How to Export from Taiwan: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a freight forwarding expert, I often help businesses navigate the export process from Taiwan. Whether you’re shipping electronics, textiles, or sensitive goods, understanding Taiwan’s export procedures can save you time, costs, and headaches. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key steps of exporting from Taiwan, including customs clearance, declaration types, and practical tips for smoother operations.
Step 1: Prepare Export Documentation
Before your cargo can leave Taiwan, you’ll need to prepare the following standard export documents:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Export Declaration (EDI format)
Bill of Lading (Sea Freight) or Air Waybill (Air Freight)
Certificate of Origin (if required by the destination country)
Special certificates such as MSDS or phytosanitary certificates, depending on your cargo type.
Having accurate and complete documentation is the foundation of a smooth export process.
Step 2: Submit Your Export Declaration
In Taiwan, all export declarations are submitted electronically via the Trade-Van Network, which is linked to the Customs Administration. The system operates 24/7, especially for air cargo, allowing customs brokers or exporters to declare shipments at any time.
Once submitted, the declaration will be categorized into one of three clearance channels:
C1 (Low-Risk): No document or cargo inspection. Immediate release.
May still require post-clearance paper submission.
If eligible, may qualify for paperless C1NP processing.
C2 (Moderate-Risk): Document review required. Cargo is not physically inspected unless requested.
C3 (High-Risk): Both documentation and physical cargo inspection are required.
Customs uses a risk assessment system to determine the clearance category, and this is done automatically once your declaration is matched with warehouse entry data.
Step 3: Coordinate Cargo Warehouse Entry
To trigger the customs clearance process, your cargo must first be entered into an export warehouse. Once warehouse entry is confirmed electronically, the system compares this information with your declaration.
Tips:
Send cargo to the warehouse early, especially before weekends or public holidays.
Work with warehouse providers that can quickly transmit entry data to customs.
Step 4: Understand Operational Hours and Overtime Rules
While you can submit declarations 24/7, customs offices have specific hours for reviewing and releasing shipments:
Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Shipments filed before 6:30 PM on weekdays or 12:00 noon on Saturdays are generally cleared the same day.
Outside these hours, customs clearance is available by appointment, with overtime inspection fees:
NT$1,300 for shipments over USD 5,000 (FOB)
NT$650 for shipments under USD 5,000 (FOB)
For the same exporter with similar cargo inspected at the same time and location, only one fee applies
Step 5: Receive Release & Ship Out
Once customs approves your declaration (C1/C2/C3 cleared), your goods are ready for export:
For sea freight, your forwarder will handle container booking and loading with the carrier.
For air freight, cargo is delivered to the air terminal and checked into the airline’s system for departure.
Make sure you or your forwarder keeps all documentation, especially C1 declarations, for at least five years, as required by Taiwanese regulations.
Step 6: Post-Clearance Audit (If Applicable)
Taiwan Customs may conduct post-clearance audits on selected shipments. As long as your declarations and cargo match, this is a routine check. Keeping accurate records ensures you stay compliant and maintain a good exporter profile.
Best Practices for a Smooth Export from Taiwan
Here are a few tips I’ve learned from years of experience:
Stagger export dates to avoid bottlenecks before holidays.
Distribute EDI submissions throughout the day to avoid system delays.
Avoid weekend or Monday flight departures for air cargo, when terminals are most congested.
Work with an experienced forwarder or customs broker who understands Taiwan’s clearance systems.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan offers an efficient, digitalized export system that supports fast clearance—especially for air cargo. Still, success lies in preparation, timing, and partnering with the right logistics provider. If you’re planning to export from Taiwan and want expert support through every step, I’m here to help.
Let’s make your export process simple, compliant, and cost-effective.
