Keelung Customs (KLC) stated that false marking of country of origin (COO) was not surprises when it comes to clearance of imported goods. According to regulations of the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs (BOFT), importers should, prior to the release of goods, correct the marking of the COO to avoid possible concerns which lead to Customs delay. To consider practices of foreign trades and expedite clearance process, BOFT announced "Principles for Handling Cases Involving Import Goods Bearing False Origin Marking" had been amended and came into effect on June 6, 2022.

KLC further expressed that the amended Principles further specified details of origin marking of imported goods and also relaxed restrictions on displays of information of domestic companies. For example, if the country of origin was already marked properly, e.g., "MADE IN JAPAN" or "MADE IN CHINA," those of domestic companies such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and so on could as well be marked nearby on the same surface.

KLC reminded: “based on Article 17 and Article 28 of the Foreign Trade Act, the COO of imported goods should be marked truthfully; violators would be transferred to BOFT for review. If the conduct is committed intentionally, it is even more likely to violate Paragraph 1, Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Republic of China, ending up with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for one year. Please find more information about origin marking at https://www.trade.gov.tw or contact Wudu Branch, KLC at (02)86486220 ext. 2441.