Will Using 'EZ Way' for Customs Clearance Incur Charges? Customs Administration Clarifies Truth About Online Authorization: Only Certain Users Pay

The Customs Administration stated that when individuals import express cargo, they must appoint a customs broker for clearance according to relevant regulations on air or sea express cargo clearance. The EZ Way app was developed and operated by Guanmao Network Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Guanmao') in response to the 2018 customs regulatory relaxation, which amended laws to allow online authorization to replace paper-based authorization for simplified import declarations. The purpose of the app is to help customs brokers and importers confirm their private legal authorization relationship before clearance. The fee structure is determined through commercial negotiations between Guanmao and service providers, with fees charged to customs brokers—not to the general public.

The Administration explained that express cargo clearance originally relied on paper authorization. However, paper forms required individuals to provide personal information such as ID numbers and addresses, along with front and back copies of their ID cards, raising public concerns about data leakage or misuse. To address this, customs revised regulations in 2018 to introduce the online authorization system—specifically to protect personal data. Moreover, EZ Way is just one of several authorization methods. Individuals may choose paper-based one-time or long-term authorization based on their needs. Regulations do not mandate the use of the EZ Way app.

The Administration further noted that, for personal data protection, only customs network companies meeting the security requirements under the Customs Network Operation Permit and Management Measures are permitted to develop such systems. Guanmao has obtained ISO 27001 information security and ISO 27018 personal data management system certifications, established its own Security Operations Center (SOC), and passed connectivity tests with the Executive Yuan's National Information Security Office (N-SOC). It meets all information security requirements. Additionally, the company must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act regarding data declaration, processing, usage, storage, and disposal. Personal data is thus strictly protected, allowing users to use the app with confidence.

Regarding the addition of a risk alert mechanism to the EZ Way app, the Administration formally requested data from the relevant product regulatory authorities on June 29, 2026. After consolidating the information, it will promptly request Guanmao to implement optimization measures such as a risk alert feature in the EZ Way app, to safeguard public rights and prevent penalties due to lack of awareness of regulatory import rules.