EZWay Charges Fees or Has Security Flaws? Customs Administration Clarifies 3 Misconceptions: Not Mandatory, No Charges, and Paper Forms Still Accepted

The Ministry of Finance's Customs Administration held an emergency press conference today (3rd) to address widespread online misinformation regarding the customs real-name authentication app 'EZWay (YiLiWei)'. Commissioner Peng Ying-wei personally clarified three major misconceptions: mandatory use, personal data security concerns, and alleged user fees.

Commissioner Peng first emphasized that 'EZWay has never been mandatory'. When declaring imported goods from overseas online shopping, individuals can still choose traditional paper-based authorization instead of using the app. The push for digitalization stems from the high risk of paper documents being stolen or reused by unscrupulous operators. Since its launch in 2018, the system has significantly reduced fraudulent declarations and lowered legal compliance costs for customs.

Regarding public concerns over personal data security, Peng highlighted that the online system offers far greater protection than paper. The developer, TradeVision Network Corporation, has obtained international security certifications including ISO 27001 and ISO 27018, and is subject to SOC monitoring and connectivity testing by the Executive Yuan's National Information Security Office. This mechanism verifies the legal authorization relationship between importers and customs brokers, ensuring every package has clear consent and preventing individuals from unknowingly becoming fronts for illegal imports.

On the rumors of 'charging fees', Peng explicitly denied them, stating, 'Customs and TradeVision will absolutely not charge the public'. The current service fees are charged by TradeVision to 'customs brokers' using the system, classified as B2B telecommunications value-added service fees. Each transaction costs between NT$0.8 and NT$3.5, determined by market mechanisms, to cover system operations and identity verification costs—these have no direct impact on consumer purchase prices.

Peng further explained that although TradeVision has approximately 36.1% government ownership, there is no contractual relationship between the Customs Administration and the company. EZWay is independently developed by TradeVision. Any qualified customs network operator, such as 'Fan-Yu', can apply to customs to build a similar online authorization platform, ensuring market openness and competition, contrary to claims of monopoly.

Current statistics show that EZWay's registered users have reached 7.59 million, with 70% of all import declarations now using online authorization. Peng concluded that EZWay is a 'triple-win' tool that protects personal data, prevents illegal activities, and improves customs efficiency. The public is urged to verify information through official channels and avoid believing online misinformation.