Before entering Taiwan, it’s important for us to be aware of items that are prohibited or restricted in the country. Just like in other places around the world, Taiwan limits certain things that enter the country; otherwise these could affect the natural ecosystem or pose a danger to the country’s people and natural environment.
In this article, we will go over products or items that are prohibited or restricted in Taiwan. In the case of restricted items, we will also discuss “how much” is allowed, and where you, as a traveler, can obtain permission for these products to be allowed into the country.
Prohibited and Regulated Items in Taiwan
Below is a list of prohibited and restricted or regulated items in Taiwan. These include agricultural and food products, medicines, veterinary drugs, cosmetics, and other items.
Agricultural and Food Products
When it comes to agricultural and food products, there are certain things that are outright banned/not allowed, and there are things that may be allowed in limited quantities.
Banned Products
First, let’s start with banned items/products. The list includes:
- Live animals and products made from animals;
- Fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables; and
- Seeds, live plants, and products made from them.
NOTE: Dried or marinated aquatic products may be allowed, as long as they meet the allowed quantities and packaging. Meanwhile, domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits may be allowed, provided that the owners follow quarantine regulations.
Similarly, for travelers who are bringing plants and pets for their outbound trips, they must go to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine inside the airport to follow proper export quarantine procedures.
Additionally, anyone who plans to bring agricultural/farm products into Taiwan must first inquire with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Bureau of the Agricultural Committee.
Allowed in Limited Quantities
Certain agricultural products may be allowed in Taiwan, provided that they are carried in limited quantities (up to 6 kilograms in total). Notably, up to 1 kilogram each of the following products may be allowed: milled rice, prepared garlic, roasted or prepared peanut, dried day-lily flower, dried mushrooms, and tea.
Meanwhile, there are special regulations for products from China. Up to 1.2 kilograms each of dried shark’s fin, dried scallops, dried abalone, and edible bird’s nest may be allowed. You may also bring up to 6 cans each of canned products.
Food Inspection
A food inspection is necessary if the food products you have brought meet one or more of these conditions: (a) the quantity of one kind exceeds 6 kilograms; or (b) the total value of one kind is more than USD 1,000.
If this is the case, a food inspection shall be done by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), the agency in charge of regulating food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics in Taiwan.
Regulations on Endangered Species
When bringing in endangered species of plants or animals, a certificate from the relevant authority is necessary. For example, if the endangered species is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a certificate must be obtained from the management authority of the state of export.
Meanwhile, for species that are regulated by Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act, a certificate must be acquired from the Forest Bureau, Council of Agriculture (for protected land species), or from the Ocean Conservation Administration (for protected marine species).
Medicines
If you need to bring medicine into Taiwan, it needs to comply with the following rules: (a) it is for personal use only; and (b) the amount carried must be within the allowable quantities.
And when it comes to allowed quantities, the regulations vary for Western medicine and Chinese medicine.
Western Medicine
For Western medicine that is non-prescription, up to 12 containers (i.e. box, bottle, can) per type is allowed, with the total number of containers not more than 36. Beyond this quantity, you need to obtain a permit from the TFDA to clear customs.
For prescription medicine, this depends on whether you are bringing controlled drugs or other medicines. For controlled drugs with prescription, you can bring up to 6 months’ worth of supply. Beyond this, you’ll need to have a statement certified by the TFDA.
For other medicines, you can bring up to a 2 months’ supply (without a prescription or supporting document), or up to a 6 months’ supply if you have a prescription. Beyond these quantities, you’ll need to acquire a permit from the TFDA.
NOTE: For injectable medicines, a prescription is required.
Chinese Medicine
If you are bringing Chinese medicine, note that up to 1 kilogram of each type of “ingredient” is allowed, and you can bring up to a maximum of 12 types of ingredients. Meanwhile, you can bring up to 12 containers (boxes or bottles) of each type of “preparations,” and up to a maximum of 36 containers.
Beyond these limits, you need to present medical documents, which would allow you to carry up to 3 months supply of Chinese medicine. In addition, you’ll need to obtain a permit issued by the Department of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy to clear customs.
Food Preparations, Contact Lenses
With regard to food preparations, be it in tablet or capsule form, you can bring up to 12 containers (boxes, bottles, cans) per type, and up to a maximum of 36 containers. As for contact lenses, you can bring up to 60 pieces of contact lenses with the same diopters, and up to 2 diopters of the same brand.
Beyond the above quantities, you’ll need to get a permit issued by the TFDA to clear customs.
Veterinary Drugs
If you plan to bring veterinary drugs, make sure that these drugs: (a) will be used for your own pets only; (b) are not prohibited veterinary drugs; and (a) comply with the limits on amount.
Prescription Drugs
For prescription veterinary drugs, you can bring up to a 3 months supply. Also, make sure that the dosage does not exceed what is stated on the prescription.
Non-Prescription Drugs
Meanwhile, for non-prescription veterinary drugs, you can bring up to 6 kinds, and up to 6 containers of each kind. Furthermore, make sure that the total amount does not exceed 18 bottles, 180 drops, 1 kilograms, or 1 liter altogether.
Cosmetics
As for beauty products or cosmetics, you can bring them into Taiwan, as long as they are intended for personal use only. There is no specific limit on the amount you can bring, but as a general rule, you can bring 2-3 “sticks” per type, and about 12 sticks in total.
Another rule to remember is that you cannot bring “glass ampoule cosmetics” into Taiwan without prior approval from the TFDA.
Other Items
Other prohibited or restricted items include BSMI designated items, controlled telecommunication radio-frequency devices, weapons, explosives, illegal drugs, and contraband materials.
BSMI Designated Items
These refer to items designated by the Bureau of Standards, Meteorology, and Inspection (BSMI). Such items include tablets, notebooks, TVs, speakers, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, protective helmets, baby supplies, and toys.
If these items are intended for personal use only, then prior approval is not required. However, if the quantity of these items are more than the prescribed limits, then prior approval is necessary.
Controlled Telecommunication Radio-Frequency Devices
As for controlled telecommunication radio-frequency devices (CTRFDs), prior approval is not required for less than 5 pieces of these items: wireless telecommunications terminal equipment (TTE), and low-power radio-frequency devices (LPD) such as walkie-talkies and devices with bluetooth or WiFi functions.
On the other hand, prior approval is necessary for mobile satellite earth stations and small satellite earth stations.
Weapons and Explosives
All types of firearms, knives, words, and other weapons are strictly prohibited, along with explosive and all types of ammunition.
Illegal Drugs
Illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are strictly prohibited, while controlled substances may be allowed only with a valid prescription.
Counterfeit Products
These include counterfeit money, securities, and other products that infringe on intellectual property rights.
Contraband Materials
These include gambling equipment, obscene materials, and certain publications.
Important Reminders
To avoid any problems with regard to bringing various items into Taiwan, take note of these reminders:
- Always check your product ingredients. Read their labels to see if they contain any meat, plants, or other ingredients that may be prohibited or restricted. For example, even your instant noodles may be confiscated, since these usually contain meat-derived ingredients like “chicken bouillon” or “beef oil.” The same goes for crackers and snacks that contain “meat flavor.”
- Check the amount you plan to bring. As you can see, Taiwan imposes limits on certain food products, medicines, and supplements. You may be allowed to bring them, but only if you meet the required limit. Otherwise, you’ll need to acquire a permit or certificate from the TFDA or other authorities.
- When in doubt, ask! If you are not sure about bringing a certain kind of food, medicine, or other products into Taiwan — it wouldn’t hurt to ask the authorities. For more details about prohibited or restricted items, you can visit the official website of Taipei Customs.
For reasons of safety and security, live animals, plants, animal and plant products, medicines, and other items are prohibited or regulated. Let us make sure that we comply with the rules on these items, otherwise we will have to face fines and other consequences.
Before arriving in Taiwan, another thing you should consider is your digital arrival card, which is something that all incoming travelers must complete. Check out this article to know more about the Taiwan Digital Arrival Card.