Keelung Customs (KLC) stated that in order to strengthen customs brokers’ protection of personal data, they should own a reporting mechanism for data breaches, preventing the leakage of personal data that may harm the rights and interests of individuals. The Ministry of Finance formulated regulations in 2022 to urge customs brokers to organize the personal data they possess, complete the maintenance plan for the safety of personal data files, and keep it at their premises for future reference to strengthen personal data protection and incident handling.

KLC explained that after customs brokers understand the regulations and specific implementation procedures, and put them into practice, they should inspect the scale of their operations, the operation status, and consult the personal data consultant or information security consultant in order to complete the internal personal data management and audit procedures. They should also make a proper maintenance plan for the safety of personal data files and ensure its implementation. KLC will schedule monthly inspections to help customs brokers improve the above aspects.

KLC emphasized that in order to require businesses to strengthen the security maintenance of personal data, Personal Data Protection Act has been amended in May this year, raising the maximum penalty as stipulated in Article 48 of the Act. Businesses that fail to establish a maintenance plan for the safety of personal data files as required may be subject to a fine ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$2,000,000. They will also be required to make corrections within a specified period, and failure to do so by the deadline may result in a fine ranging from NT$150,000 to NT$15,000,000 per violation. When KLC conducts inspections of customs brokers, it will also assess their compliance with this regulation. Therefore, customs brokers are urged to pay attention to this regulation. For more information, please contact Export Division, KLC at (02)24202951 ext. 5302.