Taiwan to fine pork parcel recipients up to NT$1 million

Taipei, Nov. 13 (CNA) The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Thursday that individuals who receive parcels containing pork products from abroad will face fines of up to NT$1 million (US$32,160), even if the violation was unintentional, as part of strengthened efforts to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from entering Taiwan.

The revised rule, which took effect on Nov. 6, imposes fines of NT$200,000 for first-time offenders and NT$1 million for repeat violations, the MOA said in a report on post-ASF prevention and market adjustment measures presented at Thursday's Executive Yuan meeting.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) told reporters after the meeting that in past cases, some recipients claimed they were unaware their parcels contained pork products in an attempt to avoid punishment.

From now on, all violators will be fined, whether the act was intentional or the result of negligence, he said, adding that those who believe they were wrongly penalized will be able to seek administrative relief.

According to the MOA, the new measures also include stricter border inspections, enhanced checks on cargo and travelers from high-risk areas, and tighter regulation of cross-border e-commerce platforms.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs said it will require e-commerce platforms under its jurisdiction to display disease-prevention warnings and restrict access to high-risk products. Platforms that fail to comply may face penalties, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Administration will deploy radar and drones to monitor suspicious vessels, expand inspections to curb smuggling of animal products, and strengthen checks on crew belongings, according to the report.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has instructed relevant agencies to strictly enforce the new measures to help Taiwan regain its ASF-free status, after African swine fever was confirmed at a Taichung pig farm last month, Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said Thursday.