The Keelung Customs Office of the Ministry of Finance Customs Administration has stated that, to effectively control the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and protect the safety of Taiwan&rsquos livestock industry, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has newly designated several countries as ASF-affected areas in 2024. These include Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania in Europe Angola and Gabon in Africa and Sri Lanka in Asia. Furthermore, neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea have recently continued to report ASF outbreaks, indicating that the international situation remains severe and must not be underestimated. Customs authorities are enforcing strict border controls to keep the virus from entering the country.
Keelung Customs reminds the public that, in order to prevent the entry of foreign animal diseases, Customs continues to cooperate with the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Joint efforts are focused on enhancing inspections and seizures of pork products brought in from ASF-affected countries and regions, including Mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea. These products fall under Article 5 of the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, which requires quarantine inspection. Such products are not allowed entry without approved quarantine clearance.
Keelung Customs further explains that when pork products from affected areas are found, they are handed over to BAPHIQ for confiscation or destruction in accordance with relevant regulations. According to the penalty standards under Article 34, Paragraph 2 of the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, first-time offenders may be fined NT$200,000, while repeat offenders face fines up to NT$1,000,000. If a foreign traveler is unable to pay the fine on the spot, they may be denied entry into Taiwan.
Keelung Customs reiterates its appeal to the public not to bring pork products from ASF-affected areas into Taiwan to avoid penalties. If travelers have any questions, they may contact Customs directly or visit the Customs Administration&rsquos website at https://web.customs.gov.tw (navigate to: Homepage > Traveler Clearance).
