Taiwan continues to be a promising trade partner for Thai exporters, especially in the B2B space. According to OEC World, in 2023 alone, Thailand exported over US$5.42 billion worth of goods to Chinese Taipei, with top exports including integrated circuits, office machine parts, and air conditioners1. Other in-demand products such as canned goods, dried fruits, and spices have also found success among Taiwanese importers seeking quality Southeast Asian goods.
As the exports from Thailand to Taiwan steadily grow, navigating the logistics and compliance process becomes increasingly important. This guide breaks down how to send parcels from Thailand to Taiwan smoothly — from market insights and required documentation to tips for using DHL’s global shipping expertise to streamline delivery.
Understanding Taiwan’s customs taxes and regulations
When it comes to shipping to Taiwan from Thailand, understanding customs regulations is essential for smooth delivery. All goods imported into Taiwan are subject to a customs tariff based on their HS code, along with a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Depending on the product category, additional duties or permits may apply — especially for restricted items.
Taiwan’s customs authorities impose specific clearance rules on certain goods. For example, these items are considered restricted but may be imported with proper documentation and licencing:
- Household removal goods and antiques
- Motor vehicles
- Alcohol under five liters
- Dogs, cats, and other live animals
- Wooden packaging materials
- Select products manufactured in the People’s Republic of China
- Conversely, there are prohibited goods that cannot be imported under any circumstances:
- Counterfeit currency, security notes, or forgery tools
- Live wildlife or protected animal products
- Weapons, firearms, toy guns, and imitation swords
- Items that violate intellectual property rights
Some restricted items may be permitted through Taiwan customs with pre-approved licences. Thai exporters engaging in international shipping to Taiwan must verify product-specific requirements before dispatch. Failure to do so may result in delays, fines, or even confiscation of the shipment — typically at the receiver’s cost.
Essential documents for sending packages/parcels to Taiwan
Accurate and complete documentation is the foundation of successful international shipping from Thailand. For Thai exporters sending goods to Taiwan, proper paperwork not only ensures smooth customs clearance but also helps avoid delays, fines, or even returned shipments. Here's a breakdown of the key documents you’ll need:
- Commercial invoice: Outlines the transaction value, product details, and terms of sale. It’s used by customs to assess duties and taxes.
- Packing list: Lists all items in the shipment, including their dimensions, weight, and packaging details.
- Air Waybill (AWB): Serves as the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and provides a tracking reference for the shipment.
- Certificate of Origin (COO): Certifies the country of manufacture, which is crucial for determining tariff eligibility and preferential duty rates.
- Import/export licence: Required for regulated goods. Thai businesses can obtain this through Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade.
- Customs declaration form: Must be submitted to Taiwan Customs within 15 days of the shipment’s arrival to avoid late penalties (NT$200 per day after the deadline).
- Purchase Order (PO): Acts as an official confirmation of the buyer’s request and the seller’s obligation.
Updated customs clearance procedures in Taiwan
Recent regulatory updates have introduced additional measures for importers into Taiwan. Here’s what Thai exporters should be aware of:
- Real Name Authentication (RNA): Since 1 July 2022, recipients in Taiwan must authenticate inbound shipments via the EZWAY Customs app2. This one-time registration links their mobile number to incoming waybills, ensuring secure identification and faster clearance.
- De minimis rules (B2B & B2C): Imports below NT$2,000 are tax-exempt up to six shipments per half-year. Additional shipments may be taxed or delayed based on Taiwan Customs' discretion.
- Threshold-based requirements:
- ≤ NT$2,000: No duties, taxes, or fees apply.
- > NT$2,000 to NT$50,000: Requires a signed Power of Attorney (POA) and payment of all applicable charges. A GUI (Government Uniform Invoice) number from the consignee expedites the process.
- > NT$50,000: Requires POA, GUI number, payment of duties and taxes, and may incur an additional clearance delay of up to 48 hours.
- Delayed declarations: Import declarations must be completed within 15 days of arrival. After that, daily fines apply. After 35 days without declaration, Taiwan Customs may confiscate the goods or return them to Thailand — with charges billed to the importer.
- Consignee requirements: The consignee’s name, phone number, and address must match exactly. Phone numbers must follow Taiwan’s format (+886 xxx xxx xxx). Failure to match registered information or provide POA documents may result in failed deliveries.
- Wood packaging material (WPM): Any wood packaging used must comply with ISPM 15 standards3 — either heat treated or fumigated — and be clearly marked with the official IPPC stamp.
Your responsibilities as the Thai exporter
When exporting goods from Thailand to Taiwan, your role extends beyond shipping logistics. As the sender, you are responsible for ensuring that all requirements are met on both ends to prevent delays, fines, or failed deliveries.
One of the key responsibilities is to ensure that your recipient in Taiwan is prepared for customs clearance. Under the RNA system implemented by Taiwan Customs, all recipients must download the EZWAY Customs application and complete a one-time registration using their mobile number. This step is mandatory before any shipment can be cleared, as recipients will need to authenticate incoming shipments through the app. It is therefore essential to inform your customers about this requirement in advance.
In addition, you must collect accurate contact details from the recipient, including their local Taiwanese mobile number and email address. These details are necessary when generating the DHL shipment and are used for notifications or if customs officers need to reach the consignee for clarification. Missing or incorrect contact information can cause processing delays or lead to the return of the shipment.
Best practices for packaging your shipments
In addition to meeting customs and documentation requirements, proper packaging plays a vital role in ensuring your goods arrive in Taiwan safely and undamaged. For Thai exporters, this is especially important when shipping high-value items like electronics, machinery parts, or fragile goods such as dried fruits or canned food.
Each shipment should be packed securely using sturdy, double-walled cartons appropriate for the item’s size and weight. Use internal cushioning materials — such as bubble wrap, foam inserts, or air pillows — to prevent movement during transit. Fragile or delicate items should be individually wrapped and placed in the centre of the package, away from edges and corners.
Make sure that all packaging is sealed with high-quality tape, ideally applied in an ‘H-taping’ method to reinforce seams and prevent accidental openings. Avoid reusing old boxes, as weakened cardboard may compromise the integrity of your package during international handling.
Why choose DHL Express for shipping from Thailand to Taiwan
When it comes to cross-border trade, choosing the right logistics partner can make all the difference — not only in terms of speed and reliability but also in managing the overall cost of shipping to Taiwan. Thai exporters looking for the cheapest courier service from Thailand to Taiwan may initially compare surface-level pricing, but the real value lies in seamless delivery, customs expertise, and end-to-end visibility.
With DHL Express, businesses gain more than just shipping. Our international network is built for time-critical deliveries, offering efficient ways to ship to Taiwan without compromising on efficiency. From streamlined documentation support to real-time tracking and proactive customs clearance, our solutions are designed to reduce delays, minimise penalties, and help you meet customer expectations consistently.
Moreover, DHL Express offers tailored guidance and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), making it easier to grow your business beyond borders. Whether you're sending electronics, machinery, packaged foods or high-value components, we help simplify each step — so you can focus on fulfilling demand, not worrying about logistics.
Open a DHL Express business account today and unlock preferential rates, expert shipping tools, and a dedicated support team ready to help your business succeed internationally.
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