Keelung Customs (KLC) expressed: “inward passengers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and thus failed to import their unaccompanied luggage within the stipulated time frame or didn’t declare them upon arrival may still retain the right to claim for the benefits applicable to their luggage as under normal condition.
KLC indicated that pursuant to Article 7 and 8 of the Regulations Governing the Declaration, Inspection, Duty and Release of Personal Luggage or Goods of Inward Passengers (Regulations), inbound passengers with unaccompanied luggage/cargo should pass through the red channels and make written declaration to the Customs at the time of entry. The said luggage should be imported before the entry of each passenger or within 6 months from the date of entry so as not to be treated as commercial goods.
However, as the COVID-19 has impacted almost all countries in the world and with no sign of ending, Customs on its part has taken measures to help those who were or to be affected. As a remedy, inward passengers failed to meet the above-mentioned declaration requirements may submit relevant documentary evidence to the Customs; once satisfied, their unaccompanied luggage/cargo within the prescribed allowances listed on the Regulations’ appendix may still be entitled to duty or licensing exemption privileges, KLC announced.