Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh celery in Taiwan is produced domestically as a short-cycle leafy vegetable, with central-region production in Changhua County townships including Zhutang, Pitou, and Fangyuan. Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TCDARES) describes a suitable sowing period from August to March, harvesting about 70–90 days after sowing, and rapid ageing at optimum maturity that typically requires harvesting within 3–4 days. For imported fresh/chilled celery, Taiwan’s tariff schedule lists an MFN duty line for HS 07094000006 and shows preferential rates for certain partner countries. Food safety enforcement around pesticide residues is a critical commercial and compliance factor for celery sold in Taiwan.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with domestic production; supplementary imports are possible under Taiwan’s import tariff schedule
Domestic RoleLocally produced fresh vegetable crop for domestic consumption
SeasonalityIn central Taiwan, TCDARES notes celery sowing is suitable from August to March, with harvest typically 70–90 days after sowing; harvest timing is sensitive because celery ages rapidly at optimum maturity.
Specification
Primary VarietyQingtong
Physical Attributes- Rapid ageing at optimum maturity; TCDARES notes celery typically needs to be harvested within 3–4 days once it reaches its optimum harvesting period.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Sowing → harvest (about 70–90 days after sowing) → rapid harvest window at optimum maturity (typically within 3–4 days) → domestic wholesale/retail distribution (time-sensitive handling emphasized by TCDARES).
Shelf Life- TCDARES notes celery ages rapidly at optimum maturity and generally must be harvested within 3–4 days, making post-harvest handling and distribution highly time-sensitive.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Food Safety HighPesticide residue non-compliance can trigger removal from shelves, penalties, or shipment disruption in Taiwan; celery is among vegetables that have been reported in local testing and enforcement actions for exceeding pesticide standards, and TFDA maintains legally binding pesticide residue limit standards for foods.Implement pre-shipment residue testing against Taiwan TFDA standards, enforce pesticide application records and PHIs at farm level, and use importer-specific compliance checklists before dispatch.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPlant quarantine and entry documentation requirements (including whether a phytosanitary certificate is required or exempt) can delay clearance or lead to rejection if not aligned with APHIA rules for the specific commodity form (e.g., with roots attached).Confirm commodity form and HS/commodity description, then verify APHIA quarantine requirements and phytosanitary certificate applicability before shipment; align packing to avoid soil/roots where prohibited.
Logistics MediumQuality and shrink risk is elevated because TCDARES notes celery ages rapidly at optimum maturity and typically requires harvesting within 3–4 days; delays or temperature abuse can quickly degrade marketability in Taiwan’s retail channels.Use rapid post-harvest handling, minimize dwell time, and agree arrival quality specs and rejection thresholds with buyers; plan distribution to match the narrow optimal harvest/dispatch window.
Sustainability- Food loss/waste risk from tight harvest window: TCDARES notes celery ages rapidly at optimum maturity and typically must be harvested within 3–4 days.
FAQ
When is celery typically sown and harvested in central Taiwan?TCDARES notes celery’s suitable sowing period in central Taiwan is from August to March of the following year, and it can be harvested about 70 to 90 days after sowing. TCDARES also warns that once celery reaches its optimum harvesting period, it ages rapidly and typically needs to be harvested within about 3 to 4 days.
What is the biggest compliance risk for fresh celery sold in Taiwan?Pesticide residue compliance is a major risk: TFDA publishes legally binding pesticide residue limit standards, and Taiwan News has reported celery among vegetables removed from markets in Taipei due to excessive pesticide residues in testing.
What tariff applies to imported fresh/chilled celery into Taiwan?Taiwan’s published tariff schedule lists HS 07094000006 (celery other than celeriac, fresh or chilled) with a 15% duty rate in the schedule’s standard/MFN column, with preferential rates shown for certain partner countries when origin requirements are met.