Kaohsiung Customs (KHC) stated that the rapid expansion of the tech industry has led to an increasingly diverse range of goods. Consequently, high-tech products or samples imported and declared by businesses are often carried by employees as hand-carry luggage due to their compact size. However, there have been recent cases where passengers carrying corporate goods mistakenly entered via the Green Channel instead of declaring them at the Red Channel (Goods to Declare) due to unfamiliarity with regulations.  Such negligence resulted in goods entering the country without inspection, leading to violation of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act and subsequent penalties.

KHC further explained that Taiwan operates a Dual-Channel (Red/Green) System for Passenger Clearance. Goods carried by inbound passengers on behalf of a company must be declared under the company’s name. Even if an import declaration has been pre-filed, the entrusted passenger must still proceed to the Red Channel to complete declaration and inspection process. Only after the goods are verified and cleared by the Customs may the passenger proceed with them. Entering the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare) in such cases is strictly prohibited.

KHC urged businesses to fulfill the obligation to remind their staff to proactively declare goods at the Red Channel when entrusted to carry goods into the country. Passengers unsure whether their luggage required declaration may consult the Customs at the Red Channel, to avoid violation and penalties.  For further questions regarding import clearance procedures, passengers are also encouraged to Contact KHC to protect their rights and interests. 

Division: Kaohsiung Airport Branch
Contact: Liu, Yi-Jiun
Tel: 07-8057010 #7060