"EZ Way Easy Delegate" Is Actually a Private Company! Security Concerns Raised? Commissioner Clarifies 3 Points: Usage Is Not Mandatory

In response to public concerns about personal data security in the cross-border e-commerce customs system "EZ WAY Easy Delegate," the Ministry of Finance's Customs Administration issued a clarification today (3rd), stating that the system, developed and operated by the government-affiliated company GTN (Global Trade Network), does not compromise user privacy. The Administration emphasized that online authorization was introduced to prevent identity theft and fraudulent declarations previously common with paper-based mandates.

While consumers can use the "EZ WAY Easy Delegate" app to complete customs authorization procedures, the system is managed by GTN, a state-invested enterprise. On July 29, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Lin Dai-hua questioned during a legislative finance committee session whether the system should be integrated into national public infrastructure and publicly funded. Subsequently, some citizens expressed concerns that GTN might access personal data through EZ WAY, raising data security issues.

At a noon press conference titled "3 Misconceptions about EZ WAY Clarified," Customs Commissioner Peng Ying-wei addressed repeated misinformation. First, he clarified that the public is not forced to use GTN's "EZ WAY" app. EZ WAY is merely one of several tools for confirming authorization with customs brokers. Other qualified firms, such as Fan-Yu, may independently develop and operate their own online authorization apps without requiring customs approval.

Peng emphasized that EZ WAY was built by GTN independently, not commissioned by customs. The Customs Administration has no contractual agreement with GTN regarding the app's development or operation.

He explained that online authorization was opened in 2018 (Year 107) to address recurring issues with paper mandates, including reuse and impersonation. Online authorization protects personal data by eliminating the need to provide photocopies of ID documents to brokers, reducing compliance costs and preventing fraudulent reporting.

GTN added that users may still choose paper-based authorization or use the customs website with a national digital ID certificate.

Regarding data security concerns, Peng stated that online authorization enhances personal data protection. Previously, paper forms required sharing ID copies, increasing leakage risks. EZ WAY operates under Taiwan's Personal Data Protection Act and Cybersecurity Management Act. GTN holds ISO27001 international information security certification and is monitored under the Executive Yuan's National Information Security Office's joint defense mechanisms.

On allegations that GTN charges users via EZ WAY, Peng clarified that the app currently charges customs brokers, not individual users. This fee supports brokers in querying and confirming authorization status. GTN explained that as a value-added service provider, it charges brokers based on market mechanisms using a tiered pricing model ranging from NT$0.8 to NT$3.5 per transaction.

According to statistics, approximately 4 million simplified customs declarations per month use EZ WAY, accounting for about 70% of total declarations. The remaining 30% use paper mandates or long-term authorizations.

GTN originated as the "Ministry of Finance's Cargo Clearance Automation Planning and Promotion Task Force" and is now a Ministry of Finance-invested enterprise with operational control. The Ministry remains the largest shareholder, holding 36.11% as of April this year.