TWVerified 2026-07-22
Taiwan - Import & Export Regulatory Guide
Taiwan's customs is administered by the Customs Administration (MoF) using the CPT electronic clearance platform. Strategic High-Tech Commodities (SHTC) export controls are administered by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) at MoEA, tightly aligned with Wassenaar and export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment.
Regulatory authorities
Customs entry, CPT filings, valuation, AEO.
Import/export licences, SHTC controls, trade remedy.
Product safety and conformity mark.
FDA (TFDA)
Food, drug, cosmetic, medical device registration.
Licensing regimes
| Licence | Scope | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Import/Export licence | Regulated HS codes per Table of Commodity Control (mostly automatic; manual for sensitive). | BOFT |
| SHTC export licence | Strategic high-tech commodities incl. advanced ICs, semiconductor equipment, drones. | BOFT |
| BSMI Type Approval / RPC | Electrical, RF, gas appliances, toys, machinery. | BSMI |
| TFDA product registration | Pharma, medical devices, cosmetics, food supplement. | TFDA |
Prohibited goods
- · Certain products from PRC on the Negative List (dynamic).
- · IPR-infringing goods.
- · Cultural relics without export permit.
- · CITES-listed species.
Restricted goods
- · Advanced semiconductor equipment and dual-use nodes - SHTC export licence.
- · Rice - state buyer (Council of Agriculture) & TRQ.
- · Agricultural products in-season - variable duty.
- · Chemicals - EPA / TCSA registration.
Labelling requirements
- · Traditional Chinese-language labelling on regulated consumer goods.
- · BSMI Type Approval sticker on regulated electrical products.
- · TFDA registration number on food/pharma packaging.
- · Country of origin per Foreign Trade Act.
Sanctions overlay
- · Aligned with US export controls on advanced semiconductors to PRC (Oct 2022 & 2023 rules echoed).
- · UN measures implemented as domestic policy though Taiwan is not a UN member.
- · MJIB financial-sector AML/CFT screening.
Dispute resolution
Customs objection within 30 days; Petition Committee; onward Administrative Court. CAA (Chinese Arbitration Association, Taipei) is the primary institutional forum. Taiwan is not a NY Convention party but honours foreign awards via Arbitration Law reciprocity.
Key official sources
Frequently asked questions
How do Taiwan's SHTC controls compare to US EAR?
Taiwan's SHTC list closely mirrors Wassenaar and, since 2022, US EAR §734.9 FDPR-style rules on advanced ICs (≤14/16nm logic, ≤128-layer NAND, ≤18nm DRAM) and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. TSMC, UMC and MediaTek operate under both regimes simultaneously - shipments to PRC MCF end users need Taiwan and often US licences.
Is Taiwan a New York Convention party?
Taiwan is not a NY Convention party due to its UN status. Foreign arbitral awards can still be recognised and enforced under Taiwan's Arbitration Law if the seat country grants reciprocity. Practical drafting: arbitrate in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taipei under CAA rules to preserve enforcement.
Templates & guides
Compliance templates
Essential documentation for physical trade flows with ${c.country} counterparties.
Templates
How-to guides