- Import Restrictions and Instructions
E1. Can perfumes be shipped back to Taiwan? What about customs duties?
Yes, perfume shipping is available under specific conditions:
1. Category - Sensitive Goods: Perfume contains alcohol and is classified as "Sensitive Goods" (Special Cargo) for air freight.
*It must be shipped via a dedicated "Sensitive Goods Route."
*Shipping rates differ from standard cargo; please check the "Sensitive Cargo" pricing on our homepage.
2. Regional Restrictions: * Quantity and volume limits per package may apply depending on the country of origin (e.g., US, UK) and airline regulations.
*Please refer to the [Country-Specific Guidelines] on our homepage for detailed warehouse rules.
3. Customs Duties:
Perfume is classified as "Sensitive Goods" (Special Cargo) due to its alcohol content. Please use the dedicated "Sensitive Cargo Route" for all perfume shipments.
Customs & Tax Overview by Destination:
*Taiwan: * Import Duty: Generally 0%.
VAT: 5% applies to most shipments.
*Hong Kong: * Duty-Free: Hong Kong is a free port; no import duty or VAT is charged on perfume.
*Malaysia:
1.De Minimis Value: Shipments with a total CIF value of 500 MYR or less are generally exempt from import duty (excluding tobacco/alcohol).
2.Taxation: Duty applies if the value exceeds 500 MYR or if the shipment is for commercial use.
3.Regulatory Requirement (NPRA): Perfumes are categorized under cosmetics. Large or commercial imports require a product notification (NOT number) from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
Summary: Small, low-value quantities for personal use are typically tax-free. However, high-value or bulk commercial imports will incur taxes and require proper documentation to avoid delays.
E2. Restrictions on Shipping Supplements & Food to TW / HK / MY
For non-prescription drugs, the quantity limit is 12 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags) per type, not exceeding a total of 36 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags, limited to original packaging).Mixing different health products is allowed, with a maximum of 36 cans/bottles per box.Products should not contain meat ingredients.Pet health products are subject to the same restrictions as for humans.If exceeded, we reserve the right but are not obligated to assist with splitting orders.Note: For infant formula and baby food, a personal-use medicine special import application must not exceed 30 kilograms.Sending small quantities of drugs for personal use:Hair growth products: up to 12 bottles.-
Exceeding the following dosage limits will be considered medication:
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Please pay attention to the dosage. If purchasing exceeds 2 bottles before importation, a personal-use medicine special import application or calling 02-27878000 is required.
- Each type is limited to 12 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags), not exceeding a total of 36 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags, limited to original packaging).
Lutein (exceeding 30 mg), Coenzyme Q10 (exceeding 30 mg), Vitamin A (exceeding 10,000 I.U.), Vitamin B1 (exceeding 50 mg), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) (exceeding 100 mg), Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (exceeding 100 mg), Vitamin B6 (exceeding 80 mg), Vitamin B12 (exceeding 1000 mcg), Vitamin D3 (exceeding 800 I.U.), Vitamin E (dl-α-Tocopherol) (exceeding 400 I.U.), Zinc (exceeding 30 mg) (including Zinc Citrate, Zinc Bisglycinate, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Sulfate), Magnesium (exceeding 600 mg) (including Magnesium Gluconate, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate), Iron (exceeding 45 mg), Lactoferrin (exceeding 100 mg), Citrus Bioflavonoids (exceeding 1000 mg), Glutathione (exceeding 250 mg), Phosphatidylserine (exceeding 500 mg per day), Isoflavones (exceeding 50 mg per day).
Regardless of dosage, a personal-use medicine special import application or calling 02-27878000 is required before importing to Taiwan.Each type is limited to 12 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags), not exceeding a total of 36 bottles (boxes, cans, packs, or bags, limited to original packaging).The below items cannot exceed 12 items (bottles, boxes, bags, etc) OR 1,200 capsules/tablets/etc per packageEven if pet food does not contain meat ingredients, it must be declared to the Animal and Plant Inspection Bureau for quarantine.Products classified as drugs or weight loss/potency products require an FDA application for personal use: Ministry of Health and Welfare.Note: With increased customs inspection rates in Taiwan recently, if a package is inspected by customs, regardless of the quantity of drug ingredients, an import application may be required. Please call 02-27878000.When purchasing from overseas, check whether the product contains controlled or prohibited drug ingredients.Sending products containing these ingredients to Taiwan by airmail or courier may result in legal issues, so please be cautious.Commonly seen prohibited or controlled drug ingredients include:Cannabis, Yohimbine, Horny Goat Weed, Barbital, Zolpidem, Flunitrazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Cocaine, Heroin, Opium, Morphine, Fentanyl, Methadone, Opium poppy, Pethidine, Tetrahydrocannabinols, Ephedrine, Khat.Due to the high risk of African swine fever from the importation of pork products through international mail, the Council of Agriculture has announced penalty measures for violating mail parcels starting from the 20th. The first offense will result in a fine of 200,000 TWD, and the second offense (including subsequent offenses) will result in a fine of 1 million TWD.Must be registered with real-name authentication using the EZWAY App by each import declarant. The weight limit per package for each importing declarant is 6kg. The products cannot contain meat, fish, or animal oil. Please click here to apply for a personal-use medicine special import or call 02-27878000. Full penalties will be imposed on senders and import declarants who violate the above regulations.E3. How to distinguish and purchase Japanese medicines classified into categories 1, 2, and 3?
To protect your rights, please record a continuous video of the unboxing process. The video must clearly show the original outer box, the shipping label (tracking number), and the internal contents.
1. Handling Damaged Goods
If your package arrives with visible damage, please follow these steps:
*Notify the Seller First: Most damages occur at the origin or during the initial domestic transit. Sellers are generally responsible for such damages and often provide compensation or replacements.
*Packaging Strength: We highly recommend requesting the seller to use reinforced packaging suitable for international shipping.
*Liability & Exclusions:
a.Transit & Customs: Damages occurring after handover to airlines or during customs inspections are generally non-compensable unless an official inspection report is provided by the authorities.
b.Force Majeure: Damage caused by extreme weather (e.g., flooding during customs inspection) or structural compression due to insufficient original packaging is not eligible for claims.
c.Self-Pickup: For "Warehouse Pickup" (Taipei), please inspect the contents on-site. Once the package leaves our premises, the task is considered completed, and no further claims will be accepted.
2. Handling Missing Items
If items are missing, please perform a self-assessment before contacting us:
*Weight Verification: Compare the "Seller’s Shipping Weight," our "Inbound/Outbound Weight," and the "Final Received Weight." If weights match, the issue likely lies with the seller's initial fulfillment.
*Consolidation Logic: If you have multiple orders combined, calculate the total weight of all parcels minus the weight of the shipping box.
*Seller Communication: It is common for international sellers to miss items or split shipments. Contact the seller immediately with your unboxing video and weight data.
3. Claims for Local Delivery in Taiwan (Important)
If the damage or loss occurs during local delivery in Taiwan (e.g., via Pelican or Kerry Logistics):
*Reporting Window: You must notify the local courier's customer service within 48 hours (or 3 days for specific carriers).
*Direct Claims: As a forwarding agent, Red Sea Logistics cannot file claims on your behalf for local delivery issues. Members must contact the courier directly; any approved compensation will be paid directly to you.
4. Insurance and Compensation Standards
Red Sea Logistics provides complimentary insurance of up to NT$10,000 for "Total Parcel Loss" per waybill.
*With Insurance: Claims for "Total Loss" are paid according to the insured value. If "Detailed Inspection" was selected, partial loss claims will be evaluated based on weight percentage.
*Without Insurance: We only accept claims for the "Total Loss of the Entire Parcel." Compensation is limited to 2x the shipping fee. Partial loss or damage claims are NOT accepted for uninsured parcels.
*Valuation Limit: Insurance coverage is capped at NT$50,000. Fees for over-insured amounts are non-refundable.
5. Service Standards Without "Detailed Inspection"
If "Detailed Inspection" was not requested for your waybill, please note:
*Standard Operations: Our staff will perform "Consolidation" or "Splitting" based on standard procedures and customs regulations.
*No Content Audit: We do not check the internal items for completeness, quantity, quality, or defects.
*Security Checks: We reserve the right to open parcels to check for "Aviation Prohibited Goods" to ensure transport safety.
*Liability: Since we are a transport provider and not a quality control agent, we will not provide explanations or compensation for internal product issues.
6. Special Terms & Conditions
*Reinforcement: "General Reinforcement" improves protection but does not guarantee compensation for transit damage. If "Special Reinforcement" was paid for but not performed, only the reinforcement fee will be refunded.
*Original Box Transfer: We do not accept reinforcement requests for "Original Box Transfer" (using the seller's original packaging) due to unpredictable box sizes. No liability is accepted for damage during transit.
*Integrity Policy: Fraudulent or duplicate claims (e.g., claiming from both the seller and the courier) are strictly prohibited. Legal disputes shall be settled under the jurisdiction of the Shilin District Court, Taipei.
E4. What to do if there are problems such as missing items or damages upon receiving the package?
To protect your rights, please record a continuous video of the unboxing process. The video must clearly show the original outer box, the shipping label (tracking number), and the internal contents.
1. Handling Damaged Goods
If your package arrives with visible damage, please follow these steps:
*Notify the Seller First: Most damages occur at the origin or during the initial domestic transit. Sellers are generally responsible for such damages and often provide compensation or replacements.
*Packaging Strength: We highly recommend requesting the seller to use reinforced packaging suitable for international shipping.
*Liability & Exclusions:
a.Transit & Customs: Damages occurring after handover to airlines or during customs inspections are generally non-compensable unless an official inspection report is provided by the authorities.
b.Force Majeure: Damage caused by extreme weather (e.g., flooding during customs inspection) or structural compression due to insufficient original packaging is not eligible for claims.
c.Self-Pickup: For "Warehouse Pickup" (Taipei), please inspect the contents on-site. Once the package leaves our premises, the task is considered completed, and no further claims will be accepted.
2. Handling Missing Items
If items are missing, please perform a self-assessment before contacting us:
*Weight Verification: Compare the "Seller’s Shipping Weight," our "Inbound/Outbound Weight," and the "Final Received Weight." If weights match, the issue likely lies with the seller's initial fulfillment.
*Consolidation Logic: If you have multiple orders combined, calculate the total weight of all parcels minus the weight of the shipping box.
*Seller Communication: It is common for international sellers to miss items or split shipments. Contact the seller immediately with your unboxing video and weight data.
3. Claims for Local Delivery in Taiwan (Important)
If the damage or loss occurs during local delivery in Taiwan (e.g., via Pelican or Kerry Logistics):
*Reporting Window: You must notify the local courier's customer service within 48 hours (or 3 days for specific carriers).
*Direct Claims: As a forwarding agent, Red Sea Logistics cannot file claims on your behalf for local delivery issues. Members must contact the courier directly; any approved compensation will be paid directly to you.
4. Insurance and Compensation Standards
Red Sea Logistics provides complimentary insurance of up to NT$10,000 for "Total Parcel Loss" per waybill.
*With Insurance: Claims for "Total Loss" are paid according to the insured value. If "Detailed Inspection" was selected, partial loss claims will be evaluated based on weight percentage.
*Without Insurance: We only accept claims for the "Total Loss of the Entire Parcel." Compensation is limited to 2x the shipping fee. Partial loss or damage claims are NOT accepted for uninsured parcels.
*Valuation Limit: Insurance coverage is capped at NT$50,000. Fees for over-insured amounts are non-refundable.
5. Service Standards Without "Detailed Inspection"
If "Detailed Inspection" was not requested for your waybill, please note:
*Standard Operations: Our staff will perform "Consolidation" or "Splitting" based on standard procedures and customs regulations.
*No Content Audit: We do not check the internal items for completeness, quantity, quality, or defects.
*Security Checks: We reserve the right to open parcels to check for "Aviation Prohibited Goods" to ensure transport safety.
*Liability: Since we are a transport provider and not a quality control agent, we will not provide explanations or compensation for internal product issues.
6. Special Terms & Conditions
*Reinforcement: "General Reinforcement" improves protection but does not guarantee compensation for transit damage. If "Special Reinforcement" was paid for but not performed, only the reinforcement fee will be refunded.
*Original Box Transfer: We do not accept reinforcement requests for "Original Box Transfer" (using the seller's original packaging) due to unpredictable box sizes. No liability is accepted for damage during transit.
*Integrity Policy: Fraudulent or duplicate claims (e.g., claiming from both the seller and the courier) are strictly prohibited. Legal disputes shall be settled under the jurisdiction of the Shilin District Court, Taipei.
E5. Why does my package seem to have been opened?
It is common for packages to be opened during the international freight process. This is done for safety, compliance, and shipping efficiency.
1. Common Reasons for Opening Packages:
*Volume Optimization (Downsizing): If the original box is too large with excessive empty space, we may downsize it to save you on volumetric weight and shipping costs.
*Reinforcement: If the original box is damaged or too weak for international transit, we will replace it with a sturdier carton to protect your items.
*Consolidation/Splitting: * Consolidation: Combining multiple parcels into one to prevent loss.
Splitting: Dividing items into multiple boxes to comply with customs regulations (e.g., item count or value limits).
*Security & Compliance: We are legally required to ensure that no Prohibited Goods (e.g., flammables, liquids) are shipped via air freight.
*Professional Handling: Our experienced packers may reconfigure a package if the original layout is likely to result in damage during the journey.
2. Regarding "Original Box Shipping" Service:
If you prefer that the seller's original packaging remains intact, please select "Original Box Transfer" when creating your waybill.
*Security Overrides: Regardless of your selection, we reserve the right to open parcels for Aviation Safety Checks or if requested by Customs Authorities.
*Liability: Choosing this service means you accept the risk of the original packaging's structural integrity. We do not provide refunds or compensation for damages caused by using insufficient original packaging.
E6. What to do if customs duties or frequent taxes occur?
Understanding Customs Duties and Frequent Importer Tax
E6. What should I do regarding Customs Duties and Taxes?
Shipping to different regions involves different tax policies. Here is how Red Sea Logistics manages these for you:
1. Regional Tax Policy
*Hong Kong & Malaysia: Shipping rates include customs duties (unless specified otherwise for special routes).
*Taiwan: Subject to the "Frequent Importer" policy and random customs inspection.
2. Frequent Importer Tax (Taiwan Only)
According to Taiwan Customs regulations, importers enjoy tax exemptions under the following conditions:
*De Minimis Value: Shipments with a value (including freight) under NT$2,000.
*Quota: Each person is allowed 6 tax-free shipments per half-year (Jan-Jun, Jul-Dec).
*Frequent Tax: Once you exceed the 6th shipment, taxes will be applied regardless of the parcel's value. You can track your remaining quota via the EZ WAY App.
3. Why was I charged Customs Duties?
Duties may be incurred if:
*The parcel value exceeds NT$2,000.
*The items are classified as Sensitive Goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
*Customs upgrades the inspection to C3 (Physical Examination) and re-evaluates the value.
*You have not completed the EZ WAY Real-Name Authentication.
4. Real-Name Authentication (EZ WAY)
*EZWAY App: This is the most efficient and standard way to clear customs.
*Paper Power of Attorney: If you are not registered on EZ WAY, a physical "Letter of Authorization" is required.
*Late Processing Fee: If a letter is requested after the parcel hits customs, a NT$200 handling fee applies, and clearance may be delayed by 7-14 days.
*Advance Payment: Red Sea provides a tax-advancement service. Our team will notify you of the amount for deduction from your account balance.
5. Payment Methods
We support multiple currencies (TWD, USD, CNY) through the following:
- Bank Transfer: Online banking and ATM (fastest processing).
- Convenience Stores: Payment via barcode/code at local convenience stores.
E7. Will the outer packaging be changed?
To ensure the safety of your goods during international transit and to optimize shipping costs, our warehouse professionals may adjust the packaging of your parcels.
1. Reasons for Modifying Packaging:
*Volumetric Optimization: We may downsize a box if the original packaging is excessively large or mostly empty to help you save on volumetric weight charges.
*Structural Integrity: If the original box is damaged, damp, or too flimsy for international freight, we will replace it with a high-strength shipping carton.
*Consolidation & Splitting: * Consolidation: Merging multiple parcels into one to streamline delivery.
Splitting: Dividing a parcel into multiple boxes to meet weight limits or comply with customs regulations.
*Security Inspections: All parcels are subject to aviation safety checks. Our staff may open packages to ensure no prohibited items are included.
2. Authorization Policy:
*Professional Discretion: Packing decisions are made by experienced staff focused on protection and cost-efficiency. By generating a waybill, you authorize Red Sea Logistics to handle the packaging at our professional discretion.
3. Requesting "Original Packaging Only":
If you wish to keep the seller's original box, please select the "Original Box Transfer" option:
*Security Override: We reserve the right to open any parcel for Aviation Safety or Customs Inspection, regardless of the "Original Box" selection.
*Liability Disclaimer: Choosing this option means you accept the risks associated with the original packaging's strength. Red Sea Logistics is not liable for damages caused by insufficient original packaging and will not offer refunds for such instances.
E8.Do you offer compensation for lost parcels?
Red Sea Logistics provides clear compensation guidelines for lost parcels based on the level of insurance selected:
1. With "Parcel Insurance" (Insured)
*Compensation: If a parcel is lost after being checked into our warehouse and before customs clearance, compensation will be paid according to the "Declared Insured Value" . Subject to a maximum liability limit as specified in the agreement.
*Process: Please contact customer service with your purchase invoice to initiate the claim.
2. Without Extra Insurance (Standard Liability)
If no additional insurance was purchased, the following standard applies:
*Compensation Limit: Only "Full Parcel Loss" is eligible. Compensation is typically limited to 2x the shipping fee (excluding the value of the goods). Please refer to the [Disclaimer & Compensation Terms] at the bottom of our homepage for details.
*Partial Loss: We do not accept claims for partial loss of items in an uninsured shipment.
3. During Local Courier Delivery
If the loss occurs during the final delivery stage by local couriers (e.g., Pelican, Kerry Logistics):
*Liability: Compensation will be governed by the local courier's insurance policy.
*Filing a Claim: The recipient must contact the local courier's customer service directly to file a claim. Red Sea Logistics will provide necessary shipping records to support your application.
E9. In what situations will additional costs be incurred?
Please take note of the following potential charges (all fees are in TWD):
1. Waybill & Data Modification
*Before Dispatch (Free): Modifying sender/recipient or product data is free before the parcel leaves the warehouse.
*After Dispatch (Handling Fee): Once export/import documents are processed, any modification will incur a Document Re-processing Fee.
*Cancellation: Cancellations are free before packing begins. Once "Pre-inspected" or "Packed," waybills cannot be cancelled.
2. Delivery & Customs Issues
*Redelivery/Returned Items: If a parcel is returned or requires an address change after reaching the destination country, handling and return shipping fees will apply.
*Inaccurate Declaration: If a parcel is rejected by customs due to incorrect data provided by the user, a Re-declaration Fee will be charged.
3. Special Surcharges & Warehouse Fees
*Japan Luxury Goods Tax: For shipments to the Japan (JPD) warehouse, a surcharge of TWD 350 or HKD 88 or RMD 44 per luxury item applies. Please consult customer service before shipping high-end brands.
*Data Correction Fee: If inbound information (e.g., Member ID) is incorrect or missing, a manual correction fee of NT$100 or HKD 25 or RMD 12 per parcel will be charged.
4. Old Warehouse Retrieval Service
If a parcel is sent to a former warehouse address after a relocation notice has been issued:
*Service Fee: A retrieval fee is mandatory regardless of the outcome (success/damage/loss). Inspection fees are extra.
*Requirements: Members must provide shipping proofs, signatures, and purchase invoices.E10. Customs-Returned Package
If your parcel is rejected by customs due to regulatory violations or insufficient documentation, the following policies apply:
1. Reasons for Rejection
Customs may mandate a return if the items are prohibited, exceed personal quotas, or if the importer fails to provide the required import permits.
2. Compulsory Return Policy
*Mandatory Action: A "Return to Sender" (RTS) is a legal order by customs. You cannot request "Disposal" or "Abandonment" unless specifically authorized by customs officials.
*Return Destination: Parcels are typically returned to our Malaysia or Hong Kong hubs. Alternative destinations may be requested subject to feasibility.
3. Fee & Cost Responsibility
*Original Shipping Fee: The initial international shipping fee is non-refundable as the service has been initiated/performed.
*Additional Costs: The customer is solely responsible for all return shipping fees, administrative charges, and any duties/taxes incurred during the return process.