TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署) warned travelers on Friday (Jan. 30) against bringing pork products into the country as Lunar New Year travel peaks, citing African swine fever risks. The disease has been reported in 76 countries over the past three years, including Taiwan last year, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Violators face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to NT$3 million (about US$95,700).
Quarantine agencies intercepted 144 cases of illegal imports of pork products at international airports and ports last year, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts. Recently, five foreign tourists on the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena mistakenly brought pork products ashore, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA, 農業部) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIA, 防檢署) to take immediate action. Authorities ultimately prevented the tourists from entering Taiwan, underscoring the strict enforcement of biosecurity regulations.
The National Immigration Agency advises travelers with questions about food regulations to consult quarantine officers before passing through customs. The agency issued three key reminders: do not bring foreign meat products into Taiwan, ask overseas friends and family not to send meat products, and properly dispose of any meat products received from overseas. Authorities urge travelers to discard foreign meat in the trash, not in food waste bins, to prevent the spread of disease. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.35)