Taichung Customs states that during X-ray inspections of imported container cargo, they have repeatedly found that importers have concealed agricultural products from mainland China or Southeast Asia, including preserved peanuts, coffee beans, and cashews. The importers intended to smuggle the goods through customs. Such activities violate the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Taichung Customs explains that the aforementioned illegally imported agricultural products often involve violations of import regulations, such as import codes "MW0" (Importation of Mainland China products is prohibited) and "F01" (Application for Inspection of food import is required), etc. According to regulations, food and related products should be inspected by the Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare before importation. However, some importers failed to declare honestly, intending to evade controls and the food safety inspection mechanism.

Taichung Customs further expresses that agricultural products that have not undergone border inspection may pose risks to public health and could also disrupt the domestic agricultural market, adversely affecting farmers’ livelihoods. To combat smuggling and safeguard border security, Customs has continuously strengthened its inspection capabilities by integrating risk management mechanisms with X-ray screening technology. These measures enhance inspection efficiency and help prevent prohibited or regulated goods from entering the country illegally.

Customs appeals to importers to strictly comply with the importation regulations and make declarations honestly, instead of taking chances to circumvent the law and avoid punishment. In the future, Customs will continue to strengthen technological inspections and risk control to safeguard the health of the people and to maintain a fair and safe clearance environment and market order.

Contact Information:
Mobile & Non-intrusive Inspection Division, Taichung Customs.
TEL: +886-4-26571721 ext. 102 Mr. Chen

Preserved Peanuts of China

Coffee Beans of Indonesia

Photos of Smuggled Agricultural Products Seized by Taichung Customs.