's FAQ on when a general import permit is needed states the same rule; an individual can apply for a regulatory-system account with their national ID card). The exemption covers only the Administration's permit — the examination, inspection and quarantine requirements of other competent authorities still apply.
This page is a general guide. Import regulation codes, agency procedures, and document requirements are subject to the latest official announcements. For specific cases, consult the responsible authority or a licensed customs broker.
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