Bringing Food into Taiwan: Strict Regulations and Prohibited Items

Taiwan enforces strict biosecurity rules. All food must be declared on arrival. Key restrictions:

Prohibited or Highly Restricted

• Fresh/chilled/frozen meat & poultry (including products) – generally banned.
• Fresh milk, cream, yogurt – banned (except infant formula for under-2s).
• Fresh eggs & liquid eggs – banned without official health certificate.
• Soil & potting media – prohibited.
• Untreated plant seeds – banned without phytosanitary certificate.
• Unpasteurized dairy, raw fish/meat, homemade preserves – confiscated/destroyed.

Allowed with Inspection/Quarantine

• Processed meats (canned, shelf-stable) – subject to check.
• Cheese – allowed but inspected.
• Fresh fruits & vegetables – generally allowed but inspected; some citrus/mangoes restricted for pest risk.
• Fermented/dried products – may need special permits.

Check the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) website or nearest Taiwanese embassy for current rules.