TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) on Thursday (July 4) issued a warning to travelers heading to Japan, advising against carrying valuable jewelry and gold accessories. The advisory follows an incident in June when Japanese customs confiscated a gold necklace from a Taiwanese traveler upon entry.
Fan Chen-kuo (范振國), deputy secretary-general of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (台灣日本關係協會), explained that the yen's significant depreciation, rising international gold prices, and Japan's consumption tax increase to 10% have prompted criminal groups to smuggle gold into Japan for resale. Consequently, Japanese customs have intensified their scrutiny of tourists' gold accessories.
Japanese customs regulations require travelers to declare amounts exceeding 1 million yen (around NT$201,676), including equivalent foreign currencies, checks, securities, or gold with a purity above 90% and weighing over 1 kilogram, upon entry and exit. Additionally, any items, including worn gold accessories, with a total value exceeding 200,000 yen (around NT$40,336), must be declared by filling out an official form. Failure to declare such items can result in confiscation.
Fan emphasized that Taiwanese citizens frequently wear gold accessories, and with the rising gold prices, these items can easily surpass Japan's 200,000 yen limit, leading to confiscation. He reiterated the warning, urging travelers to avoid carrying valuable jewelry and gold accessories to prevent customs inspections and potential penalties, including confiscation and tariffs.