On April 26, 2019, Some officers at Kaohsiung Customs, Customs Administration were screening manifests, making use of big data analytics as required by the risk management procedures, when a 40' container of goods imported from Hong Kong was found to be suspicious. After the containerized goods, declared in a generalized manner, had been unloaded at Kaohsiung port, an inspection by the vessel revealed that a total of 2,231 kilograms of dried mushrooms and 8,100 kilograms of dried mushroom shreds had been concealed in the container. The smuggled goods were estimated at a market value of around NT$10 million in total. As the goods in question had been carried without shipping documents, nor had they been listed in the manifest, all of them were detained and transferred to other authorities for further legal actions.

Kaohsiung Customs indicates that as the Dragon Boat Festival is just around the corner, the demand for such food ingredients as dried mushrooms is boosted. It is inferred that unscrupulous vendors have been tempted to smuggle low-priced dried mushrooms from China in order to take advantage of the occasion. The Customs authority reiterates that if agricultural products which have not been quarantined are sold in the market, the health of the general public will be in jeopardy as the products might contain toxins harmful to human health. In order to protect domestic agriculture and to ensure food safety for the people, the Customs authority has taken the initiative to combat the prohibited goods, successfully stamping out the illegal activity.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs by calling the toll-free number: 0800-711117.

Contact Person: Ms. Lock
Tel: +886-7-562-8201