Splurge on shopping abroad? Ministry of Finance: Duty-free shopping limit for travelers is NT$20,000

▲ Many people shop extensively while abroad and need to be mindful of the duty-free limit.

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei

In recent years, as the travel habits of Taiwanese citizens have evolved, not only traditional souvenirs and snacks but also large appliances and 3C products have become popular items on shopping lists. However, the Taipei Customs Office under the Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance reiterated today (September 2) that inbound travelers should also be aware of the individual duty-free allowance of NT$20,000. If travelers attempt to smuggle goods in hopes of evading duties and are caught, customs authorities will confiscate the items or impose fines.

The Taipei Customs Office of the Customs Administration under the Ministry of Finance stated that inbound travelers should note the individual duty-free allowance isNT$20,000, and thatthe duty-free policy only applies to items for personal or household use by the traveler. Items intended for commercial use or resale are not eligible for duty exemption.If travelers fail to voluntarily declare goods exceeding the NT$20,000 duty-free limit or bring in taxable items outside the exemption scope, and are subsequently caught, customs will either confiscate the goods or impose fines according to the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act or other relevant regulations.

Additionally, taking common 3C products such as the iPhone as an example, per the Regulations Governing the Importation of Radio-Frequency Devices under Telecom Control,a maximum of only five units can be brought in without a permit,otherwise an import license issued by the National Communications Commission for radio-frequency telecom control devices must be provided.

The office once again urges the public to comply with relevant laws and actively declare any 3C products with WiFi or Bluetooth functionality when entering the country after purchasing them abroad, in order to avoid penalties.