Exporting Wood and Wooden Furniture from Vietnam to Taiwan

05/06/2025

Taiwan is a highly potential market that relies almost entirely on wood imports to meet its demand in construction, furniture manufacturing, and general consumption. Vietnam is currently one of Taiwan’s largest suppliers, especially of legally cultivated wood and eco-friendly engineered wood. This presents significant opportunities for Vietnamese wood exporters to expand their presence in East Asia.

>> Read More: Rail Freight Transport between Vietnam and China

 

Wood Consumption Trends in Taiwan

1. Construction Wood
Taiwan is actively promoting the use of wood in public infrastructure and housing, especially structural wood like glulam (glued laminated timber) to enhance earthquake resistance. Wooden bridges, public pavilions, and shelters are increasingly popular due to their aesthetic appeal and sustainability.

2. Wooden Furniture
The Taiwanese furniture market favors modern designs combining natural wood with metal or composite materials. Consumer wooden products (tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, kitchen furniture) and office furniture sell well when they meet safety and environmental standards.

3. Engineered Wood Materials
Engineered boards such as plywood, MDF, particle board, and laminated wood are widely used. Taiwan places strong emphasis on formaldehyde emission limits (F1 – low emission is preferred), clear labeling of origin and manufacturers, and compliance with ecological green building standards.

 

List of Wood Products Allowed for Export to Taiwan

List of Wood Products Allowed for Export to Taiwan

Taiwan does not impose a general ban on raw wood or wood products, except in cases involving plant diseases or species listed in CITES Appendix I. Under Vietnamese law, roundwood and sawnwood from natural forests or CITES I species (e.g., Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus) are prohibited from export.

Other legally sourced wood products may be exported if they meet Taiwan’s quarantine and technical standards. Below is a list of commonly allowed wood products:

HS Code Product Notes & Special Requirements
4407 Sawn timber Must come from legal plantations. Natural forest timber is prohibited. Requires phytosanitary certificate.
4410 Particle board Must meet formaldehyde standards (F1–F2). Requires quality inspection and labeling before import.
4411 Fibreboard / MDF Similar quarantine and emission requirements as particle board. Must be tested and labeled.
4412 Plywood Includes general plywood, formwork, and construction boards. Mandatory testing and clear labeling (origin, F1–F3 standards, certification logos).
Wood flooring Some HS codes under 4412 are for flooring. Same requirements as plywood.
4413 Laminated wood / GLULAM Multi-layer structural wood for construction. Strict quarantine, especially if pest traces are found.
94xx Wooden furniture Includes tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, etc. Allowed if meeting Taiwan’s safety standards (fire resistance, formaldehyde) and CITES compliance where applicable.
4401/4403 Wood chips, pulpwood Used for paper or biomass fuel. Must follow proper quarantine procedures.

Note: To ensure smooth customs clearance, businesses must clearly declare wood origin, complete phytosanitary documents, and comply with all regulations from both Vietnam and Taiwan.

 

Export Procedures from Vietnam to Taiwan

Step 1: Market Research and Partner Identification
Understand the specific types of wood and furniture in demand in Taiwan. Identify suitable importers, distributors, or project developers.

Step 2: Negotiation and Contract Signing
Clarify delivery terms (Incoterms), payment methods (preferably L/C), timelines, and delivery conditions. Use bilingual contracts (English/Chinese).

Step 3: Product Preparation and Documentation
Ensure products meet quality standards and are legally sourced. Prepare the following documents:

  • Business license
  • Commercial contract
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of origin (C/O)
  • Phytosanitary certificate
  • Legal timber certificates (FLEGT, VNTLAS, or CITES if applicable)

Step 4: Phytosanitary Inspection
All wooden products (except bark-free processed wood) must undergo phytosanitary inspection in Vietnam. Some may require heat treatment or fumigation per ISPM 15 standards.

Step 5: Export Procedures in Vietnam
After documentation is complete, proceed with customs declaration and arrange transportation. For sea shipments, prepare Bill of Lading (B/L) and Power of Attorney if using a freight forwarder.

Step 6: Customs Clearance in Taiwan
Upon arrival, the Taiwanese importer will handle customs clearance with documents including:

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of Lading
  • Phytosanitary certificate
  • Certificate of origin (if applicable)
  • Power of attorney and technical documentation (if required) 

>> Read More: What Is a Packing List? Its Importance in Import and Export

 

Required Legal Documents and Certifications

Document Purpose
Business License Verify the legal status of the exporter
Commercial Contract Legal basis for trade activities
Commercial Invoice Declares product value
Packing List Describes packaging and contents
Certificate of Origin (C/O) Proves origin, may qualify for tax preferences
Phytosanitary Certificate Mandatory for all wood products
FLEGT / VNTLAS / CITES Documents Prove legal origin of wood
Bill of Lading International shipping document
Power of Attorney Authorize agent to act on behalf of exporter
Quality Certification Required for import approval (formaldehyde, labeling…)

 

Key Tips When Working with Taiwanese Partners

Build Long-Term Relationships
Taiwanese business culture values trust and personal connections (guanxi). Respectful, cooperative behavior and maintaining face (mianzi) are essential for lasting partnerships.

Clear Payment Terms
Taiwanese partners expect transparency and detailed contracts. Letters of Credit (L/C) are the preferred payment method to reduce risks for both parties.

Adhere to Technical Standards
All wood products must meet strict quality, labeling, and emission standards. Certifications like FSC and formaldehyde testing are often required.

>> Read More: FSC, PEFC, and SFI Certifications

 

Get a Quick Shipping Quote to Taiwan

King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV) offers FREE quotations for businesses looking to ship goods to Taiwan. To receive a detailed quote, please provide the following information:

  • List and description of goods
  • Dimensions and weight (or total CBM)
  • Pickup location in Vietnam and delivery address in Taiwan
  • Preferred shipping time frame

📞 Contact our hotline at +84 (0) 938 188 796
📧 Or email us at cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com to receive your fast and competitive quote today!

Written bykflv.vn

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