Export to Taiwan: A guide for HK businesses

This guide will examine the key considerations, processes, and logistics of exporting to Taiwan, highlighting how DHL Express can be your indispensable partner in navigating this exciting market. From understanding necessary documentation to smooth customs clearance and efficient delivery, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully ship from Hong Kong to Taiwan.

Why export to Taiwan?

The economic relationship between Hong Kong and Taiwan is robust and continually growing. In 2024, Taiwan was Hong Kong's 2nd largest trading partner, with total merchandise trade between the two economies amounting to HK$697.4 billion.¹ This signifies a strong foundation for international exports and presents numerous opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.

Taiwanese consumers are increasingly drawn to Hong Kong’s diverse offerings. Popular categories for export to Taiwan include jewellery, consumer electronics, health and beauty products, and packaged foods. The demand for unique, high-quality, and niche products from Hong Kong resonates well with Taiwan's discerning consumer base.

Furthermore, Taiwan boasts a highly digitalized and online-shopping-savvy population. According to GlobalData, the e-commerce market in Taiwan is projected to reach US$64.3 billion by 2029, driven by high internet penetration and a growing trust in online shopping.² Cross-border e-commerce accounts for a significant portion of this market, demonstrating a strong appetite for international goods. This makes exporting to Taiwan particularly appealing for Hong Kong businesses with a strong online presence.

What you need for export to Taiwan

Navigating the specifics of exporting goods to Taiwan requires attention to detail. Proper preparation of documents required for export of services and adherence to local regulations are crucial for seamless customs clearance in Taiwan.

Business registration and export permits

For most consumer goods, Hong Kong exporters typically do not require special export permits when shipping goods to Taiwan. Hong Kong maintains a free trade policy, which simplifies the export and import process. However, the type of product you are shipping can significantly influence the requirements. For instance, categories like cosmetics, food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics may require additional paperwork, certifications, or even specific import licenses from the Taiwanese authorities. It is always advisable to check the latest regulations for your specific product category.

Commercial invoices and documentation

Accurate and complete documentation is the backbone of successful international shipping. When you ship to Taiwan, you will typically need:

• Commercial shipping invoice: This important document details the transaction, including the seller and buyer information, a clear description of the goods, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, and Harmonized System (HS) codes.
• Packing list: This lists the contents of each package within your shipment, including dimensions and weight.
• Airway bill (AWB) / Bill of lading (BOL): This is a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier, providing details about the shipment and serving as a receipt for the goods.

DHL Express understands the complexities of international documentation and can provide assistance with preparing these essential forms, helping you avoid potential delays.

Labelling and packaging requirements

Taiwan has specific product labelling rules that exporters must adhere to. Most notably, product labels must generally be in traditional Chinese characters. Key information such as product name, ingredients (if applicable), net content, manufacturer/importer details, and country of origin should be clearly displayed. For food products, nutritional information and expiry dates are also mandatory.

Beyond labelling, protective packaging is vital, especially for fragile items like electronics and perishables. Robust international shipping practices, including adequate cushioning, sturdy outer boxes, and tamper-proof sealing, are crucial to ensure your goods arrive in pristine condition.

International trends for packaging are also moving towards more sustainable packaging with reusable and biodegradable materials together with a “less is more” approach.

Customs clearance and duties in Taiwan

Understanding customs clearance procedures and import duties in Taiwan is key to avoiding unexpected costs and delays.

HS codes and product classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code is a globally standardized numbering system for classifying traded products. Understanding HS codes and correctly identifying them for your goods is paramount. An incorrect HS code can lead to delays, incorrect duties and taxes being applied, or even penalties. DHL Express can assist in proper product classification to ensure smooth processing.

Import duties and taxes

Taiwan calculates customs duties based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the imported goods. The duty rates vary widely depending on the product's HS code and origin. In addition to customs duties, a 5% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is applied to most goods imported into Taiwan. This import tax in Taiwan is usually calculated on the sum of the CIF value and the customs duty.

To estimate these costs accurately, shippers can make use of MyGTS (My Global Trade Services), an online platform by DHL Express which you can use to get estimated duty and tax information for your shipments. To enhance the customer experience, DHL Express also offers a convenient pre-paid duties and taxes feature. This means the sender can choose to pay the import duties and VAT upfront, ensuring that the recipient in Taiwan does not incur unexpected charges upon delivery, which can significantly improve customer satisfaction.

Restricted or regulated items

Certain items are restricted or regulated when undergoing Taiwan imports. These commonly include:

• Food products: Requiring specific health certificates, ingredient lists, and often subject to inspections by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA).
• Health supplements: Similar to food products, these often face stringent regulations and require TFDA approval.
• Cosmetics: May require ingredient declarations and specific permits, especially "medicated" cosmetics.
• Lithium batteries: Subject to strict IATA regulations for air transport due to their hazardous nature.
• Pharmaceuticals: Require specific import licenses and are tightly controlled.

The Taipei Customs Administration provides a full list of items subject to regulations and banned items³ on their website. It is highly recommended to check with the Taiwan Customs Administration or consult with DHL Express before exporting to Taiwan any potentially regulated items to ensure compliance.

How to ship from Hong Kong to Taiwan with DHL Express

Partnering with DHL Express for your international shipping needs makes shipping to Taiwan significantly simpler and more reliable.

Express delivery timelines

DHL Express is recognized for its speed and efficiency. Standard delivery time for shipments from Hong Kong to Taiwan is typically 1-2 working days. This rapid transit time is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, especially in fast-paced e-commerce environments, and for preserving the integrity of time-sensitive goods. Timely delivery builds customer trust and enhances your brand's reputation.

DHL’s cross-border shipping tools

MyDHL+ is your go-to online platform for managing all your shipments. It allows for seamless shipment creation, customs documentation preparation, and real-time tracking of your parcels. Once your goods ship from Hong Kong to Taiwan, you can monitor their journey every step of the way. Additionally, DHL’s On-Demand Delivery service offers Taiwan-based customers flexible delivery options, such as rescheduling delivery, leaving the shipment with a neighbor, or picking it up from a service point, catering to their convenience.

Customs expertise and local delivery network

DHL Express boasts extensive customs expertise, helping to ensure smooth customs clearance in Taiwan. Our dedicated teams are well-versed in local regulations, minimizing delays and ensuring compliance. Furthermore, our robust local delivery network across Taiwan guarantees reliable door-to-door, contactless delivery, even to remote areas. This comprehensive service means your customers receive their orders efficiently and securely.

Start exporting to Taiwan with DHL Express

Taiwan represents a high-potential market for Hong Kong exporters, offering a blend of cultural familiarity, robust trade ties, and a growing appetite for cross-border e-commerce. With the right preparation and the support of a reliable logistics partner, exporting to Taiwan can be a simple and highly scalable endeavor for your business.