Quick Answer
Exporting food from Taiwan comes down to 7 steps: (1) check target-market regulations → (2) adapt recipes and labels → (3) obtain certifications and test reports → (4) quote and contract → (5) apply for export certificates → (6) export clearance and shipping → (7) support import clearance in the destination. In Taiwan, the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) offers online applications for English health certificates, processing health certificates, test reports and free sale certificates for exported processed foods and additives, and has issued electronic certificates since 16 September 2025. The usual sticking point is step 1: every country has different rules on ingredients, additives, labeling and import procedures.
7 Steps to Export Food
1. Check Target-Market Regulations
Confirm the importing country’s rules on ingredients, food additives, pesticides and contaminants, labeling language, allergens, nutrition labeling, and import registration or permits. For example, exports to the US require FDA food facility registration and prior notice; see Exporting Food to the US.
2. Adapt Products and Labels
Adjust recipes (for example, removing additives that aren’t permitted), packaging and labels for the target market, with local-language labels where needed.
3. Obtain Certifications and Test Reports
Prepare what the buyer and market require: food safety certifications such as HACCP, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000, Halal certification, and third-party test reports. See HACCP vs ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000.
4. Quote and Contract
Confirm Incoterms, payment terms, lead time, packaging and storage conditions; see FOB vs CIF vs CFR and T/T Payment.
5. Apply for Export Certificates
| Document | Issued by | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| English health certificate, processing health certificate, test report, free sale certificate | TFDA (online export food certificate system) | As the importing country or buyer requires |
| Certificate of origin | Issuing bodies authorized by the International Trade Administration | Proving origin and claiming preferential duties |
| Declaration of origin for goods exported to the US | The exporter (since 7 May 2025) | Taiwan-made goods exported to the US |
For origin criteria, see How to Get a Certificate of Origin in Taiwan.
6. Export Clearance and Shipping
A customs broker handles export clearance; choose air or sea, FCL or LCL. See What Is a Customs Broker? and Air Freight vs Sea Freight.
7. Support Import Clearance
Provide the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificates to the buyer or their customs broker. Goods exported through customs qualify for zero-rated business tax in Taiwan; see Taiwan’s Zero-Rated Export Sales.
Special Points for Exporting Bubble Tea Ingredients
- Storage: frozen tapioca pearls need a cold chain; powders and tea must be kept dry.
- Ingredients and additives: colors, flavorings and additives in syrups and powders are regulated differently by country.
- Labeling: allergens (such as milk) and the language of nutrition labels.
- Certification: Muslim markets often require Halal certification.
Tang Sugar’s Export Practice
Tang Sugar is a Taiwanese exporter of bubble tea ingredients, following FDA registration and filing procedures as target markets require; our partner factories hold ISO 22000 (SGS verified), FSSC 22000 and HACCP certification, plus Halal certification. Whether you want to export Taiwanese food or source bubble tea ingredients from Taiwan, contact us.
FAQ
What documents are needed to export food from Taiwan?
Commonly the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus health certificates, test reports, free sale certificates, certificates of origin and certifications as the importing country or buyer requires.
Where do I apply for a Taiwan export health certificate?
Taiwan’s FDA offers online applications for English health certificates, processing health certificates, test reports and free sale certificates for exported processed foods and additives, with electronic certificates since 16 September 2025.
Where do food exports most often get stuck?
Target-market regulations: ingredient and additive restrictions, labeling language, allergen and nutrition labeling, and import registration procedures.
Are food exports zero-rated in Taiwan?
Yes. Exported goods are zero-rated under Article 7 of the Business Tax Act, and goods exported through customs need no supporting documents.
Further Reading
- Exporting Food to the US
- International Trade Documents Explained
- What Is an Export Agent Service?
- Tea Shop Opening Services
Sources
- Taiwan Food and Drug Administration: Applying for English health certificates, processing health certificates, test reports and free sale certificates for exported foods (in Chinese)
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan: Simplified online applications for English health certificates for exported processed foods (in Chinese)
- Laws & Regulations Database of Taiwan: Value-added and Non-value-added Business Tax Act (Article 7)
- Central News Agency (2025-04-25): Taiwan-made exports to the US require a declaration from 7 May (in Chinese)
