FAQ

- Import Restrictions and Instructions
E1. Can perfumes be shipped back to Taiwan? What about customs duties?

 
Shipping regulations for perfumes from the UK:
Due to the constant changing regulations and policies regarding perfume imports, please contact our customer service for the most recent updates.

E2. Are there restrictions on forwarding health supplements and food?

A must-read for overseas online shopping: The new regulations for shipping health supplements back to Taiwan in 2022.
Import regulations for health supplements/medicines for personal use:
A. Restrictions for individual importers:
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.
 
B. If the ingredients are confirmed to be for medicinal purposes, they must comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare:
Sending small quantities of drugs for personal use:
Hair growth products: up to 12 bottles.
  • Exceeding the following dosage limits will be considered medication:
  • 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).

 

C. What are the ingredients recognized as drugs in foreign countries but classified as drugs in Taiwan (commonly seen)?
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 package
 
D. For any clarification, please refer to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's inquiry service.
Even 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.
 
E. Caution for prohibited or controlled drugs (involving legal issues):
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.
For detailed information on controlled drugs, please refer to the Food and Drug Administration website: Controlled Drug Classification and Item Inquiry.
 
Chinese medicinal ingredients:
Each Chinese medicinal ingredient is limited to 1 kilogram, with a maximum of 12 types.
 
Regular food/ingredients:
A. Important Notice:
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.
B. Restriction regulations: Any edible food
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 pharmaceuticals of classes 1, 2, and 3?

When it comes to classifying pharmaceuticals based on packaging in Japan, there are five categories, ranked according to the degree of efficacy and side effects: Prescription Drugs ≥ Class 1 Pharmaceuticals > Designated Class 2 Pharmaceuticals ≥ Class 2 Pharmaceuticals > Class 3 Pharmaceuticals.
*The most significant way to differentiate Designated Class 2 Pharmaceuticals from Class 2 Pharmaceuticals on the packaging is whether the "2" is enclosed in a square box (□).
Explanation of Class 3 Pharmaceuticals as general health supplements:
  • Non-prescription drugs: The quantity limit for each type should not exceed 12 bottles or 12 tubes or a total of 1200 tablets.
  • Mixing with other health supplements: Each box cannot exceed 36 cans/bottles.
Explanation of Class 2 (Designated) Pharmaceuticals as general health supplements with pharmacological effects:
  • Non-prescription drugs: The quantity limit for each type should not exceed 12 bottles or 12 tubes or a total of 1200 tablets.
  • Mixing with other health supplements: Each box cannot exceed 36 cans/bottles.

Alternatively, for sending limited quantities of pharmaceuticals for personal use through customs:

  • Limited to 2 bottles (boxes) per type, with a maximum of 6 types (12 bottles) in total.
Friendly reminder:
Exceeding the following listed dosages will be considered pharmaceuticals:
Please pay attention to the dosage. If purchasing exceeds 2 bottles, an import consent form is required:
*The most significant way to differentiate Designated Class 2 Pharmaceuticals from Class 2 Pharmaceuticals on the packaging is whether the "2" is enclosed in a square box (□).
 
Friendly reminder: The following products cannot be shipped back to Taiwan. Please be aware.
For further information, please visit:
https://www.tcsb.gov.tw/cp-42-2173-739f6-1.html
Can individuals import mosquito repellent patches, mosquito repellent liquids, and other environmental pharmaceutical products by themselves?
According to Article 9 of the Environmental Pharmaceutical Management Act, individuals can import a small amount of environmental pharmaceuticals for personal use when traveling abroad as carry-on luggage. Importation of environmental pharmaceuticals by methods such as air travel, sea freight, or express mail is not allowed.

E4. What to do if there are problems such as missing items or damages upon receiving the package?

Shortages upon Receipt:
Self-Assessment:
  • Record a video and take clear photos before unpacking the parcel.
  • Compare the weight of the parcel upon arrival with the shipping weight stated by the seller.
  • Notify the Taipei warehouse in advance to verify the weight upon shipment.
  • For consolidated packages, add up the weights of individual packages and deduct the weight of the boxes.
  • Check the purchase receipt for the shipping process confirmation.
  • Notify the seller immediately if any items are missing, even if the receipt indicates otherwise.
  • If detailed inspection is requested, verify the provided information before contacting customer service.
  • Type out the above information and send it along with photos to customer service for further assistance.
  • No Detailed Inspection Requested:
    • Warehouse staff will follow standard packing procedures for consolidated or individual boxes.
    • Internal inspection of goods for completeness or damages will not be conducted.
    • If there's a need to open boxes, it will be solely to check for prohibited items.
    • Splitting boxes will be done according to customs regulations or professional judgment.
    • Our responsibility is for parcel transportation, not for internal quantity or quality verification.
    • No further explanations or compensation requests will be accepted.
Damages or Shortages Detected in Taipei Warehouse or Upon Delivery:
Notify the Seller: Inform the seller immediately about the damaged items, as sellers typically compensate for such issues.
Request the seller to reinforce the parcel to withstand international shipping.
Damages in Taiwan:
  • Damages incurred after delivery by airlines or customs clearance in Taiwan are not eligible for compensation.
  • Airlines or customs may notify about damages during inspection.
  • Notification may also occur during inspection by clearance and shipping agents.
  • We can only assist in providing information, and effective action requires the owner's direct contact.
  • It's recommended to arrange insurance with a local company in Taiwan. However, our insurance covers entire parcel loss, not partial loss or damage.
Exclusions from Compensation in Taipei Warehouse:
  • During Air Transport:
    • No compensation for damages incurred during air transport, foreign airport inspections, or customs seizures without provided documentation.
    • Our packing principle aims to prevent water splashes. Hence, no compensation for damages caused by rainwater exposure during customs inspection waits.
    • Damage due to insufficiently sturdy packaging or customs inspection will not be compensated, and insurance coverage does not apply.
  • On-Site Pickup:
    • It's the customer's responsibility to inspect the contents on-site. Once picked up, no further service or claims will be entertained.
  • Local Delivery in Taiwan:
    • If the package is damaged upon receipt in Taiwan, film the unboxing, retain the original packaging, and directly file a claim with the courier (e.g., Taiwan Post or Kerry TJ Logistics).
  • For domestic delivery in Taiwan, if you find any damage upon receiving, please record an unboxing video, keep the original packaging, and directly contact the delivery company for compensation. Please notify the customer service of the delivery company within 3 days to initiate the compensation application process as soon as possible. Also, please be reminded that we no longer act as intermediaries to apply for compensation on behalf of members. Members are responsible for handling their refunds directly. Furthermore, we provide insurance coverage of up to 10,000 NTD for each shipment for loss or damage. Compensation criteria are determined by the logistics company, and we are no longer involved in the process.
    • For lost parcels packages by insurance, compensation is based on the insured amount. For packages with optional "detailed inspection" and insurance, compensation for partial loss is calculated based on the percentage of weight lost.
    • For packages without insurance, compensation for the entire parcel loss (partial loss or damage claims are not accepted) follows the service contents agreed upon by both parties. Compensation is calculated at twice the weight-based shipping cost.
Explanation for Possible Scenarios:

A. The most common scenario is when the seller ships items incorrectly. First, verify the correctness of the invoice, then contact the seller to inform them of the issue. If the package arrives with visible damage to the outer box, please take photos as evidence and keep them on record. Contact the shipping company to inform them of the situation (since you have already signed for the package), and then notify us for further handling (damage assessment needs to be determined by the courier company).

B. In the process of adding special reinforcement, detailed inspection, and insurance quotation to an order:
*Inspection: Warehouse personnel verify the information you provided or check the items according to the accompanying receipt. Once the inspection is completed and documented in the system, your confirmation and agreement to release the goods from the warehouse indicate the completion of the inspection. Responsibility ends upon the release of the goods from the warehouse, and we are no longer liable for any damage, shortages, or losses during transportation.
*Special Reinforcement and Reinforcement: Warehouse personnel reinforce the protection of the goods. "General Reinforcement" provides protection for the entire parcel but does not cover damage or loss during transportation. If you choose "Special Reinforcement" and the warehouse personnel fail to reinforce, the reinforcement fee must be refunded, but we are not liable for any damage.
*Insured Value Insurance: Compensation is provided only for the entire package loss based on the insured amount, up to a maximum of 50,000 NTD. Premiums exceeding the insured amount are non-refundable, and we do not cover partial losses, shortages, or damages.
C. Original Package Transfer, Changing to Airbags:
*We do not accept reinforcement requests due to difficulties in handling the original package size, and we bear no responsibility for damages during transportation.
D. Process for Orders without Applying for Special Reinforcement, Detailed Inspection, and Insurance Quotation:
*Before signing for receipt: Check the weight and internal condition, and inspect for damages or shortages externally. If any damage is found, request the courier to note it on the receipt and inform us for resolution.
*If damage is discovered after signing (indicating acceptance), notify the courier's customer service and provide photographic evidence internally and externally. Then, send the details to our customer service via Line@lgg6811g for further handling.
E. Discovering Missing Items After Signing for Receipt (Including Items Held by Building Management):
*Take photos of the package before weighing, compare the weights upon receipt and dispatch, and cross-reference the quantity and items with the order confirmation. If discrepancies are found, provide photographic evidence of the order confirmation to our customer service for rechecking at the local warehouse.
*For damaged external boxes or damaged items, take photos, register complaints with the local courier company (using the courier receipt on the box), and wait for inspection or send the items to our company for inspection.
*Provide the complaint case number and damaged packaging and items to our customer service for further processing. Request compensation from the local courier company and prepare personal documents, purchase proofs, and contact information for overseas accounts (to be confirmed).
*It is emphasized again that the process may take 3-6 months for compensation approval (if successful). The amount is uncertain, and updates will be provided without the need for inquiries.
F. Discovering Damages at Overseas Warehouses:
*Members will be notified of damaged goods via photos at no additional cost, and we will continue to arrange for the items to be shipped out.
*Damaged items will be removed, and disposal will occur after 3 days (immediate for food items). Please notify us immediately if there are any concerns.
*Damaged items need to be returned in the box together for repackaging and reinforcement, with additional charges.
*No additional services will be provided, and any associated labor costs will be quoted separately.

E5. Why does my package seem to have been opened?

There are several reasons why a package may appear to have been opened:
Volume Reduction:
  • The original box may have been too large, leading to repackaging to reduce volume.
  • Damaged or Insufficiently Sturdy Packaging:
    • If the original packaging was damaged or not sturdy enough, repackaging may be necessary to ensure the safety of the contents.
  • Inadequate Size of Sturdy Packaging:
    • Sometimes, sturdy packaging may not be available in the appropriate size, leading to the need for repackaging.
  • Consolidation Requirements:
    • Packages may be opened and repackaged together to meet consolidation needs.
  • Splitting Requirements:
    • Customs regulations or specific requirements may necessitate splitting packages for inspection or shipping purposes.
  • Overweight or Oversized Items:
    • If items are overweight or oversized, they may not be suitable for repackaging or consolidation.
  • Professional Judgment:
    • Repackaging decisions are often based on the experience and expertise of professional packers, aimed at protecting your items during transit.
    • While efforts are made to minimize inconvenience, sometimes it may not be possible to preserve the original packaging.
  • It's essential to understand that these actions are taken to protect your items and ensure smooth shipping processes. While efforts are made to preserve the original packaging, it may not always be feasible.

If you have concerns about preserving the original packaging, you can opt for services like "Keep Original Packaging" when filling out the shipping order.

  • However, even with this option, there is no guarantee that the package won't be inspected for prohibited items. 
  • This option does not guarantee any refunds or claims.

Reminders:

Please note that customs may conduct random inspections to check for prohibited items, regardless of the repackaging process.

E6. What to do if customs duties or frequent taxes occur?

Customs Duties and Frequent Taxes:
  • Reasons for Frequent Taxes:
Customs regulations stipulate that individuals are allowed a certain number of tax-free imports per half-year (January to June, July to December).
The limit is set at 6 tax-free imports within a half-year period for items valued at or below 2000NTD.
Exceeding this limit may result in frequent taxes being applied to subsequent imports.
  • Dealing with Customs Duties:
    If random inspections result in customs duties being levied, the recipient is responsible for paying these duties.
    Redsea7 provides a service for advance payment of customs duties on behalf of the recipient to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
    Personal importation into Taiwan typically involves simple declaration without the need for additional customs brokerage fees.
    Formal customs clearance with duty payment is required for certain types of goods, such as tobacco and alcohol.
    Customs inspections may result in package valuation exceeding 2000NTD, triggering customs duties.
Procedure for Packages without Customs Certification:
If the recipient has not completed customs certification, they must provide a "Letter of Authorization" before shipping to Taiwan.
Failure to provide this authorization may result in a higher probability of customs duties being imposed.
A fee of 200NTD will be charged if the package requires a Letter of Authorization after arriving at customs.
Clearance may take longer, typically 7 to 14 days, for packages requiring additional documentation.
 
Payment Methods for Customs Duties:
Redsea7 offers multiple payment methods and currencies for customs duties to facilitate convenience for customers.
Payment options include bank transfers, ATM payments, counter payments, and convenience store payments.
Payments can be made in various currencies, including Taiwanese dollars, US dollars, and Chinese yuan.
 
In summary, if customs duties or frequent taxes occur, recipients should be prepared to pay these fees. Redsea7 offers advance payment services for customs duties and provides multiple payment options for convenience. It's essential to understand the customs regulations and ensure compliance to avoid delays or additional charges.

E7. Will the outer packaging be changed?

When it may be necessary to change the original box:
  • The original box is too large.
  • The original box is damaged or not sturdy enough.
  • The sturdy box is not large enough.
  • Need for consolidating boxes.
  • Need to split boxes as per customs regulations.
  • The package is too heavy or too large to be consolidated with other packages.
These actions are taken to protect your items and are based on the professional packing experience of our experts. We may not be able to achieve perfection, and we ask for your understanding. By generating a shipping order, you agree to let us handle your packages as needed.
If you have concerns, please do not choose to combine boxes. Instead, opt for the "Keep Original Packaging" service whenever possible.
To ensure the original box remains unchanged, select the appropriate option when filling out the new shipping order.
  • Note that the contents may still be inspected for prohibited items.
  • This option does not guarantee the box will remain unchanged, nor does it offer any refunds or compensation.

E8. Does Redsea7 provide compensation for lost packages?

If a package is lost, is there compensation? If you have chosen package insurance, compensation will be provided according to the insured amount once the package has been received from abroad.
 
For packages without insurance, we proactively offer compensation equal to twice the shipping cost (including the original shipping cost), up to a maximum of NTD 3,000.
Additionally, we provide NTD 10,000 insurance for loss or damage during delivery by Taiwanese couriers.
 
Please refer to the "Beginner's Manual" for details on the process of compensation for lost and damaged packages under "Insurance and Compensation" and the specific terms under "Disclaimer and Compensation Terms."

E9. Reasons for Extra Fees

Reasons for Additional Fees
Please note the fees (charged in NTD):
Modifying Shipping Information:
No fee is charged if the Order status is "Stocked In, Awaiting Packaging" and modifications are needed for the sender/consignee/customs declarant/product information.
A fee of NTD 200 will be charged if the Order has been arranged for dispatch and the export/import documents have been processed.
Cancelling an Order:
No fee is charged if the Order is cancelled before it is marked "Stocked In, Awaiting Packaging."
Cancellations are not accepted once the Order has been evaluated or packaged.
Changing Recipient Information:
If a package has been delivered to the destination country but is undelivered or returned, changing the recipient information will incur a handling fee of NTD 200, plus a round-trip shipping fee starting at NTD 100.
Import Without Real-Name Certification:
If the package is not certified via the EZWay App and customs require additional documents ("Case Paper Authorization"), a re-declaration fee of NTD 200 will be charged.
Even if the Tax Included Route is selected, customs duties and fees must be paid by the customer.
Refunds for the difference between the Tax Included Route and the Tax Not Included Route are not allowed.
Incorrect User Information:
If user information on the package label is incorrect and requires warehouse correction, a handling fee of NTD 100 per item will be charged.
Incorrect Declaration Information:
If the provided declaration information is incorrect and the package is returned, a re-declaration handling fee of NTD 2400 will be charged.
For simple declaration at the express warehouse, if the declaration information is incorrect and the package is returned, a re-declaration fee of NTD 200 per item will be charged.
Modifying Sender Information for Taiwanese Logistics Orders:
Modifying sender information for the same batch of goods will incur a document modification fee of NTD 50 (no fee for more than 5 Orders).
Applying for FDA Certification for Personal Use Supplements:
The application fee is NTD 200 (customs duties are additional and must be paid even if the Tax Included Route is selected).
The application must be completed before import.
The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.
Package Retrieval from Old Warehouse:
If the warehouse relocates and your package is still sent to the old warehouse, assistance in retrieving the package will incur a fee:
Members must provide the package Order with a signature and proof of purchase.
Proof of visit to the old warehouse, including location and package exterior photos, is required.
A retrieval fee of NTD 1500 will be charged regardless of the retrieval outcome or package condition.
Detailed inspection of one package is included; an additional NTD 300 will be charged for each extra package.
No fee will be charged if notification is given within 45 days, but inspection fees apply.
FDA Certification Application:
The application fee for FDA certification of personal use supplements is NTD 200 (customs duties are additional and must be paid even if the Tax Included Route is selected).