Shipping Goods from USA to Taiwan
Taiwan is pretty stringent when it comes to the importation of goods and vehicles from any foreign country. Household goods must also not contain any prohibited items (this includes books and other forms of literature printed in China). Otherwise, these goods can be impounded, destroyed or exported back to the country and the consignee, fined for bringing such items into the country. Hopefully, these guidelines will help shippers with the process.
On household goods and personal effects
Personal effects only cover pieces of clothing, and they can only be imported, duty-free into the country, if they’re used. Used pieces of household goods can also be imported into the country, but their quantities are regulated per family. All appliances and electronics are dutiable and taxable, whether they’re used or new. They’re also regulated per family, so no family may be allowed to import more than one piece of TV, washing machine, or similar appliance into the country.
It’s advisable for consignees to consult the Embassy of Taiwan in the USA before shipping their household goods. They embassy can provide a list of allowable items per family. All new items are taxable and dutiable and must be packages separately from used, non-electronic, non-appliance household goods.
Household goods must be properly marked and listed in the inventory. The inventory should be in English and Taiwanese. It is advised for consignees not to attach the inventory for insurance with the inventory for shipment as this may cause confusion during clearance. All consignees must also be in Taiwan when the shipment arrives. Pertinent documents include the consignee’s passport (and the passports of each family member if applicable), Birth and Marriage Certificates if the consignee is a returning national, Residence Visa/ Alien Resident Visa and Work Permit, letter of authorization for the customs agent to clear items in behalf of the consignee, and the yellow page which is the Consignee’s Arrival Certificate.
The shipment must also arrive in Taiwan within six months of the consignee’s arrival. Any item with animal skin, ivory, or any material from an endangered animal must come with an approval certificate from the USA before it can be brought into Taiwan.
Diplomats may enjoy duty-free importation of their household goods from the USA into Taiwan as long as they can present their Diplomatic Passport and an inventory certified by the Embassy. It is understood that upon attaining these legal papers, all items in the shipment have passed diplomatic protocols.
On motor vehicles
Published information about vehicle imports pertain to private cars. Vehicles must not be shipped with household goods, and unless shipped with diplomatic privileges, these vehicles are dutiable and taxable. Taiwan also doesn’t allow the importation of untitled cars. Only vehicles older than 12 months and newer than 10 years are allowed into the country. Per family, only one car is allowed for import into Taiwan, and this vehicle must run with lead gasoline.
To be able to import vehicles into the country, the consignee must have the following documents:
i. The consignee’s passport. The name on the passport must be exactly the same as the name on the car’s title.
ii. The consignee’s residence visa
iii. The vehicles commercial invoice
iv. The consignee’s work certificate
v. The consignee’s license
vi. The vehicle’s registration and the original title
vii. A letter from the consignee’s Taiwan employer
viii. A complete description of the vehicle including the model, make, manufacturing year engine number, color, modifications, etc.
All vehicles cannot be imported into the country without an Import Permit. Similar documentations are necessary for the importation of private boats, motor homes and private air planes. The restrictions on these vehicles are bound to be more stringent. Commercial and Industrial vehicles are not prohibited from being imported into the country but they would need special permits. The information here is only a general guide. For more specific instructions, consignees should consult the Embassy of Taiwan in the USA before shipment.