By Richie Lin    Photo：CANVA

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed out that Taiwan’s per capita GDP is increasing year by year, and is forecast to reach US$34,430 in 2024. Henceforth, there are more and more Taiwanese willing to enjoy the abundances of foreign foods, wines, and fashion clothes. Unlike France Italy which are already popular in the Taiwan markets, Spain is a comparatively small but gradually occupying more and more market shares. According to data from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, the import volume of wine in Taiwan reached 24 million liters in 2022, representing a 4.6% year-on-year increase, with France being the primary source country, accounting for 27% of imports. Although specific market share data for Spanish wine in Taiwan is not clearly indicated, the fact that a Spanish wine, Bodegas Cuevas Red Wine, ranked third among the top ten red wines in terms of sales revenue in 2022 demonstrates that Spanish wine holds a notable influence in the Taiwanese market. In the near future, there will be more and more Spanish wines brands coming to Taiwan to satisfy the appetites of consumers in Taiwan. Therefore, it is worthy of learning guidelines of importing Spanish wines into Taiwan.

For exporters in Spain:

When exporting alcohol to Taiwan, it's crucial to ensure all the necessary paperwork is thoroughly prepared to meet both export and import regulations. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Ingredient Analysis: Perform a detailed analysis of the alcohol’s main components to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes pH levels, tartaric acid (TA in g/L), alcohol percentage, volatile acidity (VA in g/L), free and total sulfur dioxide, malic acid concentration, residual sugar, and microscopic evaluation. These tests are critical to demonstrate the safety and quality of alcohol for human consumption.
• Certificate of Origin: This document certifies the alcohol’s country of production and is required for customs clearance in Taiwan. Make sure it's issued by a recognized authority in the country of origin.
• Alcohol Export License: Ensure you have a valid alcohol export license issued by your country’s governing body for alcohol exports.
• Alcohol Business License: This license verifies that your business is authorized to produce and export alcohol, a necessary document for any transaction involving alcoholic beverages.
• Other Export Documents: Additional documents such as the packing list, commercial invoice, and detailed alcohol labels should be prepared. These documents help customs verify the shipment's contents and ensure compliance with labeling regulations.
• Initial Export Inspection: If this is your first time exporting alcohol to Taiwan, there's a high chance your shipment will undergo a thorough customs inspection. This could involve anything from a simple document review to the unsealing of cargo for a quality check. Preparing accurate and comprehensive documentation is critical to avoid delays and suspicions during this process.

For importers in Taiwan:

Logistics considerations

Logistics and customs clearance are the core of the import process and are related to the efficiency and cost of the entire operation. Therefore, choosing an experienced logistics company can ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation. For wines which requires special storage conditions, it is recommended to use a logistics provider with temperature control and preservation services. Proper temperature control is essential to preserving the quality of the alcohol throughout its journey. Different types of alcohol require specific temperature ranges. Ensure you work with a trusted logistics provider who can maintain this temperature consistently from the winery, during shipment, and until delivery at the destination. For Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, ensure your goods are handled properly at the Container Freight Station (CFS). For Full Container Load (FCL) shipments, make sure the container is equipped to maintain the required temperature until it reaches its destination.

Customs Clearance:

Furthermore, customs clearance agents can assist importers with customs clearance documents and procedures, and resolve possible emergencies, such as missing documents or delays in customs review. Choosing a reliable agent can greatly reduce the difficulty of importing. Importers should be careful to avoid errors such as documents that are incomplete or inconsistent with the actual condition of the goods, such as incorrect product coding or missing inspection reports. Reviewing all documents in advance and maintaining communication with suppliers and customs clearance agents can effectively reduce the occurrence of problems.

Alcohol Labeling Requirements:

Alcohol labels must include several mandatory details to inform both consumers and government authorities. The information required on the label includes brand name, fanciful name (if any), vintage (year), varietal type, appellation, producer and bottler information, alcohol content, net contents, sulfite warning, government warning, etc. In Taiwan, all imported alcohol labels must include a version in Mandarin. This ensures that local consumers and authorities can easily access all relevant product information. The import label must comply with Taiwan's specific rules, including proper translations of all mandatory information. Aside from legal requirements, alcohol labels should also be designed for maximum appeal to consumers. The label plays a key role in conveying the quality, origin, and story of the alcohol. However, keep in mind that the design must not conflict with the mandatory regulatory information.

In summary, importing wines to Taiwan is a complex process requiring precise documentation and a thorough understanding of the alcohol import procedure to navigate customs clearance and minimize risks during shipment. Proper preparation ensures the alcohol reaches consumers in optimal condition. If you're considering expanding your wines brands in Taiwan and need more information, feel free to contact us at richie_lin@tgl-group.net

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