Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency warned travelers against bringing pork products from areas affected by African swine fever. Officials issued this warning specifically ahead of the busy summer travel season this year. The agency aims to prevent disease spread and protect Taiwan’s valuable livestock industry.
According to Customs Administration data, authorities fined 542 travelers last year for violating these import rules. Each violation carried a substantial penalty of NT$200,000, official statistics confirmed recently. Notably, many of those fined were actually Taiwanese nationals returning from overseas trips.
Additionally, 144 foreign travelers faced entry denial after refusing to pay their assessed penalties. Consequently, the NIA urged tourists to exercise extra caution when purchasing souvenirs abroad. Illegally importing pork products could ultimately jeopardize Taiwan’s hard-won disease-free status entirely.
Taiwan regained official African swine fever-free recognition on April 6 this year. The World Organisation for Animal Health granted this status following successful containment of last October’s outbreak. This achievement made Taiwan the only Asian nation free from three major swine diseases.
Meanwhile, customs statistics reveal most violations involve travelers carrying prohibited pork directly within their luggage. International courier parcels represent the second most common method for illegal imports. Therefore, the agency has significantly increased outreach efforts toward foreign residents living locally.
Specifically, officials held over 300 awareness events for immigrants, students and migrant workers through mid-June. They distributed more than 56,000 informational leaflets while sending messages through popular Line groups. These combined efforts reportedly reached more than 24,000 people across various communities.
Although African swine fever cannot affect humans, it remains highly contagious and often fatal among pigs. Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih estimated a major outbreak could cost the hog industry nearly NT$80 billion. Ultimately, officials continue urging the public to avoid bringing pork products into Taiwan entirely.
