How to Ship from the US to Taiwan: Complete 2026 Guide

Taiwan is one of those markets that doesn't get as much attention as Japan or South Korea, but it should. A population of 24 million with high internet penetration, strong purchasing power, and genuine enthusiasm for American products makes it a compelling destination for US-based e-commerce sellers. The logistics are manageable once you understand the customs system and the surprisingly low duty threshold that catches many first-time shippers off guard.

The Taiwan Market

Taiwan sits about 7,500 miles from the US West Coast, which puts it at the far end of the Pacific shipping routes. That distance means you're looking at higher base shipping costs than European destinations, but the trade-off is a consumer market that actively seeks out American brands — especially in electronics, health supplements, cosmetics, and fashion. English proficiency is common among younger Taiwanese consumers, though including Mandarin Chinese descriptions on customs forms and packing slips helps avoid confusion at customs and improves the delivery experience.

The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar, and the critical number to remember is TWD 2,000 — roughly 65 USD. That's Taiwan's import duty threshold, one of the lowest in Asia. Any shipment valued above this amount triggers customs duty and a 5 percent VAT charge. For sellers whose average order value hovers near this threshold, pricing strategy becomes important. A $60 product ships duty-free, but a $70 product can end up costing your customer an extra $10 to $15 in import charges at delivery.

Carrier Options by Speed and Budget

Express carriers get packages to Taiwan in 2 to 5 business days. FedEx International Priority, UPS Worldwide Express, and DHL Express all serve Taiwan reliably, with rates typically starting around $46 to $72 for a one-pound package. DHL has a particularly strong network across Asia and their customs clearance in Taiwan is consistently fast. FedEx and UPS are comparable in pricing and transit times, though FedEx tends to edge out on tracking granularity.

Standard shipping in the 7-to-14-day range brings costs down substantially, with rates around $32 to $58 for a one-pound package. USPS Priority Mail International falls into this window and is often the most cost-effective for packages under five pounds. The flat-rate boxes are especially useful — a Medium Flat Rate Box ships to Taiwan for the same price regardless of weight, making it ideal for heavier small items like cosmetics, supplements, or books.

Economy shipping takes 14 to 30 days and starts around $15 for lightweight items through USPS First-Class Package International Service (limited to four pounds). This tier works for non-urgent, low-value items where the customer doesn't mind waiting and the duty threshold isn't a concern. Many Taiwanese buyers are accustomed to longer shipping times from the US and will choose economy if the price is right.

Navigating Taiwanese Customs

Taiwan's customs process is managed by the Customs Administration under the Ministry of Finance. The system is generally efficient and corruption-free, which makes it more predictable than shipping to some other Asian markets.

Every commercial shipment needs a customs declaration with a detailed product description, the HS code, declared value in USD, and quantity. Taiwan customs officers read English, so you don't need Chinese-language documents — though it doesn't hurt to include a Mandarin product description alongside the English one. The HS code matters because Taiwan applies different duty rates to different product categories: electronics and machinery often enter at 0 to 5 percent duty, while clothing and textiles can face 10 to 15 percent, and food products may hit 15 to 30 percent.

For shipments under TWD 2,000 (about $65), no duty or VAT applies. Between TWD 2,000 and TWD 50,000 (roughly $65 to $1,600), the express carrier usually handles customs clearance automatically and collects any duties from the recipient at delivery. Above TWD 50,000, a formal customs broker may be required, which adds both time and cost.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Taiwan restricts several categories that US sellers should be aware of. Pharmaceutical products require import permits from Taiwan's FDA. Health supplements that make medical claims face additional scrutiny. Agricultural products — fresh fruits, meats, plants — are heavily restricted to prevent pest introduction. Tobacco and alcohol require special import licenses. And electronics containing certain wireless components (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) may need a certificate from Taiwan's NCC (National Communications Commission) before they can be released by customs.

The prohibited list is similar to most countries: firearms, controlled substances, counterfeit goods, and items that infringe intellectual property rights. Taiwan enforces IP rules seriously, so counterfeit branded goods will be seized and the sender may face legal consequences.

Practical Tips for Regular Taiwan Shippers

Declare values honestly. Taiwan customs does spot-check declared values and will delay a shipment if they suspect under-declaration. The penalties aren't worth the risk, especially since duty rates on most consumer goods are modest (5 to 12 percent) and won't deter buyers.

Ship on Monday or Tuesday to avoid packages arriving in-country on weekends. While customs operates Monday through Friday, express carriers in Taiwan generally deliver six days a week. Getting your package into the customs pipeline early in the week maximizes the chance of same-week delivery.

For high-volume Taiwan shipping, consider storing inventory at a fulfillment center in Taiwan or nearby Hong Kong. Domestic delivery within Taiwan is fast and cheap — often same-day in major cities — and eliminates the customs friction for your customers entirely.

atoship helps Taiwan shippers compare rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL for each package, automatically generates the required customs documentation, and ensures HS codes are attached correctly to avoid clearance delays. For sellers regularly shipping to Taiwan, the rate comparison alone typically identifies savings of 15 to 30 percent compared to using a single carrier.