With cross-strait economic and trade ties growing ever closer, more and more Taiwanese businesspeople and residents are choosing to ship solid wood furniture purchased in mainland China back to Taiwan for use. Due to their special materials, large size, and high value, shipping solid wood furniture involves complex policies and regulations, professional packing techniques, and a complete logistics chain. Based on over a decade of experience in international moving and the latest import policy framework in Taiwan, this article provides a comprehensive, professional, and actionable guide to shipping solid wood furniture to Taiwan by sea.
1. Taiwan Solid Wood Import Policy and Framework
1.1 Taiwan's Regulatory System for Wood Product Imports
The Taiwan region of China implements a strict quarantine supervision system for wood product imports, primarily based on the Plant Protection and Quarantine Act and its enforcement rules, enforced by the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) under the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. As a major category of wood products, solid wood furniture imports must meet the following core requirements:
1) Fumigation Requirements
All solid wood, rattan, and bamboo products must undergo fumigation treatment before export to Taiwan. The purpose of fumigation is to kill any pests, eggs, and harmful microorganisms that may be present in the wood, preventing the introduction of invasive species.
- Fumigation method: Methyl Bromide or Aluminum Phosphide fumigation
- Fumigation duration: Typically 24–48 hours, depending on wood species and thickness
- Fumigation temperature: Must reach the specified temperature threshold to ensure insecticidal effect
- Fumigation certificate: An officially recognized Fumigation Certificate is required and is a mandatory document for customs clearance
- Cost: Fumigation fee starts from approx. RMB 750 per shipment, varying by cargo volume and processing difficulty
2) Regulation of Endangered Species
According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and relevant Taiwan regulations, imports of certain rare wood species are strictly controlled:
| Wood Type | Control Level | Import Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) | CITES Appendix II | Requires an export permit for endangered species |
| Blackwood (Dalbergia spp.) | CITES Appendix II | Requires an export permit for endangered species |
| Padauk (Pterocarpus santalinus) | CITES Appendix II | Requires an export permit for endangered species |
| Fragrant Rosewood (Dalbergia odorifera) | National Class I Protection | Trade import/export prohibited |
Important Note: Antique rosewood furniture produced before 1949 is prohibited from entering China (including Taiwan) by any means, and customs will strictly inspect for this.
3) Anti-dumping Regulated Items
Taiwan imposes anti-dumping measures on certain wood products. Special attention is needed for solid wood furniture imports:
- Flooring products: Imported flooring in Taiwan is subject to anti-dumping regulations. Detailed production process descriptions must be provided to customs.
- Stone-plastic composite (SPC) flooring without cement: Can be imported normally, but material certificates and production process descriptions are required.
- Multi-layer engineered wood flooring: The origin and material composition must be confirmed to avoid triggering anti-dumping investigations.
1.2 Tax Exemption Policy for Personal Used Solid Wood Furniture
Taiwan has established a clear tax exemption policy framework for personal effects of residents returning to Taiwan for relocation.
1) Eligibility Conditions for Tax Exemption
- Identity requirement: Hold a Taiwan Resident Permit or a Taiwan passport.
- Residency requirement: Have lived continuously overseas for at least one full year.
- Entry deadline: Apply for unaccompanied baggage declaration within six months of the individual's entry into Taiwan.
- Item nature: Must be verified as personal used furniture, not new merchandise or commercial goods.
2) Exemption Limits
| Entry Type | Exemption Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First entry for relocation | Full exemption (within reasonable personal use scope) | Requires proof of overseas residence for over one year |
| Second and subsequent entries | NTD 2,000 per entry | Excess amount subject to tax according to regulations |
| Air freight channel | No exemption policy applies | All air-shipped items are subject to tax |
3) Required Documents for Customs Clearance
- Original passport and Taiwan Resident Permit
- Proof of overseas residence (e.g., work visa, residence permit)
- Entry/exit record certificate (must have entry stamps)
- Original Declaration Form for Inbound/Outbound Passenger's Baggage (stamped by customs upon entry)
- Fumigation Certificate (mandatory for solid wood items)
- Itemized list and purchase receipts (if available)
Practical Advice: Upon entry, be sure to use the manual counter to get an entry stamp. The e-gate does not provide an entry stamp, which may affect subsequent tax-free customs clearance. If you used the e-gate, you can later apply to customs for a supplementary certificate.
1.3 Import Tax Calculation Standards
For solid wood furniture imports that exceed the exemption limit or do not meet exemption conditions, Taiwan customs will levy taxes according to the following standards:
1) Customs Duty Rate
- General solid wood furniture: 0–10%, depending on the HS code.
- Endangered wood products: In addition to normal duties, punitive tariffs may be imposed.
- Anti-dumping regulated items: Subject to anti-dumping rates, which can range from 20% to 50% of the cargo value.
2) Business Tax
- Business tax rate: 5%, calculated on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) plus the customs duty.
3) Calculation Example
Assume a batch of solid wood furniture has a declared value of NTD 100,000 and a duty rate of 5%:
- Duty: 100,000 × 5% = NTD 5,000
- Business tax: (100,000 + 5,000) × 5% = NTD 5,250
- Total taxes: NTD 10,250
2. Complete Process of Shipping Solid Wood Furniture by Sea
2.1 Preliminary Consultation and Solution Customization
1) Item Assessment and Volume Measurement
The professional moving company will arrange for a consultant to visit on-site or conduct a video assessment to evaluate the solid wood furniture to be shipped in detail:
- Measure actual dimensions (length × width × height) of each piece
- Assess the material, weight, and structural stability
- Determine if custom wooden crates or special reinforcement is needed
- Calculate total volume and chargeable weight (usually 1 m³ = 200 kg)
- Evaluate furniture value and provide insurance recommendations
2) Shipping Plan Selection
Based on the quantity, volume, and customer time requirements, multiple shipping options are available:
| Plan Type | Suitable Volume | Transit Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than Container Load (LCL) | 2–15 m³ | 30–45 days | Cost-effective, suitable for small quantities |
| Full Container Load (FCL) | >20 m³ | 25–35 days | High safety, suitable for large quantities |
| 20GP Full Container | ~25–26 m³ | 25–35 days | Standard small container, suitable for full-house furniture |
| 40HQ Full Container | ~58–67 m³ | 25–35 days | High cube container, larger capacity |
3) Quotation Confirmation and Contract Signing
- Provide detailed quotation listing all cost items
- Sign a formal transport service contract clarifying rights and obligations
- Confirm payment method and schedule (usually three-stage payment)
2.2 On-site Packing and Warehouse Operations
1) Professional Packing Team On-site
Seapoe Relo's packing teams are all professionally trained and familiar with solid wood furniture packing standards:
- Packing time: Typically 1–3 days depending on furniture quantity
- Material preparation: Packing materials delivered to the client's home in advance
- Personnel: 2–3 professional packers per team
- On-site management: Dedicated person responsible for counting, recording, and quality control
2) Detailed Packing Notes for Solid Wood Furniture
Step 1: Cleaning and Pre-treatment
- Thoroughly clean dust and stains from furniture surfaces
- Remove detachable parts (e.g., cabinet doors, drawers, handles) and pack separately
- Secure moving parts to prevent damage from shifting during transport
- Apply protective treatment to sharp edges and corners
Step 2: Layered Packaging
| Layer | Material | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1 (Inner) | EPE foam | ≥5mm thickness, fully wrap furniture surface; seal seams with tape |
| Layer 2 (Cushioning) | Bubble wrap | ≥10mm thickness; focus on protecting edges and protruding parts |
| Layer 3 (Reinforcement) | Cardboard or corrugated board | ≥5mm thickness; reinforce the entire piece |
| Layer 4 (Outer) | Stretch wrap and tape | Wrap completely to ensure packaging does not come loose |
Step 3: Protection of Special Parts
- Cabinet doors and drawers: Wrap with EPE foam, then secure to the cabinet body with stretch wrap to prevent opening during transit
- Glass parts: Remove and pack separately in a wooden crate filled with foam pellets
- Carved and openwork sections: First fill gaps with soft paper, then carefully wrap with EPE foam
- Table and chair legs: Remove, pack separately, and label corresponding furniture
- Metal parts: Wrap with anti-rust paper to prevent moisture and corrosion
Step 4: Custom Wooden Crate (Essential for Valuable Solid Wood Furniture)
For high-value or structurally complex solid wood furniture, custom heat-treated (ISPM-15 compliant) wooden crates are recommended:
- Crate material: Must use heat-treated wood; raw wood is prohibited
- Structure: Equipped with locks and hinges for easy customs inspection
- Forklift base: Leave ≥10cm clearance at the bottom for forklift handling
- Internal bracing: Use wooden strips and foam inside the crate to keep furniture from shifting
- External markings: Clearly mark "This Side Up," "Fragile," "Keep Dry," etc.
Step 5: Inventory and Recording
- Affix a unique number label to each packed item
- Create a detailed packing list with number, description, quantity, and value
- Take photos of packed items for records
- Customer confirms and signs off on item count and packing condition
3) Warehouse Receiving and Secondary Reinforcement
After packed furniture is delivered to Seapoe's self-operated warehouse, the following procedures are carried out:
- Warehouse staff verify item count and packing condition
- Secondary reinforcement for fragile and valuable items
- Free storage for 30 days (negotiable extension to two months for returning customers)
- Load container after consolidation
2.3 Export Customs Clearance and Ocean Freight
1) Export Customs Clearance Process
- Compile required documents: contract, invoice, packing list, fumigation certificate, etc.
- Declare export to Mainland China customs
- Cooperate with customs inspection (if randomly selected)
- Obtain export release notice
2) Container Loading and Ocean Shipping
- Arrange appropriate container based on cargo volume
- Professional loading team directs container loading to optimize space usage
- Heavy items on bottom, light items on top for stable center of gravity
- Buffer materials placed between furniture pieces to prevent collision
- Seal container after loading, record container seal number
- Arrange barge to main port, then transfer to ocean vessel
- Track vessel status in real time during transit and update customer
2.4 Taiwan Customs Clearance and Delivery
1) Destination Customs Clearance
- Cargo arrives at Keelung Port or Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan
- Local agent submits customs clearance documents
- Cooperate with Taiwan customs if inspection is required (random check)
- Pay applicable taxes (if any)
- Obtain customs release notice
2) Final Mile Delivery and In-Home Service
- Arrange truck transfer to customer's address after clearance
- Professional moving team delivers furniture into the home
- Remove outer packaging, dispose of packing waste
- Simple assembly of furniture components
- Customer signs off, confirming items are intact
Total Process Time Summary:
- On-site packing to warehouse: 1–3 days
- Warehouse operations and fumigation: 3–7 days
- Export customs clearance and loading: 7–10 days
- Ocean freight: 7–15 days
- Taiwan customs clearance and delivery: 7–10 days
- Total time: Approximately 30–45 days (door-to-door)
3. Breakdown of One-Stop Shipping Costs
3.1 Basic Transport Fees
Seapoe Relo offers door-to-door one-stop service from China to Taiwan. Fee standards: Minimum volume: 2 m³ (including door-to-door service) Volume calculation: L × W × H (cm) Billing note: Volume is calculated based on actual dimensions after packing, rounded to one decimal place. Post-packing volume is typically about 20% larger than net furniture volume, mainly due to packing materials and safety margins.
3.2 Special Charges for Solid Wood Furniture
1) Custom Wooden Crate Fee
- Standard: RMB 600/m³ (minimum 1 m³ charge)
- Note: Recommended for valuable solid wood furniture to provide extra protection
- Removal fee: Approx. RMB 350 per crate in Taiwan
2) Wood Frame Reinforcement Fee
- Standard: Approx. RMB 230/m³
- Note: For furniture needing extra reinforcement without a full crate
3.3 Additional Charges
1) Operational Surcharges
| Fee Item | Rate | Trigger Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight surcharge | Depends on weight | Single piece chargeable weight ≥80 kg |
| Domestic forklift fee | At cost | Single piece weight >150 kg |
| International forklift fee | At cost | Single piece >68 kg and packed on pallet/in crate |
| Oversize surcharge (short) | Depends on size | One side 1.1–1.99m |
| Oversize surcharge (long) | Depends on size | One side 2–2.99m |
| Excessive girth surcharge | At cost | One side >120 cm and girth >260 cm |
2) Service Surcharges
| Fee Item | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stair carry fee | Based on floors and volume | For 2nd floor and above without elevator |
| Complex assembly fee | Hourly or per piece | Complex assembly requiring more than 8 screws |
| Re-delivery fee | Based on address | Occurs when first delivery fails |
| Parking permit fee | At cost | Required for truck parking in certain areas |
| Non-stackable fee | Case by case | Items with irregular shape that cannot be stacked |
3) Storage Fees
| Fee Item | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic overage storage | Agreed rate | Beyond 30-day free storage period |
| Taiwan storage | Approx. NTD 2 per cai per day | Overstored cargo after arrival at port |
3.4 Government Fees and Customs Clearance Costs
1) Inspection Fee
- Description: Incurred in case of random customs inspection; charged at cost
- Probability: About 5%–10% inspection rate
2) Documentation Fees
- Fumigation certificate fee: Included in fumigation fee
- Certificate of origin: Approx. RMB 100 per shipment if needed
- Other customs document fees: At cost
3.5 Insurance Fees
1) Transit Insurance
- Rate: Typically 1%–3% of cargo value
- Coverage: Total loss and partial loss (per policy terms)
- Deductible: Usually 5% of cargo value or specified amount
2) Special Item Insurance (e.g., Piano)
- Note: Typically only "total loss only" coverage is offered; partial damage (e.g., dents) is not covered
- Recommendation: Valuable musical instruments should have dedicated insurance
3.6 Payment Method and Schedule
Seapoe Relo uses the industry-standard three-stage payment method to ensure fund security and service quality:
| Payment Stage | Percentage | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (Deposit) | 10% | After contract signing |
| Stage 2 (Down payment) | 70% | After cargo leaves port, upon providing Bill of Lading |
| Stage 3 (Final payment) | 20% | Before delivery upon cargo arrival |
Payment notes: Both RMB and USD are accepted. Company invoices can be issued as requested. Deposits must be paid via bank wire transfer.
3.7 Cost Comparison: Professional Moving Company vs. General Freight Forwarder
| Comparison Item | Seapoe Relo | General Freight Forwarder |
|---|---|---|
| Service model | Door-to-door one-stop | Usually port-to-port or warehouse-to-warehouse |
| On-site packing | Included, professional team | Not included; customer handles |
| Destination delivery to floor | Included (ground floor) | Usually not included |
| Unpacking and debris removal | Included | Not included |
| Solid wood fumigation | Professional handling, certificate provided | May not be familiar with process |
| Tax-free customs clearance | Professional guidance, higher success rate | Usually does not offer personal effects clearance |
| Storage | 30 days free in China | May charge daily |
| Insurance | Door-to-door transit insurance available | Usually only port-to-port insurance |
| Customer support | Dedicated account manager tracks throughout | May have no status updates |
4. Core Advantages and Services of Seapoe Relo
4.1 Company Overview and Brand Strength
Shanghai Seapoe Global Forwarding Co., Ltd. was founded in 2015 and is a professional provider of door-to-door one-stop international moving services for personal effects. The company's service network covers nearly a hundred countries and regions worldwide, processing over 8,000 shipments annually, with over 130 professional and logistics staff each.
Seapoe Relo is the brand under the Seapoe Group focused on international moving services, specializing in three main businesses: moving overseas by sea, moving back to China by sea, and courier shipping to China. It complements Shipping Whale International Logistics (a freight forwarding brand) to provide customers with comprehensive international logistics solutions.
4.2 Core Advantages of the Taiwan Route
1) Extensive Experience Operating the Taiwan Route
- Over ten years of experience on the Taiwan route, familiar with cross-strait customs policies
- Stable and reliable agency network in Taiwan
- Weekly fixed sailings with guaranteed space
- When June capacity in Taiwan is fully booked, priority can be arranged for space after July 10
2) Professional Solid Wood Furniture Handling Capability
- Familiar with Taiwan's wood product quarantine requirements
- Long-term partnership with fumigation service providers ensuring compliance
- Proficient in CITES endangered species customs declaration procedures
- Capable of handling legal transport of various rare woods
3) High Success Rate for Tax-Free Customs Clearance
- Dedicated guidance for customers to prepare tax-free clearance documents
- Familiar with Taiwan customs review standards for personal effects
- Helps customers plan declarations reasonably to maximize tax benefits
- Extensive experience handling customs inspections
4.3 Standard Service Package Contents
Seapoe Relo provides a "door-to-door one-stop" service for Taiwan shipping clients, including:
【 Departure Services 】
- Door-to-door pickup (ground floor default; elevator building negotiable)
- On-site packing (including all packing materials)
- Professional team packs according to solid wood furniture standards
- Item inventory, numbering, and photo documentation
- Receipt and temporary storage at domestic self-operated warehouse
- Secondary reinforcement of fragile and valuable items in warehouse
- Fumigation treatment and certificate issuance for solid wood items
- Export document preparation and customs declaration
- 30 days free storage (extendable to 60 days for returning customers)
【 Ocean Freight Services 】
- Priority matching with highly reliable carriers
- Dedicated customer service monitors vessel status in real time
- Accurate early warning of potential delays with customer updates
- Immediate activation of contingency plans for anomalies
【 Destination Services 】
- Taiwan local customs clearance assistance and document guidance
- Support for customs inspections if required
- Door delivery (unloading to ground floor)
- Simple furniture assembly (free if ≤8 screws)
- Removal of outer packaging and disposal of packing waste
- Customer acceptance confirmation
4.4 Advantages of Self-Operated Groupage Model
Seapoe Relo uses a self-operated groupage model to integrate the transport chain, offering significant advantages over traditional outsourcing:
| Comparison Dimension | Seapoe Self-Operated Groupage | Traditional Outsourcing Model |
|---|---|---|
| Operational standardization | Uniform standards, fully controllable | Multiple layers of outsourcing, inconsistent standards |
| Compliance risk | Significantly reduced, higher inspection pass rate | Non-standard operations prone to triggering inspections |
| Clearance efficiency | Fast and efficient | Possible delays due to chain issues |
| Cargo safety | Full traceability, clear responsibility | Unclear responsibility, difficult claims |
| Customer experience | Dedicated account manager, transparent information | No follow-up, unknown status |
4.5 Risk Management System
Seapoe has established a comprehensive risk management system for international moving, systematically addressing four core risks in solid wood furniture transport:
1) Policy Changes Management
- Maintains a database of personal effects policies for various countries, updated in real time
- Dynamic updates of Taiwan's tax exemption policies, tax rates, and prohibited/restricted items
- Experienced business consultant team provides compliance advice
2) Vessel Delay Management
- Long-term cooperation with multiple booking companies, priority matching of highly reliable carriers
- Dedicated customer service monitors vessel status through a work platform in real time
- Accurate early warning of potential delays; immediate customer notification when anomalies occur
3) Customs Inspection Management
- Adheres to compliance clearance, eliminates mis-declaration or false declaration
- Self-operated groupage model reduces inspection risk from non-standard operations
- Rich experience responding to customs inspections, improving pass rate
4) Cargo Damage Management
- Uses high-quality, shock-resistant, moisture-proof packing materials meeting international moving standards
- Professional packing team applies standardized techniques
- Secondary reinforcement of fragile and valuable items in warehouse
5. Frequently Asked Questions
5.1 Policy and Customs Clearance
Q1: Does all solid wood furniture need fumigation?
A: Yes. According to Taiwan's plant quarantine requirements, all solid wood, rattan, and bamboo products must undergo fumigation before export and provide an officially recognized Fumigation Certificate. This is mandatory for customs clearance in Taiwan; cargo without a certificate cannot be cleared.
Q2: How do I know if my furniture is subject to endangered species regulations?
A: Common regulated woods include rosewood, blackwood, padauk, and fragrant rosewood. If your furniture uses these materials, inform the moving company beforehand so professionals can assess whether transport is possible and what documents are needed. CITES Appendix II woods require export permits for endangered species, which take time to process, so plan ahead.
Q3: I already returned to Taiwan. Can I still apply for tax-free customs clearance?
A: Yes, as long as you meet these conditions:
- Entry was within the last six months;
- You lived continuously overseas for over one year;
- You can provide complete identity and residence documents.
- It is recommended to obtain and fill out the Declaration Form for Inbound/Outbound Passenger's Baggage and have it stamped by customs upon entry. If not done at entry, inquire with customs if a supplementary process is available.
Q4: Will Taiwan customs open my furniture for inspection?
A: There is a certain inspection probability, typically around 5%–10%. Solid wood furniture, due to plant quarantine concerns, has a relatively higher inspection rate. Seapoe's professional declaration and proper packing help reduce the chance. If an inspection occurs, the local Taiwan agent will handle it fully.
Q5: Can new furniture be declared as personal effects?
A: Yes, but certain conditions must be met. It is recommended to remove new item tags, labels, and instruction manuals before export, and declare as used personal items. Brand new items may need to be treated to look used to qualify for the personal effects tax exemption. If obvious manufacturer markings and brand-new condition remain, customs may treat them as commercial goods, making tax exemption unavailable.
5.2 Packing and Transport
Q6: How long does solid wood furniture packing take?
A: Depends on quantity and complexity. Typically:
- 5 pieces or fewer common furniture: 1 day
- 5–15 pieces with some complex structure: 1–2 days
- Full house move (over 20 pieces): 2–3 days Schedule packing at least 3 days before planned shipment to allow sufficient time.
Q7: Is a wooden crate mandatory? Can I just use cardboard boxes?
A: Depends on furniture value and structure. Guidelines:
- Common solid wood tables, chairs: Can use cardboard + EPE foam
- Valuable solid wood furniture, complex carvings: Strongly recommended custom wooden crate
- Glass components, marble tops: Must have a wooden crate Though crates add cost, they greatly reduce damage risk and are a worthwhile investment for high-value items.
Q8: Will furniture get damp during sea transport?
A: Containers are sealed and provide some moisture resistance. Given the high humidity at sea and temperature changes, Seapoe takes these measures:
- Use moisture-proof packing materials
- Place desiccant inside furniture packaging
- Use dehumidifying rods inside the container if needed
- Load strategically, avoiding direct contact between cargo and container walls
Q9: My furniture has carvings and openwork. How to prevent damage during transport?
A: For carved and openwork sections, Seapoe has special methods:
- First fill gaps and openwork areas with soft paper or cotton
- Then carefully wrap with EPE foam, ensuring every protruding carved part is protected
- Reinforce externally with cardboard to form a protective layer
- For high-value furniture, recommend a wooden crate with internal foam and wooden bracing
Q10: Do I need to be present during packing? Any preparation needed?
A: It is recommended that the customer or a representative be present to:
- Confirm which items to ship
- Point out fragile or valuable items
- Verify item count and condition on site
- Sign off upon completion
Preparations:
- Clean furniture surfaces
- Empty drawers and cabinets
- Prepare purchase receipts and warranty cards (if any)
- Take photos of high-value items beforehand
5.3 Cost and Transit Time
Q11: Why is the quoted volume different from my own estimate?
A: This is normal. Main reasons:
- Packing materials add volume (about 20% increase)
- Safety gaps needed between items to prevent collision
- Irregularly shaped items are calculated as circumscribed rectangular prism
- Wooden crates themselves add thickness Seapoe measures actual volume after packing and confirms final billable volume with you.
Q12: How long does it take to ship to Taiwan? Are there delays?
A: Normal door-to-door time is about 30–45 days. Breakdown:
- On-site packing to warehouse: 1–3 days
- Fumigation and warehouse operations: 3–7 days
- Ocean freight: 7–15 days
- Customs clearance and delivery: 7–10 days
Possible delay factors:
- Customs inspection (random)
- Severe weather affecting sailing schedules
- Holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, National Day) reducing port efficiency
- Taiwan work schedule saturation (e.g., June full, arrangement after July 10)
Q13: What if furniture is damaged during transport?
A: Seapoe has a comprehensive after-sales and insurance mechanism:
- Upon delivery, note damage immediately on the receipt and take photos
- Contact dedicated account manager to initiate claims process
- If insured, claims proceed per insurance terms
- If uninsured, negotiate solution based on damage extent and responsibility
Recommendation: High-value furniture should definitely be insured. Though it adds a small cost, it provides effective protection.
Q14: Can I ship just a few pieces? What is the minimum volume?
A: Yes. Seapoe's Taiwan route minimum is 2 m³. Small quantities can be shipped, but unit cost is higher. It's more cost-effective to consolidate to a certain volume.
5.4 Special Situations
Q15: I bought furniture on Taobao. Can it be shipped directly from the seller to your warehouse and then to Taiwan?
A: Absolutely. Seapoe offers a warehouse-to-door service:
- Customer purchases furniture on Taobao and other platforms
- Seller delivers to Seapoe's designated warehouse (Shanghai or Guangzhou)
- Outer packaging must be marked with the warehouse entry number
- Warehouse inspects upon receipt, takes photos, and notifies customer
- Warehouse performs reinforcement, repacking, etc.
- Consolidate and then declare customs for sea shipment
- After Taiwan clearance, deliver to door
Q16: Can I ship furniture with marble tops?
A: Yes. Seapoe handles marble items, but note:
- Insurance companies usually do not cover marble (considered fragile)
- Must be packed in a wooden crate with internal shockproof treatment
- Manufacturer-specific packing is recommended
- Inform the moving company about marble in advance for special protection
Q17: What if the Taiwan delivery address is upstairs without an elevator?
A: Delivery to floor is possible but will incur an additional stair carry fee, depending on floors and volume. Please inform us of the delivery address situation when confirming the quote for accurate cost estimation.
5.5 After-Sales Service
Q19: After furniture arrives in Taiwan, will someone help with assembly?
A: Seapoe's standard service includes simple assembly, such as:
- Attaching table and chair legs
- Installing simple bed frames
- Installing cabinet door handles
Complex assembly (e.g., built-in wardrobes, complex modular cabinets) is not included in the standard service. If needed, please inquire beforehand; paid assembly services by Taiwan local technicians can be arranged.
Q20: How is packing waste handled after delivery?
A: Seapoe's standard service includes packaging removal and disposal. The delivery team will place furniture, then remove all cardboard, wooden crates, foam, and other packing materials and take them away. The customer does not need to dispose of large amounts of packing waste.
Conclusion
Shipping solid wood furniture to Taiwan by sea is a systematic project involving policies, regulations, specialized techniques, and comprehensive services. Choosing a professional international moving company not only ensures safe delivery of your furniture but also provides full support in customs clearance efficiency, cost transparency, and after-sales service.
With over ten years of experience on the Taiwan route, Seapoe Relo has established a complete service chain from door-to-door: on-site packing, fumigation treatment, export customs clearance, ocean freight, to Taiwan customs clearance and final delivery. We have successfully served tens of thousands of Taiwanese compatriots and businesspeople. Our professional team is familiar with Taiwan's wood product import policies and solid wood furniture transport characteristics, enabling us to provide customized solutions to ensure your precious furniture arrives safely and smoothly at your home in Taiwan.
For more details on shipping solid wood furniture to Taiwan or for a customized quote, please contact Seapoe Relo's professional consultants for one-on-one consultation.