Quick Answer
Importing tapioca pearls, tea, syrups and powders from Taiwan to the US takes four steps: ① the factory completes FDA food facility registration; ② Prior Notice is filed before each shipment arrives; ③ the US importer runs a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP); ④ labels meet US rules, including English Nutrition Facts and the 9 major allergens (sesame added in 2023). On tariffs, the US and Taiwan signed a reciprocal trade agreement in February 2026 that caps most Taiwanese goods at a combined 15%; check CBP for effective dates and product-level rates.
4 Steps to Import Bubble Tea Supplies Into the US
| Step | Who | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| FDA food facility registration | Taiwanese factory | Free and online; renewed October–December of even-numbered years |
| Prior Notice | Importer or customs broker | Before arrival: at least 8 hours by sea, 4 hours by air or rail, 2 hours by road |
| FSVP | US importer | Assess supplier and product hazards; keep verification records |
| Labeling | Supplier and importer | English name, ingredients, net weight, Nutrition Facts, allergens, manufacturer or importer details |
What North American Buyers Search For
Cross-checking Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, YouTube and Amazon autocomplete, US and Canadian buyers most often search bubble tea wholesale, boba wholesale, bubble tea supplier and tapioca pearls bulk. Our bubble tea ingredients come in bulk pack sizes for these buyers.
Ingredients That Need Extra Checks
- Creamer and milk tea powder: often contain milk protein (casein) and must declare milk. See non-dairy creamer.
- Jams and syrups: confirm colors and preservatives are permitted in the US. See syrups.
- Frozen juice: needs a reefer container all the way. See frozen juice.
- Cup sealing machines and equipment: different HS codes and duty rates from food.
US Tariffs on Taiwanese Goods
The US–Taiwan reciprocal trade agreement signed in February 2026 caps most Taiwanese goods at a combined rate (MFN plus reciprocal) of 15%, with some agricultural products exempt. Check CBP and USTR for the effective date and product-level rates, and ask your customs broker to estimate duty by HS code.
How Tang Sugar Helps
Tang Sugar quotes your whole menu at once and ships tea, tapioca pearls, syrups, powders and packaging together in one container, with English spec sheets, ingredient lists and export documents. Our Taiwan sourcing agent service can also find other made-in-Taiwan products for you. Contact us for bulk pricing and samples.
Note: regulations and tariffs change. This article summarizes official public information available in October 2026. Before importing, check the latest guidance from the US FDA, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and consult a customs broker when needed.
Products in this article
All 487 Bubble Tea & Boba Ingredients →
FAQ
Do I need FDA certification to import food from Taiwan?
The FDA has no “certification” for this. The factory registers its food facility, each shipment needs Prior Notice, and the US importer runs an FSVP.
How far in advance is Prior Notice due?
At least 8 hours before arrival by sea, 4 hours by air or rail, and 2 hours by road; it can be submitted up to 15 days before arrival.
Who is responsible for FSVP?
The US importer, meaning the US owner or consignee of the food at entry.
What are the major food allergens in the US?
Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.
Related Reading
Documents to Request Before Importing Bubble Tea Ingredients: Certificate of Origin, FDA Registration, COA and More
Importing Bubble Tea Supplies From Taiwan to Canada: SFC Licence, Preventive Controls and Bilingual Labels
Tapioca Pearls Bulk Buying Guide: White, Golden, Brown Sugar or Large Boba? Pack Sizes, Storage and Export
Made in Taiwan Food Products: 8 Categories Importers Buy Most
How to Consolidate Shipments from Multiple Suppliers: Cargo Consolidation Process and the Sourcing Agent’s Role
