The NTA stated that, in order to ensure the safety of alcohol products, it actively strengthens border and source control measures, as well as market inspections, to protect consumer rights and interests.
To prevent alcoholic beverages that fail to meet sanitary standards from entering the domestic market, the NTA closely monitors domestic and international food safety information and reviews control mechanisms based on historical testing results. The NTA explained that recently, some imported alcoholic beverages were found to contain excessive levels of methanol. In response, the NTA ordered importers to either return or destroy the non-compliant products. Furthermore, the NTA imposed enhanced control measures by requiring subsequent imports of at least three batches from those importers, as well as imports of the same products by other importers without valid sanitary certificates, to undergo batch-by-batch testing to strengthen risk management.
To reinforce source management of domestically produced alcoholic beverages, the NTA requires local governments to collect samples for testing before domestic products are released on the market. In addition, local authorities must conduct at least one on-site inspection each year at alcohol manufacturing facilities to ensure the safety of alcoholic beverages sold in the market.
To prevent the circulation of illegal alcoholic products in the marketplace, the NTA has actively guided local governments to intensify enforcement actions and inspections. Every year, the NTA also conducts two rounds of follow-up testing on products that were sampled and tested by local governments in the previous year. In the first half of this year （2025）, follow-up testing was conducted on beer and grape wine, and all samples met national sanitary standards. In the second half of the year, follow-up testing is being carried out on whisky, rice spirits, and cooking rice wine, and the samples are currently under examination.
The NTA urges alcohol importers to ensure that their products comply with Taiwan’s sanitary standards before importation. Domestic alcohol manufacturers are reminded to strictly follow good hygienic practices and related regulations to maintain effective self-management. Alcohol retailers are also advised to carefully select reliable sources of supply. Through these joint efforts, all parties can help maintain order in Taiwan’s alcoholic beverage market and safeguard consumer safety and rights.
Contact Information: Section Chief Cheng and Yang, Tobacco and Alcohol Management Division
Tel:（02）23228000 ext. 7455, （049）2332294