Don't Bring Pork from ASF Areas During Dragon Boat Festival; Fine Up to NT$1 Million

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 3) With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the National Immigration Agency reminded the public today that those returning home for reunions or traveling abroad should not bring pork or related products from areas affected by African swine fever (ASF). Last year, a total of 542 people were penalized, and 144 foreign travelers were unable to enter the country due to unpaid fines.

The National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior issued a press release stating that many people plan to return home or travel abroad during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. It reminded the public to be mindful of epidemic prevention when returning to the country and not to bring pork or related products from affected areas. Negligence resulting in violation of the regulations could lead to a maximum fine of NT$1 million under the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Animals.

According to statistics from the National Immigration Agency, in the past year, 542 people who entered from countries or regions with ASF outbreaks and illegally brought pork products were each fined NT$200,000. Among them, 144 foreign travelers were unable to enter the country because they could not pay the high fines.

The agency stated that the global ASF situation remains severe. Although Taiwan was approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in April this year to be reinstated as an ASF-free zone, epidemic prevention efforts cannot be relaxed. It will continue to work with partners in the four border inspection mechanisms (CIQS) to strengthen quarantine inspections at airports and ports to ensure border epidemic prevention safety.

The agency reminded the public not to incur unnecessary losses and trouble due to a momentary craving for food. Before returning to Taiwan, please check your luggage again to ensure you are not carrying prohibited meat products. If you have questions about whether an item complies with regulations, you can proactively ask quarantine personnel. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150603