Gashapon (capsule toys), contact lenses also have limits now！2018 Taiwan Customs New Entry Regulations

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
The summer travel season is just around the corner, and many people, after carefully calculating exchange rates, choose to shop abroad to stock up. But shopping overseas now requires extra caution too！The Ministry of Finance’s Customs Administration has updated the 2018 regulations on prohibited items for entry into Taiwan, not only regulating tobacco and alcohol, but also placing monetary and quantity restrictions on contact lenses, electrical products, and toy gashapon—exceeding these limits will require declaration under procedure.

1. Tobacco and Alcohol

Due to the large tax differences on tobacco and alcohol, many people choose to buy duty-free tobacco and alcohol at the airport, or even purchase on behalf of relatives and friends. According to the regulations, passengers carrying tobacco and alcohol products must be at least 20 years old, and alcoholic beverages are limited to 1 liter, cigarettes to 200 sticks or cigars to 25 sticks or tobacco to 1 pound.
 

2. Medicines

Many people choose to stock up on medicines in Japan in large quantities. Now according to the regulations, the medicines carried must be for personal use. Western over-the-counter medicines, tablet or capsule-form health supplements are limited to a maximum of 12 bottles per type, with a total not exceeding 36 bottles. For traditional Chinese medicine, each type is limited to 1 kilogram, with a total of no more than 12 types. Moreover, Japan’s domestic regulations prohibit insecticides from being brought on board, and mosquito repellent and insecticidal products are also classified as environmental agents.

3. Cosmetics

Cosmetic products seem to be a must-buy item for every woman traveling abroad. According to the Department of Health regulations, glass ampoule containers may not be used as cosmetic containers, so imported cosmetics packaged in glass bottles may not be allowed. In addition, there are also limits on contact lenses such as popular pupil-dilating lenses favored by many women—60 pieces per prescription strength, with each person limited to a single brand and two prescription strengths.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Foreign delicacies are always tempting to bring back home, but according to the regulations, fresh foods such as fruits and fresh milk are all prohibited. However, they may be allowed if dried or processed to meet quarantine requirements. In addition, souvenirs often purchased in Hong Kong and Macau such as meat floss, jerky, meat floss egg rolls, and duck tongues are also on the prohibited list—even vacuum-packed items are not allowed.
 

5. Electrical Appliances, Toys, Gashapon

Most travelers visiting Japan purchase electrical products, but the total value of goods must be below NT$20,000 to be duty-free. Additionally, the currently popular gashapon and toys also have restrictions—same-model items must be valued at under USD$1,000, and the quantity must not exceed 5 pieces.

6. Cash and Gold

In line with amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, passengers may not carry more than NT$100,000 in cash when entering the country. Foreign currency is limited to USD$10,000 or RMB¥20,000, and gold must not exceed a value of USD$20,000—anything exceeding these limits will be confiscated.
 
Before returning home from travel, you should take stock of your belongings and goods. If you exceed the allowable limits, you must declare them truthfully according to the regulations to avoid facing hefty fines upon returning home in high spirits.