The Taiwanese customs have come up with some adjustments to prohibited items into Taiwan recently. Time to time there might be some changes to items that can be brought into or out of Taiwan.
10 Types of Souvenirs & Items Which Can be Confiscated by Taiwan Customs.
The Taiwanese customs have come up with some adjustments to prohibited items into Taiwan recently. Time to time there might be some changes to items that can be brought into or out of Taiwan. For example items that are prohibited into Taiwan – Drugs listed under the “Act for the Control Narcotics”, all restricted substances and drugs of non-prescription or non-medicinal nature (including marijuana), to firearms, fruits and live animals and their products. Year on year the Customs department has confiscated many prohibited items from fellow travellers, some of the items even cost up to the thousands! It is therefore wiser to check in advance before one travels to the destination.
You can always log on to Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance website (https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/) for more information and updates.
In many countries and in different states around the world, there are certain limitation to entry and exit requirements on what you can bring in and what you cannot. As in Taiwan, the Customs are particular on what fellow travelers bring into the country or out of the country.
1. MEAT PRODUCTS
Meat products such as cured meat, meat floss or ham are brought home by “accident” as souvenirs many a times. It does not matter if it’s poultry, seafood or game. Or even the way it is being packed in vacuum sealed packages. No doubt it is a “must buy” type of souvenir from places such as Hong Kong or Macao, these are still considered contraband items and will be confiscated once you reach the port of Taiwan! Bare in mind also that items such as fresh milk, eggs, live crabs or crab meat are not allowed as well. Likewise in the majority of countries, meat products out of Taiwan might be adhered to the same rules. Taiwan customs clearance makes a few exceptions for items such as instant noodles and canned meat products.
2. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Fruits are easily packed “accidentally” into our luggage. During our travels exotic fruits are irresistibly mouth watering, how could one not help but to buy them! Well it is not a great idea once you encounter prohibitions at the Customs.
3. TOO MUCH CASH
Going abroad is equivalent to spending money, hence it does not make sense “not” to bring lots of cash. But many are not aware that there are limits into a country. Hence if one does not declare should the limit is exceeded, it will be confiscated by the Customs. Taiwan customs seizes more than NTD 60 million yuan in cash per year.
4. BUYING TOO MANY DESIGNER BAGS!!
Going abroad be it for business or leisure and purchasing designer bags is a norm, as a good savings comes with VAT returns from the country of purchased. But if the value of purchase exceeds more than USD 20,000 including the VAT returns in cash, the bags will be forfeited at the Customs. Taiwan Customs has auctioned off these confiscated designer bags and the annual revenue from these auctions alone goes up to the millions. Hence do not go wild while shopping for designer bags while overseas!
5. SOIL
Carrying back soil into the country is a Big no no. This is to prevent and control any pests or diseases which can be brought in by the soil. Many countries, including Taiwan do not allow soil or dirt to be brought in. But in many cases people do not realise that even the mud on the shoes can be considered bringing in foreign soil, correct? Some of the more stringent customs inspection officer of these countries will even inspect if there is mud on the shoes. Some do not even pass the test.
6. PLANT BASED PRODUCTS
It is considered common sense in many countries that potted plants are prohibited. But would a pair of chopstick ever crossed your mind as a prohibited item? “Apple Daily” reporters have had this experience! They have been stopped in Australian Customs during clearance in possession of chopsticks, this is due to the material is made of bamboo. Reason being the bamboo material may equally introduce pests and diseases.
7. YOLK CRISP
After a taste of Taiwan’s egg yolk cakes and mooncakes, one cannot resist to bring back as souvenirs and it is a popular choice. But bare in mind the United States, Australia and some other countries do not allow products which contains egg yolk. Hence crisp egg yolk or mooncakes with egg yolk fillings will not be able to get through at Customs and most likely be confiscated.
8. TOY GUN
Firearms are difficult to conceal of course be it in a hand carry or by check-in baggage, but a toy gun or even a pistol shape item will likely be setting of the alert once you arrive at customs check point. Customs in Hong Kong did confiscate a toilet brush shaped in a gun by a Natto artist.
9. PIRATED GOODS
Rules on pirated goods through customs on majority are similar with the national consensus in Japan, not only one can be arrested for piracy but pornorgraphy material is also not acceptable. It can be resulted in confiscation as illegal material. Should anyone travel to Japan for business trips they would have to be mindful.
10. IVORY JEWELRY
Not only Ivory but jewelry made from different animal parts are strictly prohibited in most countries, including Taiwan Customs. It will be stopped and investigated and in most cases confiscated. Furthermore think about all those poor elephants and animals, we can help to conserve by not buying these things.
