Importing health foods into Taiwan: which documents do you need before customs?
StreamFlow Solutions Editorial Team · Nov 6, 2026When bringing an overseas health food into Taiwan, the bottleneck is usually paperwork, not shipping. Here are the items importers most often need to prepare before customs clearance, so you can plan ahead and avoid detours.
01Register as a food business
Food importers must first register on Taiwan's Food and Drug Business Registration Platform and obtain a registration number, which is needed for import inspection and retail listing.
02Prepare basic product documents
Common documents include the ingredient list, raw material specifications, manufacturer information, and a health certificate or certificate of free sale from the country of origin. If the formula contains novel ingredients or special extracts, confirm early whether they are permitted as food ingredients.
03Apply for import inspection
Before or after the goods arrive, you must apply to the competent authority for food import inspection; depending on sampling, laboratory testing may be required. Having the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and product information ready shortens waiting time.
04Check the Chinese label
Before going on sale, products need a complete Chinese label, including product name, contents, net weight or volume, food additives, nutrition labeling, expiry date, country of origin, and the name, phone number and address of the responsible domestic company. Label text must not make medical claims.
05Take out product liability insurance
Food businesses required by regulation to carry product liability insurance must do so before starting business. Many retailers also ask for it during listing review.