Taichung Customs stated that several cases of smuggled live animals imported through online shopping, such as bearded dragon lizards and albino red-eared turtles, have recently been seized through the Maritime Express Handling Units. Smuggling live animals from abroad carries the risk of spreading diseases and impacts the environment, ecology, and agricultural economy. People should never do this.

Taichung Customs further explained that according to paragraph 1 of article 24 of the Act on Wildlife Conservation, Live wild animals and products made from Protected Wildlife may not be imported or exported without prior approval from the central competent authority. Anyone who imports or exports live protected wild animals or their products in violation of the provison of Article 40 of the same law be sentenced to imprisonment for more than 6 months but less than 5 years and may be fined more than NT$300,000 but less than NT$1,500,000. In addition, according to paragraph 2 of article 3 of Regulations Governing Customs Clearance Procedures for Maritime Express Consignments, live animals are not allowed to be cleared through the Maritime Express Handling Units. If a maritime express delivery enterprise violates this provision, the Customs shall warn or impose a fine of not less than NT$6,000 and not more than NT$30,000 according to Article 24 of the same law.

Illegal smuggling of live animals is uncivilized behavior that may lead to starvation, dehydration, or even death of small animals during transportation. Taichung Customs emphasized that it will continue to strengthen inspections and once again appeal to the public not to buy live animals online or from unknown sources to avoid breaking the law and being punished.

Contact: Mr. Wu 
Tel: 04-26565101 #160