Quick answer: For small personal parcels to Taiwan, Canada Post surface is usually cheapest. Couriers such as FedEx and UPS deliver in about 3 business days, and ocean freight wins on cost for pallets and containers. Taiwan charges 5 percent VAT on the CIF value plus duty, and consignments of NT$2,000 or less clear duty-free, within a six-per-half-year limit.
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Taiwan was Canada's sixth-largest trading partner in Asia in 2024, with about CAD 6.0 billion in two-way merchandise trade. Canada's priority sectors in Taiwan include aerospace, information and communications technology, agri-food and seafood, and biotechnology. With this strong relationship, shipping to Taiwan from Canada continues to grow as businesses and individuals seek affordable, reliable options.
Canadian shippers rely on low-cost parcel delivery to Taiwan to connect with suppliers and customers, and Taiwan's large English-speaking business community makes expanding trade straightforward.
Cheapest Way to Ship From Canada to Taiwan
The cheapest option for small personal shipments is Canada Post surface mail. It is slower than air freight but a cost-effective choice for individuals sending gifts or small parcels.
Average Shipping Costs From Canada to Taiwan
| Shipment | Service | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small package (1 kg) | Canada Post surface | about CAD 40 |
| Medium package (5 kg) | Canada Post air | about CAD 200 |
| Commercial parcels | FedEx, UPS, DHL | Quoted; faster, better tracking |
| Pallets and containers | Ocean freight (LCL or FCL) | Quoted by volume |
Costs are estimates. Contact our team for our lowest spot rate.
How to Lower Shipping Costs to Taiwan
- Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates.
- Consider Canada Post surface or economy air for small packages.
- Ship lighter and smaller packages to reduce chargeable weight.
- Negotiate volume discounts if you ship frequently.
- Work with a third-party logistics partner such as Jet Worldwide for savings and support.
- Choose ocean freight for bulk or heavy shipments.
Shipping Options From Canada to Taiwan
1. Canada Post
Best for individuals sending personal packages, delivered by Chunghwa Post in Taiwan.
- Small Packet International (air or surface)
- International Parcel (surface, roughly one month, delivery time can vary)
- Xpresspost International (about 2 weeks)
2. FedEx and UPS
- Express Priority Air (about 3 business days)
- Economy Air (about 5 to 7 business days)
3. Ocean freight
- LCL (Less than Container Load): cost-efficient, longer transit time.
- FCL (Full Container Load): secure and faster, even when underutilized.
4. Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide has supported Canada-Taiwan trade since 1988. We provide:
- Discount parcel and freight shipping
- Dedicated support for businesses
- Flexible air and sea freight solutions
Canadian Export Declaration to Taiwan
For shipments valued at CAD 2,000 or more, Canadian exporters must file an export declaration in CERS, the Canadian Export Reporting System that replaced the former B13A form. Restricted items require a declaration regardless of value. The value for export reporting does not include the shipping cost.
Correction noted: the B13A paper form has been retired. Non-US export reporting is filed in CERS; the CAD 2,000 threshold and the exclusion of shipping cost from the reported value still apply.
Customs Import Rules in Taiwan
- Taiwan uses the HS code system for duty assessment.
- Duty and tax are based on the CIF value, meaning Cost plus Insurance plus Freight.
- Customs duty is set by HS classification, ranging from 0 to 30 percent and averaging about 6.25 percent.
- Business tax (VAT) is 5 percent on the CIF value plus duty.
- Certain goods, such as vehicles, some electronics, and beverages, also carry a commodity tax.
A consignment with a CIF customs value of NT$2,000 or less (about CAD 85) is exempt from duty, business tax, and commodity tax. The exemption is capped at six exempt shipments per half-year (January to June, and July to December) for the same recipient. Goods in one consignment may not be split across declarations to stay under the threshold.
EZWay Real-Name Clearance: The Step That Stalls Parcels
The most common reason a Canada-to-Taiwan parcel is held is not duty or classification. It is a missing EZWay real-name authentication. Taiwan Customs requires the individual recipient to be registered and to confirm the import in the EZWay app, so plan for it before you ship.
- The consignee downloads the EZWay app and registers with their name, national ID or resident certificate, and mobile number.
- You put the consignee's mobile number and email on the waybill and invoice so the carrier can link the shipment to their EZWay profile.
- On arrival, the consignee receives a push notification and confirms the declaration in the app, matching it to their identity.
- Customs clears the parcel. Without the confirmation, express and postal parcels are held and can be returned.
Most of our shippers benefit from first-attempt clearances with EZWay confirmation in advance of shipping.
Canada-Taiwan Trade, and How to Minimise Landed Cost Without an FTA
There is no Canada-Taiwan free trade agreement, so Canadian goods pay Taiwan's MFN duty plus the 5 percent business tax; there is no tariff preference to claim on origin. Two developments still shape the relationship:
- FIPA (December 2023): Canada and Taiwan signed a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement. It protects cross-border investment but does not reduce tariffs.
- CPTPP: Taiwan has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which Canada is a member. If Taiwan accedes, preferential tariff treatment could follow, but that has not happened yet.
Because origin preference is off the table, landed-cost control comes from classification and shipment design, not certificates:
| Lever | Why it matters in Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Accurate HS classification | Duty ranges 0 to 30 percent; the ~6.25 percent average hides wide spread, so the code drives the bill |
| NT$2,000 threshold, used honestly | Genuinely low-value consignments clear free, but the six-per-half-year cap and no-splitting rule limit repeat use |
| Commodity-tax check | Vehicles, some electronics, and beverages carry an extra commodity tax on top of duty and VAT |
| CIF discipline | Duty and the 5 percent tax are on cost plus insurance plus freight, so freight is taxable; declare it correctly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship to Taiwan?
Canada Post packet and surface options are the most affordable, especially for small parcels. For businesses and larger packages, couriers are the best choice. Economy air freight offers value for shipments up to around 200 kg. Ocean freight offers the lowest cost for large bulk orders such as pallets and containers.
How long does shipping to Taiwan take?
Air courier shipments usually arrive within about 3 business days. Trackable Canada Post air options usually arrive within about 2 weeks. Ocean freight can take about 1 to 2 months door to door, depending on consolidation and sailing schedules.
What are Taiwan's import duties and taxes?
Taiwan applies a 5 percent business tax, commonly called VAT, on the CIF value plus duty. Customs duty is set by HS classification and averages about 6.25 percent, ranging from 0 to 30 percent. Consignments with a CIF value of NT$2,000 or less are exempt from duty and tax, subject to a limit of six exempt shipments per half-year.
Is there a Canada-Taiwan free trade agreement?
No. There is no Canada-Taiwan free trade agreement.
Do I need EZWay real-name authentication to receive a parcel in Taiwan?
Yes. Individual recipients in Taiwan must be registered in the EZWay app and confirm each import declaration, linking their mobile number and national ID. Provide the consignee mobile number and email to avoid delays.
Do I need a Canadian export declaration to ship to Taiwan?
Yes. For non-US exports valued at CAD 2,000 or more, file an export declaration in CERS
Why Choose Jet Worldwide for Canada-Taiwan Shipping?
- Serving international trade logistics since 1988
- Support for parcels, pallets, and containerized freight
- Transparent pricing and customized solutions
- Strong partnerships with carriers and local couriers
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide content is for general information only. Confirm current rules with Taiwan Customs and your customs broker before shipping.
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