With the growing popularity of oversea online-shopping, it has become a trend for the public to buy potted plants or plant products online as domestic decorations and import them via maritime express. However, such imports involve the quarantine import rules, violation to which may result in a heavy fine. Keelung Customs (KLC) pointed out that several cases had been discovered recently, and that public discretion is advised.

KLC further explained that in order to prevent outbreak of insect pests and plant diseases, it had been clearly prescribed in Paragraph 1, Article 17 of Plant Protection and Quarantine Act (the “Act”) that “the importer or agent shall apply to plant quarantine authority for quarantine of the regulated goods to be imported or transited before their arrival at the ports of entry.” Whoever violates the aforementioned article caught by the customs upon import will be transferred to and sanctioned by Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan (the “Bureau”), and will end up with a penalty ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 and the seizure of goods pursuant to Article 24 of the Act.

KLC emphasized the fact that some E-commerce platforms fail to provide their consumers with detailed product descriptions has caused consumers to purchase/import such products without noticing the above-mentioned circumstances. As the Bureau announced, Article 17 of the Act is applicable to products like unpainted log furniture or that without anti-corrosion coating, accessories/decorations containing wood block, wood boxes, undried plant ornaments, etc. KLC strongly suggested that consumers confirm with sellers if a certain product is compliant with the quarantine requirements and is not one of the prohibited Mainland China products (Import Code: MW0) in order to avoid violation to the Act, Customs Anti-Smuggling Act, and any penalties derived therefrom.

For more information, please contact at 02-24202951 ext. 3220.