By Tony Li    Photo：CANVA

When it comes to olive oil, most people immediately think of Spanish olive oil. The popularity of Spanish olive oil can be attributed to its exceptional quality, rich nutritional value, long history of production, and its perfect alignment with modern health food trends. At the same time, Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world, accounting for over 50% of global olive oil production, with the Andalusia region being the core production area for olive oil worldwide. This makes Spanish olive oil highly significant in the global market, offering a stable product supply. As global consumer demand for healthy and natural foods continues to rise, the market demand for Spanish olive oil is also on the upward trend. It is not only a must-have ingredient for daily cooking but also the preferred oil for many food enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.

Currently, there are importers in Taiwan doing the Spanish olive oil import business, but with the increasing demand for healthy eating and the popularity of the Mediterranean style food, the potential for growth in Taiwan market is still enormous. If you are considering doing the import business, here’s an overview of Taiwan import process and notes:

1. Ensure the Product Complies with Taiwan's Regulations and Standards

• Food Safety Regulations: According to Taiwan’s Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act and the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all imported food products must meet Taiwan's food safety standards and undergo necessary inspections.
• Quality Inspection Requirements: Olive oil must meet Taiwan’s specific quality standards for olive oil. Importers should consult with local inspection agencies to understand the specific standards to ensure the product is free from pesticide residues, heavy metal contamination, etc.

2. Choose Suppliers and Sign Contracts

• Sign a formal import contract with Spanish olive oil manufacturers or suppliers, confirming the order quantity, delivery time, price, payment methods, and other terms.
• Ensure that the supplier provides olive oil that meets quality certification standards, and has legitimate export documentation, such as the Certificate of Origin.

3. Apply for an Import License

• According to Taiwanese regulations, all imported food products need to apply for an import license with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The importer needs to submit relevant documents, such as:
  - Certificate of Origin.
  - Manufacturer’s Certificate or Sanitary Certificate (if required).
  - Product ingredients, quality inspection reports, etc.

Note: During the application process, make sure the olive oil complies with Taiwan's food standards and contains no banned ingredients. Depending on the product category, certain olive oils may need to be accompanied by a health certificate or quality assurance certificate, which are essential documents for the import process. Please verify the authenticity and legality of the certificates with the supplier.

4. Prepare Labels and Chinese Translations

• Labeling Regulations: All imported food (including olive oil) must have a Chinese label that complies with Taiwanese legal requirements. The label should include:
  - Product name.
  - Origin and manufacturer’s name.
  - Ingredients, nutritional content, shelf life, storage conditions, etc.
  - Chinese Translation: If the original label is in a foreign language, a correct Chinese translation is required.
• Label Review: Importers may apply for a label review with the FDA to ensure it meets the standards.

Note: Taiwan has strict requirements for food labels. Importers should carefully check the label content, especially the Chinese translation, to ensure it complies with Taiwan's language, content, and formatting regulations.

5. Transportation and Customs Declaration

• Transportation Methods: Olive oil can be transported by sea or air. Sea freight is cheaper and suitable for bulk imports; air freight is faster and suitable for small quantities or urgent shipments.
• Customs Declaration Documents: Upon the olive oil’s arrival in Taiwan, customs clearance is required. The main documents include:
  - Invoice and packing list.
  - Health Certificate (if applicable).
  - Import License.
  - Certificate of Origin.

During the customs declaration process, customs will verify the product's declared value, quantity, and whether it complies with Taiwan's food safety regulations.

Note: Pre-declaration and customs clearance – The customs declaration process can be done in advance before the goods arrive in Taiwan, which helps save clearance time and avoid delays.

6. Food Inspection

• All imported food products must undergo inspection, and olive oil needs to pass the food inspection to ensure it meets Taiwan's quality standards.
• Inspection content may include tests for heavy metals, pesticide residues, acidity, and peroxide values. Importers can contact inspection agencies to arrange testing.

7. Pay Customs Duties and Taxes

• Customs Duty: According to Taiwan’s customs regulations, the customs duty on olive oil usually ranges between 0% and 10%, depending on the product's HS code.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): Imported goods are subject to VAT, and the standard rate in Taiwan is usually 5%.

Note: Importers should understand the specific customs duty and VAT calculations for olive oil. This helps with proper budgeting and ensures accurate product pricing.

8. Storage and Sales

• Olive oil is sensitive to temperature and light, so it is essential to avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight during transportation. The storage environment should be cool, dry, and free from oxidation.
• Sales can be conducted through proprietary channels, wholesalers, retailers, or online platforms.

Conclusion

Importing Spanish olive oil into Taiwan involves multiple steps, from compliance checks to customs clearance and inspection. Importers must ensure that the product complies with Taiwanese regulations, especially in terms of labeling, inspections, and customs declarations, while also ensuring the quality of the product is maintained. With careful planning and adherence to relevant laws, Spanish olive oil can be successfully imported and sold in Taiwan.

If you have any related questions or need further information about import regulations in Taiwan and other Asian countries, feel free to contact us!

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