Keelung Customs (KLC) stated that in order to strictly prevent ASF from spreading and safeguard domestic animal husbandry, in 2024, World Organization of Animal Health added Montenegro, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Albania in Europe, Republic of Angola, Gabon in Africa, and Sri Lanka in Asia to be ASF-infected regions. Vietnam, Philippines, and Korea, which are located closely to Taiwan, have been reporting ASF cases recently, implying that the world is still highly threatened by ASF, and that the severity of it cannot be ignored. Customs is responsible for boarder controls to effectively keep ASF away from our country.

KLC emphasized that in order to keep ASF at bay, Customs continues to cooperate with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture (APHIA) to prevent pork products from coming into Taiwan from ASF-infected countries (regions) such as Mainland China (Hong Kong and Macau included), Vietnam, Philippines, and Korea. Those products belong to objects subject to quarantine according to Article 5 of Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases (the Act); without being quarantined and certified as qualified, those products cannot be imported.

KLC further explained that the pork products originated from ASF-infected regions will be transferred to APHIA to confiscate or destroy according to the Act. Passengers who first violate the law will be imposed with a fine of NT$200,000, and NT$1 million will be imposed for subsequent offenses. As for foreign passengers who are not able to pay the fine on the spot, they will not be allowed to enter Taiwan.

KLC reminded the public again that they shall not bring pork products originated from ASF-infected regions. For more information, please visit Customs Administration’s website at https://web.customs.gov.tw/en/htmlList/3299(route: front page/ travelers) or contact Inspection Division, KLC at (02)2420-2951 ext. 1113.