Keelung Customs (KLC) stated that according to Articles 13, 20, and 21 of the Regulations Governing the Establishment and Management of Customs Brokers, customs brokers are entrusted to declare cargoes, and it is necessary that customs clearance agents review the declarations form earnestly and transmit online declarations. Customs clearance agents cannot tolerate others to practice in their names, and are not allowed to provide their exclusive customs clearance certificate or password to others. In order to make customs brokers comply with the regulations and fulfill their obligation to make faithful declarations, KLC will go and inspect the practices of customs clearance agents irregularly so as to protect the rights of taxpayers.

KLC reminded that if the above-mentioned violation is revealed, according to Article 35 of the same regulations, Customs, depending on the violation severity of each case, will give a warning or impose a fine ranging from NTD6,000 to 30,000 to the customs broker. For those cases in which the violation is severe, Customs could suspend the customs broker’s practices for a maximum period of 6 months, or revoke its business permit. As for customs clearance agents’ violation, according to Article 37 of the regulations, Customs will give a warning or impose a fine ranging from NTD2,000 to 5,000. For those who have been punished 3 times but no improvement has been made, Customs could suspend his/her broker evaluation and approval license for a maximum period of 6 months or revoke his/her registration. KLC reminded customs brokers and customs clearance agents to pay attention to the regulations to avoid penalties.

KLC reiterated that customs brokers must comply with the regulations and never conduct customs declarations in the guise of customs clearance agents. Customs clearance agents must fully realize the importance of the post and practice as it is regulated. For more information, please contact Export Division, KLC at 02-24202951 ext. 5420.