Shipping to Taiwan in 2025 might not be as simple as it used to be. With new tariff policies in place, many importers are facing an unexpected 20% duty on select goods—especially in categories like clothing, accessories, electronics, and promotional merchandise.

In this article, I’ll break down what’s changed, which products are affected, and how e-commerce brands, wholesalers, and logistics planners can work around these tariff increases.

If Taiwan is part of your sales or fulfillment strategy, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant, profitable, and shipping smoothly in 2025.

What Exactly Is the 20% Tariff on Shipments to Taiwan?

In 2025, Taiwan introduced a 20% import duty on selected product categories—particularly those perceived as competing with local manufacturing. This includes fashion apparel, promotional items, and specific categories of electronics and plastic goods.

The 20% tariff applies on the declared CIF value and is enforced at all major Taiwanese ports, including Kaohsiung and Keelung.

Which Product Categories Are Most Affected?

Based on updates from Taiwan Customs, the tariff mostly applies to:

• Clothing and textile goods (HS 61, 62)
• Bags and accessories (HS 42)
• Small electronics and components (HS 85)
• Promotional giveaways and toys (HS 95)

It's crucial to declare products with accurate HS codes to avoid reclassification at customs.

Are Any Products Exempt?

Yes. Many industrial tools, B2B machine parts, and green-energy goods remain under a 5–10% standard duty. Items eligible under Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZ) in Taiwan may also be exempt if used for re-export.

We help our clients validate tariff status based on product specs and destination port classification.

How Can You Reduce Tariff Impact on Taiwan Shipments?

A 20% import duty can feel steep—but there are legal and smart ways to reduce your effective tax rate, including better Incoterm selection, bonded zone usage, and valuation techniques.

To reduce tariff exposure, importers should consider DDP shipping, bonded warehouse storage, and invoice structuring that legally limits dutiable charges.

What’s the Role of DDP in Managing Duties?

With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), we take full responsibility for paying Taiwanese import duties on your behalf. This gives you upfront cost visibility and prevents delays due to incorrect filings or surprises at port.

For e-commerce sellers, we also integrate DDP with Taiwan EZWay for simplified customs declaration.

Can Bonded Zones in Taiwan Help?

Yes. By storing goods temporarily in Kaohsiung FTZ or Taichung Port Bonded Warehouse, you delay tax payments until items are officially sold into the market. Re-exported goods pay zero local duty.

This is ideal for high-value electronics or apparel awaiting regional redistribution across Southeast Asia.

How Does HS Code Accuracy Affect the 20% Tariff?

HS codes aren’t just numbers—they’re the tax ID for your goods. Taiwan Customs uses these codes to apply the new 20% tariff. A small misstep can cost you significantly more at the border.

Incorrect HS code declarations can result in reclassification and higher tax brackets—sometimes even double the correct rate.

What Are Common HS Code Mistakes?

For example:

• Misdeclaring cotton T-shirts (6109.10) as synthetic blends (6109.90)
• Labeling promotional plastic bags as reusable storage (HS 4202 vs. 3923)
• Combining multiple product types under one code

Use the Taiwan Tariff Finder or ask your forwarder to verify classification before shipment.

How Do We Help at GeeseCargo?

We do pre-clearance checks on all product HS codes, match them with product specs, and offer clients suggestions for legal reclassification that falls under a lower tariff. We’ve helped many apparel clients lower effective duty by 10–15% through HS code audits.

Should You Change Shipping Methods Due to the Tariff?

Shipping method plays a huge role in tariff planning. Air, sea, and rail offer different advantages—and depending on your product type and urgency, you might want to rethink your logistics plan.

DDP by sea or air freight allows importers to fully pre-plan costs, while bonded warehousing supports flexible delivery and reduced local duties.

What’s the Cheapest Method with Full Tariff Control?

DDP sea freight remains the lowest-cost option for large shipments. It gives control over landed cost while allowing full compliance with Taiwan’s customs laws. For urgent items, DDP air freight via HK-TW or CN-TW lanes delivers within 5–8 days.

GeeseCargo offers multi-modal options, including direct sea routes to Kaohsiung and weekly air freight consolidations.

When Is Bonded Strategy Better?

If you're unsure whether items will sell in Taiwan or be re-exported to Japan, Malaysia, or Singapore, use bonded storage. This avoids unnecessary import taxes on products that never enter the local market.

Bonded models also allow packaging customization, relabeling, and QC before final delivery.

Conclusion

Shipping to Taiwan in 2025 comes with new challenges—but also opportunities. By understanding the 20% tariff and using tools like DDP, bonded zones, and HS code planning, your business can avoid penalties and maintain healthy margins.

At GeeseCargo, we specialize in tariff analysis and turnkey shipping to Taiwan. Whether you’re moving small parcels or containers, we help reduce tax exposure and keep delivery timelines tight. Reach out to Ben Zhu at benzhu@geesecargo.com for a customized Taiwan shipping quote today.