G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
22 August 2016  
(16-4482) Page: 1/21 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 
 
  AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.31  OF THE  
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  - 2016 
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN , PENGHU , KINMEN AND MATSU 
 
The following notification, dated  16 August 2016 , is being  circulated at the request of the 
delegation of  the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Pursuant to Articles 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Pengh u, Kinmen and Matsu has the honour to submit herewith the following 
notifications, namely the replies to the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures.  
 
 
Table of contents  
 
1   COMMODITIES SUBJECT TO CONDITIONAL IMPOR T, OPTICAL DISK 
MANUFACTURING EQUIPM ENT: BUREAU OF FOREI GN TRADE, MINISTRY O F 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
2   METHYL BROMIDE & HYD ROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON S (HCFCS):  
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION ADMINISTRATION (EPA)  ................................ ................  4 
3   BREEDING LIVESTOCK/P OULTRY AND GENETIC R ESOURCES, GENETICALL Y 
MODIFIED BREEDING ST OCK/POULTRY AND GENE TIC RESOURCES: COUNC IL OF 
AGRICULTURE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  6 
4   YELLOW -FIN TUNA, BLUEFIN TU NA, SOUTHERN BLUEFIN  TUNA, SWORDFISH, 
BIG-EYE T UNA: FISHERIES AGENC Y, COUNCIL OF AGRICU LTURE  ................................ .... 9 
5   TOBACCO, ALCOHOL PRO DUCTS AND UNDENATURE D ETHYL ALCOHOL: 
NATIONAL TREASURY AD MINISTRATION, MINIST RY OF FINANCE AND OT HER 
RELEVANT COMPETENT A UTHORITIES  ................................ ................................ ...........  11 
6   OIL AND PETROLEUM PR ODUCTS: BUREAU OF EN ERGY, MINISTRY OF 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
7   FISHING BOATS: FISHE RIES AGENCY, COUNCIL  OF AGRICULTURE; VESS ELS: 
DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGA TION & AVIATION, MIN ISTRY OF TRANSPORTAT ION 
AND COMMUNICATIONS M ARITIME AND PORT BUR EAU (MOTCMPB); CIVIL  
AIRCRAFT: CIVIL AERO NAUTICS ADMINISTRATI ON, MOTC  ................................ ...........  15 
                                                
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  8   FIREARMS, AMMUNITION , CONTROLLED SWORDS,  SIMULATION GUNS, 
POLICE WEAPONS: NATI ONAL POLICE ADMINIST RATION, M INISTRY OF 
INTERIOR; INDUSTRIAL  USE EXPLOSIVES: BURE AU OF MINES, MINISTR Y OF 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 17 
9   TARIFF QUOTA: CUSTOM S ADMINISTRATION, MI NISTRY OF FINANCE  .....................  19 
 
1  COMMODITIES  SUBJECT TO CONDITION AL IMPORT, OPTICAL D ISK MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT: BUREAU OF  FOREIGN TRADE, MINIS TRY OF ECONOMIC AFFA IRS 
Outline of system  
1.  Import licensing system is regulated by Article 11 of the "Foreign Trade Act " (hereinafter the 
"FTA"), which provides that commodit ies can be imported freely into the territory.  However, 
where treaties, trade agreements, national security, culture, hygiene, environmental/ecological 
protection, or policy require restriction on imports, the Negative List shall apply.  The Bureau of 
Foreign Trade (hereinafter the "BOFT") therefore compiles and publishes the "List of Commodities 
Subject to Import Restriction ".  The imposition of such restriction is pursuant to the "Regulations 
Governing Import of Commodities " as mandated by the FTA. Commo dities listed therein fall into 
two categories: one is subject to import control, i.e. no import is allowed (the BOFT can make an 
exception and give a special approval for commodities in this category). Commodities in the 
second category are subject to con ditional import, i.e. import is allowed if conditions (which might 
include the submission of an approval document from a relevant competent authority) set forth in 
the list are fulfilled. The issuance of an Import Permit by BOFT for the import of commoditi es in 
this category is granted upon fulfil ment of the said conditions and is so that the Customs 
Administration may facilitate the clearance by checking only the permits issued by BOFT.  
 
Such commodities as Methyl Bromide, HCFC are subject to conditional i mport in order to be in line 
with the Montreal Protocol , etc.; w hile import of "Optical Disks Manufacturing Equipment " is 
subject to measures taken for safeguarding intellectual property rights, and requires an import 
clearance certificate issued by the BO FT. The Customs Administration needs only to check the 
Import Permit or import clearance certificate issued by the BOFT, thereby facilitating the customs 
clearance without the binding of other restrictive regulations.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The commodities, which require an Import Permit issued by the BOFT, are referenced in the 
"Consolidated List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction and Commodities Assisted by 
Customs for Import Examination" (G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/1 and G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/2) (hereinafter the 
"Consolidated List").  Copies of the Consolidated List and legislation referred to in this notification 
are available for consultation in the Secretariat.  
 
The import certification system for "Optical Disk Manufacturing Equipment " covers the following 
items:  C.C.C. Code 8477.10.00.10 -4, 8479.89.90.10 -9, and 8480.71.00.10 -5. 
 
The import licensing/certification syste m regarding conditional import and "optical disk 
manufacturing equipment ", under the BOFT is automatic, though the BOFT Import  Permit for 
commodities subject to conditional import required often follows only upon the meeting of such 
conditions as the approval of other relevant agencies.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries and customs 
territories, unless otherwise specified in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu or the agreement on the terms of accession to the WTO.  
 
4.  The import permits issued by the BOFT are not designed to restri ct the quantity or value of 
imports; rather they only serve the purpose of confirming to the Customs authorities that the 
prescribed import conditions have been met. With the assistance of the BOFT to verify the 
importers' qualifications and the compliance  of the imports with the import regulations through the 
BOFT’s Import Permit issuance, the Customs Administration can accelerate the customs clearance.  
The purpose for the issuance of an Import Clearance Certificate for optical disk manufacturing 
equipmen t is to prevent infringements of intellectual property rights.  There is no other import G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  procedure for these commodities that can be substituted to in order to avoid the delay 
encountered from this customs clearance procedure.  
 
5.  Although the BOFT licen sing/certification system is governed by the "Regulations Governing 
Import of Commodities " mandated by the FTA and the "Optical Disk Manufacturing Equipment 
Import Export Regulations " which are mandated by the Optical Disk Law, repeal of the system 
does no t require legislative action.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7. Application for a licence:  
 
(a) May be filed on any workday.  
 
(b)  Will be granted within twenty (20) minutes.  
 
(c)  Has no limitations as to the period of the year in or for which applicati on may be made.  
 
(d) Is considered and effected by either BOFT or its Kaohsiung Office, MOEA United Service 
Centre (Central Taiwan), Economic Processing Zone Administration or Science -based 
Industrial Park Administration.  
 
8.  None. The reasons for any ref usal are given to the applicant electronically.  In the event of 
refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the 
law. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  According to the FTA and the "Regulati ons Governing Import of Commodities ", only firms 
registered with the BOFT as importers are permitted to engage in the business of importation. 
Firms or individuals not registered as importers may import if the imported goods are for the firms' 
or individua ls' own use.  
 
Based on the "Regulations Governing Registration of Exporters and Importers ", except where other 
prohibitions or restrictions apply, a company or business firm that engages in export/import 
business is  eligible for registration. There is no r egistration fee required.  Although the list of 
registered importers is not published, the BOFT welcomes any inquiry on it.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  With the application (See ANNEX I2), an importer is require d to supply the documents referred 
to in the Consolidated List, where the relevant import regulation codes are provided.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation, only the Import Permit or import clearance certificate and the 
documents for customs clearance are requi red. 
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  According to the Regulations Governing Import of Commodities, an Import Permit issued by 
the BOFT shall be valid for six months from the day of issuance except in very few situations 
where the quota is administered periodically.  If importation cannot be made within the prescribed 
validity period, the importer may apply to the BOFT for extension of the valid ity. The import 
clearance certificate for Optical Disk Manufacturing Equipment has no time limit.  
                                                
2 Available for consultation in the Secretariat (Market Access Division)(English and/or original language 
only).  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  There are no other conditions atta ched to the issuance of a licence besides those specified in 
the relevant import regulations.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No.  However, if the imported goods are subject to quarantine or inspection, there is a 
quarantine or inspection procedure apa rt from import licensing.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
2  METHYL BROMIDE & HYD ROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON S (HCFCS):  ENVIRONM ENTAL 
PROTECTION ADMINISTR ATION (EPA)  
Outline of system  
1.  This li censing system is the control measure taken as necessary to be in compliance with the 
Montreal Protocol. Any applicants wishing to import these controlled substances shall apply for 
import license and quota in advance. The granting requirements and procedu res are specified 
within the "Methyl Bromide  Management Regulations " and the " HCFCs Consumption Management 
Regulations " set and administered by the EPA. With such license, the applicant then can acquire 
the Import Permit from the Bureau of Foreign Trade (B OFT) of the MOEA, which will be used for 
clearance of the shipments at the custom.  
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The products under this system are subject to non -automatic licensing, and they are:  
 
(a) Methyl Bromide: C.C.C. 2903.39.90.21 -5, 380 8.99.92.10 -7. 
 
(b) HCFCs: C.C.C. 2903.71.00.00 -8, 2903.73.00.00 -6, 2903.74.00.00 -5, 2903.72.00.00 -7, 
2903.79.00.10 -8, 2903.75.00.00 -4. 
 
The following goods, which are composed of chemicals controlled under the Montreal Protocol, are 
also covered by this sy stem: C. C. C. 2903.79.00.90 -1, 3824.71.00.00 -2, 3824.79.00.00 -4, and 
3909.30.10.00 -8. 
 
3.  Imports shall be made only from signatories to the Montreal Protocol or from countries or areas 
that   have been approved and promulgated by the Environmental Prote ction Administration.  
 
4.  This system is made in compliance with the provisions of the Montreal Protocol.  
 
5.  This system could be abolished without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. Information concerning granting and allocating of import quota is clearly stipulated by the 
EPA, and has been published both in the Gazettes of EPA and release to the press.  
 
II.(a) Methyl Bromide: Permission of importation will only be issued for quarantine or pre -
shipment  treatment uses. An approval issued shall be val id for six months. Application for 
approval is filed on a six -monthly basis.  
 
(b) HCFCs: The quota is set annually. The domestic quota is calculated by multiplying the base 
year consumption  provided in the Montreal Protocol by a deduction rate.  Quota is a llocated 
to firms based on total quota and past performance of firms with priorities given to users.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  III.(a)  Methyl Bromide: Each entity wishing to import shall report its intended import amount for 
the coming six months period prior to the end of Februar y and August of each year. 
Accompanying with document showing the quantity of actual clearance of shipment in the 
previous period. Unused quota for the first half year could be carried over to the second half 
of the same year, but cannot be carried over to  the next year.  
 
(b) HCFCs: Importers or users who have obtained quotas may apply for import.  
 
IV.(a)  Methyl Bromide: Upon the date of issuing of importation permission, applications may begin 
filing for acquiring import permit.  
 
(b) HCFCs: Quotas shall b e issued on a six -monthly basis and are to be used within that period.  
 
V. Applications for approval are processed within 7 to 30 days.  
 
VI. There is no waiting period between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the 
period of importation.  
 
VII. Import approval must be granted by the EPA before obtaining the import permit from the 
BOFT.  
 
VIII. The use and the quantity of the goods to be approved for import must conform to the scope 
provided in the Montreal Protocol; only then may a special ca se approval be issued. Quota 
allocations use past practical merit as a standard.  
 
IX. These approval issuance procedures adopt import control to limit import quantity. There are 
no bilateral agreements or export restraint arrangements; no import licence fr om the 
exporting country is required.  
 
X. The quantity is controlled by the importing country. No import licence from the exporting 
country is required.  
 
XI. No approvals or licences are issued on the condition  that goods imported must be 
re-expor ted and n ot sold in the domestic market.  
 
7.  Not applicable.  
 
8.  Reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing. In the event of refusal, by law, 
the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Not every individual, company or organization has the qualifications to apply for a licence. An 
applicant must prove that the use and the volumes will conform to the scope provided for in the 
Montreal Protocol.  
 
Documenta tional and other requirements for application for licence  
10(a).For Methyl Bromide, the documents required for an application are:  
 
 (1) Documented proof of importer/exporter registration (requested if it is the first time 
they have applied),  
 (2) Documen ted proof of the quantity/volume imported and a photocopy of importer’s 
import permit in the previous period.  
 (3) A photocopy of import declaration.  
 (4) An application to import methyl bromide for quarantine or pre -shipment treatment 
shall separately  submit evidentiary documents with respect to such purposes.  
 
(b) For HCFCs, the documents required for an application are:  
 (1) Documented proof of importer/exporter registration (requested if it is th e first time 
they have applied).  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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   (2) A table showing quan tity statistics for the applicant’s import of controlled substances 
imported.  
 (3) A photocopy of import declaration.  
 (4) An application to import HCFCs shall separately submit evidentiary documents with 
respect to such purposes.  
 
11.  Upon actual importa tion, an import permit issued by the BOFT and documents required for 
customs clearance shall be submitted.  
 
12.  No licensing fee or other administrative fee is required.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment for the application shall be required.  
 
Condition s of licensing  
14.(a) Methyl Bromide: import approval is valid for six months. Every six months application must 
be made again for import approval. An approval can be extended for another six months 
for only one chance if the application for it was filed i n two months before expiration.  
 
(b) HCFCs: import approval is valid for six months and no extension is allowed.  
 
15.  Unused quota shall be deducted from the quota for the next year.  
 
16.  Quota can only be transferred between importers with the same elig ibility, but quota allocated 
to users is not transferable.  
 
17.  There are no additional conditions besides the quantitative limits of the quotas.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures apart from the aforesaid req uirements.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
3  BREEDING LIVESTOCK/P OULTRY AND GENETIC R ESOURCES,  GENETICALLY MODIFIED  
BREEDING STOCK/POULT RY AND GENETIC RESOU RCES: COUNCIL OF AGR ICULTURE  
("Genetic" for the purposes of this import system refers to the reproductive resources of semen 
and/or embryos for livestock and poultry breeding and not to genetic engineering resources or 
purposes).  
 
Outline of system  
1.  In order to ensure a healthy envir onment favo urable to the livestock raising business, and an 
adequate level of protection of the safe transfer, handing and use of genetically modified breeding 
stock/poultry and genetic resources resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse 
effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, to preserve public health 
and safety of human beings and animals, and prevent the entrance from foreign countries of 
infectious diseases and/or exotic pests, imported animals are screen ed and controlled to ensure 
that they are suited to be raised in the domestic environment and to prevent sick or improper 
breeds from being imported, so as to meet the needs of developing a sound animal industry, the 
Council of Agriculture promulgated the "Guidelines for Screening Applications for the Letter of 
Approval for the Importation of Breeding Livestock and Poultry and Genetic Resources " and "The 
guidelines needed for obtaining approval for the import and export of genetically modified breeding 
stock and poultry and genetic resources " according to the "Animal Industry Act ". Importers of 
breeding animals and genetic resources (the genetic resources of animal embryos and semen) 
must first obtain a letter of approval from the Council of Agriculture with  which to apply for 
customs clearance.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The licensing system is non -automatic.  The products covered and their C.C.C. Codes are as 
follows:  
 
(a) Breeding  livestock/poultry animals and genetic resources :  
0101.21.00.0 0-3, 0102.21.00.00 -2, 0102.31.00.00 -0, 0102.90.10.00 -6, 0103.10.00.00 -4, 
0104.20.00.10 -9, 0105.11.10.00 -9, 0105.12.10.00 -8, 0105.13.10.00 -7, 0105.14.10.00 -6, 
0105.15.10.00 -5, 0105.94.10.00 -9, 0105.99.10.00 -4, 0106.19.10.21 -5, 0106.33.00.10 -2, 
0511.10.00.00 -0, 0511.99.91.20 -0, 0511.99.92.20 -9, and 0511.99.99.40 -8. 
 
(b) Genetically modified breeding livestock/poultry animals and genetic resources : 
0101.21.00.00 -3, 0102.21.00.00 -2, 0102.31.00.00 -0, 0102.90.10.00 -6, 0103.10.00.00 -4, 
0104.20.00.10 -9,  0105.11.10 .00-9, 0105.12.10.00 -8, 0105.13.10.00 -7,  0105.14.10.00 -6, 
0105.15.10.00 -5, 0105.94.10.00 -9, 0105.99.10.00 -4, 0106.19.10.21 -5, 0106.33.00.10 -2, 
0407.11.90.00 -7, 0407.19.90.00 -9, 0511.10.00.00 -0, 0511.99.91.20 -0, 0511.99.92.20 -9, 
and 0511.99.99.40 -8. 
 
3.  Except if it is a case of a disease -infected area, the import areas are not restricted other than 
according to the WTO agreement and the WTO accession agreement.  
 
4.  The purpose of issuing a letter of approval for importation is to facilitate the control o f animal 
species or breeds, bio -safety and to quarantine and track the imported breeding animals and 
genetic resources.  Not included are experimental animals for scientific and research utilization, 
which may be imported through specially approved experim ental projects verified or certified by 
the related research organizations for the purposes of productive performance tests.  
 
5.  The rules are made in accordance with the "Guidelines for Screening Applications for the Letter 
of Approval for the Importatio n of Breeding Livestock and Poultry and Genetic Resources ", and 
"The guidelines needed for obtaining approval for the import and export of genetically modified 
breeding stock and poultry and genetic resources ".  The abolition of these rules would not requi re 
the approval of or passage by the legislative branch of the government.  
 
Procedures  
6.  There is no restriction regarding import quantity or value.  
 
7(a) For importation of breeding livestock/poultry and genetic resources: importers may apply for 
letter  of approval any time they need to do so. Such application must be filed with the 
Bureau of Business Management of the specific municipality or county in which the animal(s) 
are to be raised, for examination and review. The application document will then b e 
forwarded to the Council of Agriculture for approval and issuance. Application for the letter 
of approval for importation of breeding poultry is made with the National Animal Industry 
Foundation, which first examines the application documents and then fo rwards them to the 
Council of Agriculture for issuance. Application for the letter of approval for importation of 
genetic resources can be filed with the Council of Agriculture directly. It requires five 
working days to process the documents at each proces sing unit.  An applicant should obtain 
the letter of approval for importation within ten working days.  
 
  For importation of genetically modified breeding livestock/poultry and genetic resources: 
importers may apply for letter of approval any time they nee d to do so. Such application can 
be filed with the Council of Agriculture directly. An applicant should obtain the letter of 
approval for importation depends on individual case.  
 
(b)  The application for letter of approval for importation must follow the a bove-mentioned 
procedures for examination and verification. It can not be approved immediately upon its 
submission.  
(c) There is no restriction as to any specific season for importers to apply; they can make their 
applications whenever they need to do so.  
 
(d) The Council of Agriculture is the only competent central organization that governs and issues 
letters of approval for the importation.  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  8.  All applications made in accordance with the above -mentioned "Guidelines " shall not be denied.  
For any non -confo rming, rejected application, a statement of the reason shall be made to the 
applicant, who may file a complaint to the Council of Agricultu re or make appeal to the 
higher -level, supervising agency of this Council, in accordance with the Law of Appeals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for license  
9.(a)  For breeding livestock and poultry:  
The applicant must be a registered livestock or poultry farm owner, but a trading company 
can be entrusted to handle the application procedures on their behalf.  
 
(b)  For genetic resources (including embryos and semen for livestock and poultry breeding):  
A registered livestock or poultry farm owner or a registered trader are both eligible to apply 
for a letter of approval, on their own behalf, (as well as the trader can on behalf of a farm 
owner).  
 
(c) For genetically modified breeding livestock/poultry animals and genetic resources : 
The applicants are restricted to those who raise and breed breeding stock and poultry, a 
research institute and those who do business with breeding stock and poultry, but a trading 
company can be entrusted to handle the application procedures on their behalf.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for license  
10(a)  Breeding livestock/poultry animals and genetic resources : The applicant must obtain the 
documents required for the application from the competent governments of the particular 
municipalities or counties and from the Council of Agriculture. The required documents that 
must be included in the application are: the appl ication form, the applicant’s farm 
registration certificate, a proforma  invoice from the overseas exporters. For breeding 
livestock and semen and/or embryos importation, a pedigree certificate and the qualified 
performance data are also required.  
 
(b)  Genetically modified breeding livestock/poultry animals and genetic resources : The 
applicant must obtain the documents required for the application from the Council of 
Agriculture. The required documents that must be included in the application are: the 
application form, a photocopy of the certification papers of the applicant, Two copies of the 
related field test of the imported goods, which is completed by the institute certified by the 
exporting country and of the bio -safe evaluation report in both the orig inal language and 
Chinese translation, Two copies of the sequence data of the transferred genes, there 
performance locus, performance amount and other documents good enough for certification, 
One copy of the approving papers issued by the competent authori ties of the exporting 
country (including the Chinese translation), One copy of the explication papers concerning 
the usage, the location where they are bred or preserved and the management fashion of 
the imported goods.  
 
11. For customs declaration, the ap plicant shall need to present the letter of approval for 
importation issued by the Council of Agriculture, along with all the required documents to apply to 
customs for import. For quarantine requirements, the applicant has to make the quarantine 
applicati on to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (also known as 
BAPHIQ) for reservation of retention space at a quarantine station. After this has all been taken 
care of, the importer can go ahead with the work of importing the animals /genetic resources.  
 
12.  No payment or fee shall be collected for the application regarding import permit -issuance and 
other administrative or management procedures.  
 
13.  No deposit or payment shall be incurred in relation to the application for letter o f approval for 
importation issuance.  
Conditions of licensing  
14.  An approval letter shall be valid from the first day following its issue for a period of six 
months. The letter shall become invalid after its expiration date.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
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  15.  Applicants who do not im port the commodities as specified in the letter of approval for 
importation shall not be penalized.  
 
16.  The letter of approval for importation applies only to the particular applicant and is not 
transferable.  
 
17(a)  Breeding livestock/poultry animals and  genetic resources : to move the imported goods to 
any other location  within the tracing and quarantine period which is altogether six months, 
notice of intent to do so must be filed with the competent governments of the specific 
municipalities or counties before being allowed to move. Should any applicant move such 
animals without filing or reporting, they shall be denied issuance of any letters of approval 
for importation for the ensuing two years.  
 
(b) Genetically modified breeding livestock/poultry anima ls and genetic resources : After the 
imported goods complete the immunization procedures in flocks and are thus cleared, they 
have to be sent straightaway to the field test premises for assessment in accordance with 
"the Regulations of the field test and bi o-safe evaluation of the genetically modified breeding 
stock and poultry ". They cannot be reclaimed, put to use nor promulgated before they 
complete and pass the assessment.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18(a)  Other administrative procedures mainly have to do with the quarantine work, for which 
application must be made to the BAPHIQ, in accordance with "The Statute for Prevention 
and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. " 
 
(b)  The import involving genetic manipulation shall follow other related regulati ons. 
 
19.  The foreign exchange needed for the import commodities shall be automatically provided by 
the governing banks in charge of such import business.  
 
4  YELLOW -FIN TUNA, BLUEFIN TU NA, SOUTHERN BLUEFIN  TUNA, SWORDFISH, BIG -EYE 
TUNA: FISHERIES AGEN CY, CO UNCIL OF AGRICULTURE  
Outline of system  
1.  Import licensing for the products specified below is regulated by the "Notice of Application for  
Written Approval License to Import Yellow -fin Tuna", "Notice of Application for Written Approval 
Licence to Import,  Export and Re -export Bluefin Tuna", "Notice of Application for Written Approval 
Licence to Import, Export and Re -export Southern Bluefin Tuna", "Notice of Application for Written 
Approval Licence to Import, Export and Re -export Swordfish",  "Notice of App lication for Written 
Approval Licence to Import, Export and Re -export Big -eye Tuna", and is administered by the 
Council of Agriculture. Before being allowed to import, importers must obtain written approval 
from the Fisheries Agency, Council of Agriculture . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The products under the System include yellow -fin tuna (C.C.C. 0302.32.00.00 -7; 
0303.42.00.00 -4), Bluefin Tuna (C.C.C. Code. 0301.94.00.00 -3; 0302.35.00.00 -4; 
0303.45.00.00 -1; 0304.49.90.11 -4; 0304.59.90.11 -1; 0304. 87.00.10 -7; 0304.99. 90.21-1), 
Southern Bluefin Tuna (C.C.C. 0301.95.00.00 -2; 0302.36.00.00 -3; 0303.46.00.00 -0; 
0304.49.90.12 -3; 0304.59 .90.12 -0; 0304.87.00.20 -5; 0304.99.90.22 -0), Swordfish (C.C.C.  
0302.47.00.00 -0; 0303.57.00.00 -6; 0304.45.00.00 -0; 0304.54 .00.00 -8; 0304.84.00.00 -2; 
0304.91.10.00 -1; 0304.91.90.00 -4), and Big -eye Tuna (C.C.C. 0303.44.00.00 -2; 0304.87.00.30 -
3; 0304.99.90.23 -9). 
 
The licensing system is non -automatic.   
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countri es and customs 
territories, unless otherwise specified in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu or the agreement on its terms of accession to the WTO.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 10 - 
 
  4.  The licensing system is intended to protect m arine ecology.  
 
5.  The System may be abolished without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  Applications for an import approval:  
 
(a) May be filed on any workday.  
 
(b) Cannot be approved immediately as examination requires six workd ays. 
 
(c) Have no limitations as to the period of the year during which they may be submitted and 
approved.  
 
(d) Are considered  and effected by one administrative body only.  
 
8.  None. The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.  In the event of refusal, 
by law, the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  The applicant shall be an importer.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for applicatio n for licence  
10.  An application shall be supported by an application form, and accompanied by one photocopy 
of the applicant’s company licence or business licence. Also required are an original copy of the 
catch document for bluefin tuna, the statistical  document for bigeye tuna, swordfish and southern 
bluefin tuna, the certificate of origin for yellowfin tuna issued by the government of the flag 
country of the fishing vessel that harvested the product in the shipment, and one photocopy of the 
foreign -issued quotation form.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation, the import declaration must be checked and the import approval will 
be issued on the "Integrated Agriculture Permit and Customs Declaration Platform " of Council of 
Agriculture.  
 
12.  No fee is charged for applications.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required in association with the issuance of an approval.   
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  An approval is valid for three months. A new application shall be filed upon expiration.  
 
15.  There is no penalt y for the non -utilization of an approval.  
 
16.  Approval documents are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  If importation is prohibited because of changes in domestic or foreign laws and regulations or 
it is not feasible, the approval document shall be null and void. Quarantine and other matters 
concerning the importation shall be governed by other applicable regulations.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from obtaining an approval document 
prior t o importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 11 - 
 
  5  TOBACCO, ALCOHOL PRO DUCTS AND UNDENATURE D ETHYL ALCOHOL:  NATIONAL 
TREASURY ADMINISTRAT ION, MINISTRY OF FIN ANCE AND OTHER RELEV ANT 
COMPETENT AUTHORITIES   
Outline of system  
1.  The tobacco/alcohol importer permit  licensing system and the issuance of documents of 
approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase  are regulated by "The Tobacco and Alcohol 
Administration Act " and "The Regulati ons Governing Undenatured Ethyl Alcohol ", in which the 
importer permit  licensing system is administered by the Ministry of Finance (hereinafter the 
"MOF").  For importation of undenatured ethyl alcohol to be used for industrial purposes excluding 
alcohol m anufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing , the documents of approval or 
evidencing the purpose of purchase issued by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of 
Economic Affairs  are required; for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, the documents  of 
approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase issued by  the Ministry of Finance are required; for 
use by the military authority, military schools, or military hospitals, the documents of approval or 
evidencing the purpose of purchase issued  by the Min istry of National Defense are required; for 
the manufacture of medicated alcohol, the documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of 
purchase issued by  the Ministry of Health and Welfare are required; for medical purposes, the 
documents evidencing the commencement of business issued by the competent health authority 
are required; for testing purposes, the documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of 
purchase issued by the competent authorities for the testing products  are required; for 
experimenta l research by schools, the documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of 
purchase issued by  the Ministry of Education are required; for experimental research by the 
Academia Sinica, the documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase issue d by the 
Academia Sinica are required; for energy purposes, the documents of approval or evidencing the 
purpose of purchase issued by  the Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs are required. For 
importation of dehydrated alcohol with alcoholic stre ngth over 99.5% and unit volume no more 
than five liters to be used for medication, inspection and experimental research, a photocopy of 
import license permit of undenatured ethyl alcohol issued by the Ministry of Finance is required.  
 
Purposes and coverag e of licensing  
2.  The system covers tobacco, alcohol, and undenatured ethyl alcohol, as identified by the C.C.C. 
Code: 2103.90.90.10, 2103.90.90.20, 2203~2208 (with the exception of 2207.10.10 and 
2207.20), 2402~2403 (with the exception of 2403.91.00 and  2403.99.10).  The system is subject 
to non -automatic licencing.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in or coming from all countries.  
 
4.  The system is intended to ensure the sound management o f imports pursuant to the 
above -mentioned acts and re gulations.  
 
5.  The acts, regulations and application procedures in relation to this system are available at the 
website of the National Treasury Administration , Ministry of Finance ( http://www.nta.gov.tw/ ).  
Repeal of the system would require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.  Applications for tobacco/alcohol importer licence  permit  or documents of approval or evidencing 
the purpose of purchase of undenatured ethyl alcohol : 
 
(a)-(b) Although there is no provision governing how long in advance of importation application 
must be made for a permit  licence, a licence may  be issued within 7 to 15 working days 
from the date of application according to the nature of the documentation required to 
process the application.  
 
(c) May be submi tted on any working day.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 12 - 
 
  (d) Consideration of licence permit applications is effected by the central competent authority 
MOF. However, import approvals or documents of evidencing the purpose of purchase  are 
granted by the other relevant competent authorit ies for importation of undenatured ethyl 
alcohol not to be used in the manufacture or testing of alcoholic beverages.  
 
8.  None. The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.  In the event of refusal, 
by law, the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence permits  
9.  Importers subject to the administrative rules and verification of correct usage, are eligible to 
apply for licence permits.  
 
Documentation al and other requirements for application for  licence   
10.(a) For a permit licence to import tobacco/alcohol: Applicants are required to submit their 
applications  with declarations and identifications of the responsible persons. For applicants 
intending to  import undenatured ethyl alcohol, a plan of importing undenatured ethyl alcohol 
is required in addition.  
 
(b) For approvals to import undenatured ethyl alcohol:  
 
 (1) MOF approval:    
  For purposes of processing or repackaging and sale  in the manufacture of alcoholic 
beverages: applicants are required to submit their applications, supplementary 
explanation statements, and usage -assurance statements with the following 
documents: a photocopy of the identification of the responsible person, a certificate of 
safety issued by the competent Fire Agency, and a written authorization from the 
original producer for repackaging operation. In the case that the importation of 
undenatured ethyl alcohol is made by an importer based on a contract for commission 
with an alc ohol producer for processing or for repackaging and sale, the 
above -mentioned documents as well as the contract of commission are required.  
 
  (2) For undenatured ethyl alcohol not to be used in the manufacture of alcoholic 
beverages: applicants are requir ed to submit their applications to the other relevant 
competent authorities.  
 
11.  Upon importation, an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
(a) For tobacco and alcohol products and undenatured ethyl alcohol for manufacturing alcoholic 
beverages: a photocopy of the tobacco/alcohol importer licence is required.  When an 
importer imports undenatured ethyl alcohol, an import approval issued by the authorities as 
in Item 10 (b)(1) i s required.  
 
(b) For importation of alcohol products, undenat ured ethyl alcohol for producing alcoholic 
beverages  or tobacco products to be repackaged,  a certificate of origin is required.  
 
(c) Undenatured ethyl alcohol not for producing alcoholic beverages: approvals to be issued by 
the other relevant competent aut horities.       
 
12.  Examination fee (NTD2,000), license fee (NTD2, 000)   and annual licence fee (NTD6,000, in 
proportion to the number of months of business operation for the first year)  are charged for the 
tobacco alcohol importer  license permit . There is no other administrative fee for application of  
documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase in importing undenatured ethyl 
alcohol . 
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of licences 
or impor t approval.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14.  A tobacco/alcohol importer license permit is valid without due time . However, the licence 
permit will be revoked if the importer has not paid the annual license fee or has not operated its 
tobacco or alcohol impor t business for a period of two successive years. An approval to import 
undenatured ethyl alcohol for purposes of processing or repackaging and sale in the manufacture 
of alcoholic beverages is valid for six months. Other documents of approval or evidencing  the 
purpose of purchase in importing undenatured ethyl alcohol not for the above -mentioned purposes 
are subject to the requirements of the other competent authorities.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of import licence permits or document s of approval 
or evidencing the purpose of purchase of undenatured ethyl alcohol.  
 
16.  Import licence permits and documents of approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase of 
undenatured ethyl alcohol are non -transferable between importers.  
 
17.  There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of import licence permits or documents 
of approval or evidencing the purpose of purchase of undenatured ethyl alcohol.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from the above -mentioned procedures.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
6  OIL AND PETROLEUM PR ODUCTS: BUREAU OF EN ERGY, MINISTRY OF EC ONOMIC 
AFFAIRS  
Outline of system  
1.  The licensing of im ports of oil and petroleum products specified below is regulated by the 
"Petroleum Administration Act ".  The importer is required to submit an approval from the Bureau 
of Energy, MOEA to customs for clearance.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The li censing under this system is non -automatic.  The oil and petroleum products covered by 
this system are naphtha, crude oil, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil and liquefied 
petroleum gas.  Their C.C.C. codes are as follows:  
 
2709.00.10.00 -8, 2709.00.90.00 -1, 2710.12.10.00 -1, 2710.12.20.00 -9, 2710.12.30.00 -7, 
2710.12.90.00 -4, 2710.19.11.00 -3, 2710.19.19.00 -5, 2710.19.20.00 -2, 2710.19.31.00 -9, 
2710.19.39.00 -1, 2710.19.41.00 -7, 2710.19.49.00 -9, 2710.19.64.00 -9, 2710.19.67 -00-6, 
2710.20.10 -00-1, 2710.20.21 -00-8, 2710.20.29 -00-0, 2710.20.30 -00-7, 2710.20.40 -00-5, 
2711.12.00 -00-2, 2711.13.00 -00-1, 2711.19.10 -00-3, 2711.29.10 -00-1, 2901.10.20 -00-0,  
3606.10.00.00 -0. 
  
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries and cu stoms 
territories, unless otherwise specified in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, or the agreement on the terms of accession to the WTO.  
 
4.  The purposes of the system are to promote the sound d evelopment of the oil industry, maintain 
order in the production and sales in the oil market, ensure the steady supply of oil; to develop the 
national economy and enhance people’s livelihoods, and at the same time to give equal 
consideration to environment al protection.  There is no other method for the import of these 
substances that can substitute for this current system.  
 
5.  The system is managed in accordance with the  "Petroleum Administration Act ".  Repeal of the 
system would require legislative appro val. 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) An application can be submitted on any work day.   
 
(b) The import approval cannot be granted immediately on request.  The screening on the 
application will be completed within two working days.  
 
(c) There are n o limitations as to the period of the year during which application for import 
approval and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) Applicants need to approach only one administrative body.   
 
8.  An application will not be refused for any reason other than failu re to meet the prescribed 
conditions. The reasons an application is refused are furnished to the applicant.  An applicant who 
is refused can file a complaint with the refusing agency or appeal to its superior agency according 
to the relevant provisions of the Appeal Law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for import approval  
9.  Please refer to the governing regulations (see response to Question 5), which are available for 
reference in the Secretariat.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application  for import approval  
10.  Details and document requirements related to an application are set forth in the governing 
regulations (see response to Question 5), which are available for reference in the Secretariat.  
 
11.  Upon the arrival of imports, importer s are required to submit the import approval Certificate 
No. (14 codes).  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of an 
approval.  
 
Conditions of licensin g 
14.  The validity of an import approval is 1 (one) month from the date of issuance, but this can be 
increased or decreased by the agency that manages these import approvals when looking at the 
needs of the practical conditions.  
 
15.  There is no penalty  for the non -utilization of an import approval or a portion of it.  
 
16.  Import approvals are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  There are no conditions attached to the issuance of an import approval.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Imported pro ducts have to pass inspection by Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, 
MOEA.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authority for goods to be 
imported.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 15 - 
 
  7  FISHING BOATS: FISHE RIES AGENCY, COUNCIL  OF AGRICULTURE; VESS ELS: 
DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATI ON & AVIATION, MINIS TRY OF TRANSPORTATIO N AND 
COMMUNICATIONS MARIT IME AND PORT BUREAU (MOTCMPB); CIVIL AIR CRAFT: CIVIL 
AERONAUTICS ADMINIST RATION, MOTC  
Outline of system  
1. Import of fishing boats:  
 
Pursuant to the "Fisheries Act ", "Regulations for Fishing Vessel Building Permit and Fishery 
License Issue ", "Operating Rules for Screening Applications to Import Fishing Vessels using 
New Fishing Methods " and "Regulations for the Import of Ex -foreign Flagged Squid Vessels 
of over 100 GRT Bui lt in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu  and Operated by Taiwanese ", importers shall apply for an approval from the  Council 
of Agriculture (COA) ".   
 
 Import of vessels:  
 When importing vessels, except yachts, power yachts  and others that are not regulated by 
"the Law of Ships ", importers shall provide a document of approval issued by the Maritime 
and Port Bureau of the MOTC.  
  
 Import of civil aircraft:  
 Importers shall apply for an approval from the Civil Aeronautics Admi nistration (CAA), MOTC 
through the authority -in-charge for inspection, according to  the Civil Aviation Act, 
Regulations of Civil Air Transport Enterprise, Regulations Governing General Aviation, 
Regulations Governing Private Aircraft Activities and Ultra -light Vehicle Regulations.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The licensing system is non -automatic.  The products covered are as follows:  
 
(a) Fishing boat: C.C.C. Code: 8902.00.10.10 -9, 8902.00.10.90 -2, 8902.00.20.00 -9. 
 
(b) Vessel: C.C.C. Code: 8901 100000 -2, 8901200000 -0, 8901300000 -8, 8901901000 -3, 
8901902000 -1, 8901903000 -9, 8901909000 -6, 8903920000 -1, 8904000000 -1, 
8905100000 -8, 8905902000 -7 and 8906.90.90.00 -1. 
 
(c) Civil aircraft: C.C.C.Code: 8801.00.10.20 -9, 8801.00.21.00 -0, 8801.00.22.00 -9, 
8801.00.30.00 -9, 8802.11.00.00 -1, 8802.12.00.00 -0, 8802.20.00.00 -0, 8802.30.00.00 -8, 
8802.40.00.00 -6, 8802.60.00.00 -1,  8805.21.00.10 -4, 8805.29.00.10 -6. 
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries and customs 
territories, un less otherwise specified in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu or the agreement on the terms of accession to the WTO.  
 
4.  The system is to ensure maintaining continuing use of fishery resources, to  maintain safe 
navigable vessels within the territory of domestic waters and proper order within the water 
territory, and to maintain the order of air transport industry and the flight safety.  There are no 
other methods that can substitute for the current  system.  
 
5.  Any abolition of the "Fisheries Law " and "Civil Aviation Law " would require the endorsement of 
the Legislative Yuan.  Abolition concerning "Shipping Act ", "The Law of Ships ", "Regulations for 
Fishing Vessel Building Permit and Fishery License  Issue ", "Operating Rules for Screening 
Applications to Import Fishing Vessels using New Fishing Methods ", "Regulations for Administrating 
Vessel Carriers and Vessel Chartering Operators ", "Regulations for the Import of Ex -foreign 
Flagged Squid Vessels of over 100 GRT Built in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu and Operated by Taiwanese ", "Regulations of Civil Air Transport Enterprise ", 
"Regulations Governing General Aviation ", "Regulations Governing Private Aircraft Activiti es" and 
"Ultra-light Vehicle Regulations "  do not need to be endorsed by the legislative branch of the 
government.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) No time requirement before importation is prescribed for acquisition of an import approval.  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request.  For fishing boats, it takes about 10 to 
20 days. For vessels, within about 10 – 15 days. For civil aircraft, about 15 working days . 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which appl ications for a licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) Applicants have to approach only one administrative body.  
 
8.  None. The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.  In the event of refusal, 
by law, the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the law.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  The import of fishing boats is restricted to applicants from the Separate Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.  For vessels, the  application shall be filed by the owner of the 
vessels or by the owner's agent.  For civil aircraft, all persons and legal entities of the territory are 
eligible.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  There are standard application forms.  Details and documentational requirements related to 
an application are set forth in the governing regulations (see response to Question 5), which are 
available for reference in the Secretariat.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation, an importe r is required to submit the import approval issued by the 
competent authorities.  
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of an 
approval.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  An import approval for fishing boats, vessels and civil aircrafts is valid for six months, and 
may be extended if necessary.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an approval or a portion of it.  
 
16.  Approvals are not transfe rable between importers.  
 
17.  There are no conditions attached to the issuance of an approval.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures apart from obtaining an approval document 
prior to importation.  
 
19.  Foreign e xchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 17 - 
 
  8  FIREARMS, AMMUNITION , CONTROLLED SWORDS,  SIMULATION GUNS, POL ICE 
WEAPONS: NATIONAL PO LICE ADMINISTRATION,  MINISTRY OF INTERIOR ; INDUSTRIAL 
USE EXPLOSIVES: BURE AU OF MIN ES, MINISTRY OF ECON OMIC AFFAIRS  
Outline of system  
1.  For upholding the safety and peace of society, applicants importing the products specified 
below need to apply for an import approval before proceeding for customs clearance.  
 
Import of Firearms, Amm unition, Simulation Guns:  
Importers shall apply for an approval from the National Police Administration, Ministry of 
Interior (hereinafter the "NPA") pursuant to the "Firearms, Ammunition and Knives  Control 
Act" and the "Regulation Governing Permission and Control of Firearms, Ammunition, and 
Knives ". 
 
Import of Controlled Swords:  
Importers shall apply for an approval from the Municipal, City or County police station 
pursuant to the "Firearms, Ammunition and Knives  Control Act " and the "Regulation 
Governing  Permission and Control of Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives ". 
 
Import of Police Weapons:  
Importers shall apply for an approval from the NPA pursuant to "The Use of Police Weapons 
Act " and the "Regulations Governing the Permission to Manufacture, Sell and Possess Police 
Weapons ". 
   
 Import of Industrial Use Explosives:  
Importers shall apply for an approval from the Bureau of Mines of the Ministry of Economic 
Affairs pursuant to the "Industrial Explosives Administrative Act ".  
 
Purposes and coverage of lice nsing  
2.(a) Licensing coverage of "Firearms, Ammunition, Controlled Swords, Simulation Guns, Police 
Weapons " are C.C.C. Code:  3824909921 -6, 7326909010 -3, 9302000000 -7, 9303100000 -4,  
9303200000 -2, 9303300000 -0, 9303909010 -6, 9303909090 -9, 9304000010 -3, 
9304000020 -1, 9304000030 -9, 9304000090 -6, 9305100000 -2, 9305201000 -8, 
9305209000 -1, 9305910000 -4, 9305990090 -7, 9306301020 -1, 9306210000 -8, 
9306290000 -0, 9306309000 -8, 9306900000 -4, 9307000010 -0, 9506990010 -1,   
9705000020 -6. 
 
(b) Licensing coverage of "Industrial Use Explosive " are C.C.C. Code:  
2852.10.00.20 -9, 2850.00.90.10 -6, 2904.20.00.13 -4, 2905.59.90.10 -1, 2905.59.90.20 -9, 
2908.99.00.10 -9, 2921.42.00.10 -0, 3505.10.90.10 -1, 3601.00.10.00 -5, 3601.00.20.00 -3, 
3601.00.90.00 -8, 3602.00.10.00 -4, 3602.00.90.0 0-7, 3603.00.10.00 -3, 3603.00.20.00 -1, 
3603.00.30.00 -9, 3603.00.40.00 -7, 3912.20.00.10 -5. 
 
 The licensing system is non -automatic.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries and customs 
territories, unless otherwise speci fied in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu or the agreement on the terms of accession to the WTO.  
 
4.  The system is for the purpose of upholding the safety and peace of society.  Currently, there 
are no other methods of import that can substitute for this system.  
 
5.  Abolition of the "Firearms, Ammunition and Knives Control Act  ", "The Use of Police Weapons 
Act ", and "Industrial Explosives Administrative Act " requires the endorsement of the legisl ative 
branch of the government, repeal of the "Regulation Governing Permission and Control of 
Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives ", "Regulations Governing the Permission to Manufacture, Sell 
and Possess Police Weapons " does not need approval from the legislat ive branch of the 
government.  
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Procedures  
6.  Neither quantitative nor price limits are imposed on the importation of these products.  
 
7.  Application for an import approval:  
 
(a) May be filed on any workday.  
 
(b)  No licence can be granted immediately as  evaluation of application requires 7 working 
days.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) For import of "Firearms, Ammunition, Simulation Guns, Police Weapons " or "Controlled 
Swords ", an importer must approach the NPA, Ministry of National Defense or the 
Municipal, City or County police station separately for approval; for import of "Industrial 
Use Explosives ", an importer must approach the Bureau of Mines of the M inistry of 
Economic Affairs for approval.  
 
8.  None. The reasons for any refusal shall be given to the applicant in writing.  In the event of 
refusal, the applicant has the right to file a complaint with the refusing agency or appeal to the 
agency superior  to the refusing agency according to the Law of Administration Appeal.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) To import of  "Firearms, Ammunition ", "Simulation Guns " and "Controlled Swords ", an 
applicant must be a government licensed business  operator, user, or individual; to import 
"Police Weapons ", an applicant has to be commissioned for procurement by military 
agencies or police institutions.  
 
(b) To import Industrial Use Explosives, the importer must undergo governmental approval for 
the manufacture, processing, sale and/or use  of explosives.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.(a) For  "Firearms, Ammunition " , "Simulation Guns " and "Controlled Swords ": a letter of 
application stating the name, quantity of the goods, country of origin, country of sale, 
purpose and usage of the imported commodities, and power of attorney.   For "Police 
Weapons ": a proof of procurement document from military agencies or police institutions 
stating intended quantity to be pu rchased and a product description document.  
 
(b) For "Industrial Use Explosives ": a letter of application stating the type of explosives, 
quantities, and imports shipping port or airport of entry.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation of "Firearms, Ammunition, Sim ulation Guns, Controlled Swords " or 
"Police Weapons ", an import approval issued by the NPA, Ministry of National Defense or the 
Municipal, City or County police station is required, and an import approval issued by the Bureau 
of Mines of the Ministry of Ec onomic Affairs is required for import of "Industrial Use Explosives ". 
 
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge for Firearms, Ammunition, Controlled 
Swords, Simulation Guns, and Police Weapons.  Administrative charge (NTD 3,000) is charged f or 
the "Industrial Use Explosives " importer permit license.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of an 
approval.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Approval documents from the NPA, Ministry of National Defense or  the Municipal, City or 
County police station, and the Bureau of Mines of the Ministry of Economic Affairs are valid for six 
months.  Upon justifiable reason, the original licensing authority may extend the validity of the 
import approval documents.  G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/7  
 
- 19 - 
 
  15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an approval or a portion of it.  
 
16.  Approval documents are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  There are no conditions attached to the issuance of an approval.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Apart  from obtaining, prior to importation, the above described approval document; there are 
no other administrative procedures.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
9  TARIFF QUOTA: CUSTOM S ADMINIS TRATION, MINISTRY OF  FINANCE  
Outline of system  
1.  "Tariff Quota" are regulated by the "Implementation Rules of Tariff Quota. "Tariff Quota" 
referred to in the said Rules means to assess a certain quantity for specified imported goods. The 
lower tariff rat e applies on imported goods within the quota, and the normal tariff rate applies on 
imported goods in excess of the quota volume. The tariff quota is allocated by the Ministry of 
Finance or the delegated organizations or other entrusted authorities. Moreov er, the Ministry of 
Finance delegates the Bank of Taiwan  to allocate the Tariff Quota of the agricultural products.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Agricultural Products Subject to a Tariff Rate Quota Regime:   deer velvet, fresh pears(excluding 
European pears), bananas, red bean, liquid milk, peanuts, garlic bulbs, dried shiitake, dried day 
lily, young coconut, betel nuts, pineapples, mangoes, shaddocks, dried longans and longan pulp, 
and rice.  
 
3.  The tariff quota regime only applies to goods or iginating in WTO members.  
 
4.  Certificates of tariff quota are issued to control the numbers of imported goods within the quota 
volume.  
 
5.  The issuance of certificates of tariff quota is implemented according to the provisions of the 
said Rules, and is an administrative action pursuant to the said Rules authorized by the Customs 
Law. Therefore, the abolition of the certificates of tariff quota does not need approval from the 
legislative branch of the government.  
 
Procedures  
6.  The products subject to re strictions on quantity or value:  The decision of allocations is on a 
year basis in principle. The quota volume is decided in accordance with the concessions made 
under Chinese Taipei’s accession to the WTO.  
 
7.  The products not subject to restrictions on  quantity or the products imported from certain 
countries not subject to restrictions on quantity:  
 
(a) Under the method of distribution in advance, certificates of tariff quota can be issued within 
a shorter period of time. According to Article 16 of the said Rules, under the situation that 
imported goods are applying the in -quota tariff rate of the method of distribution in 
advance, whilst the importers cannot submit certificates on time but can rectify the 
procedure, the importers can apply for goods exa mined and released accompanied with the 
payment of guaranty deposit equivalent to the amount of  customs calculated by the 
over-quota rate and rectify the procedure within the valid period of the certificates.  
 
(b) Importers will receive certificates of tar iff quota after the process of applications, allocations, 
and announcement of the receivers.  
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  (c) The decision of allocations is on a year basis in principle. Importers shall apply for allocation 
and import the said products within a specific period of tim e in that certain year.  
 
(d) Has to approach only one administrative body.  
 
8.  Any reason of objection will be specified on the announced notices. The process of applying for 
allocation is transparent and open.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licen ce 
9.  The qualification of applicants is as follows:   
 
Agricultural products: Rice, companies engaging in import and export business that have 
completed registration at the Bureau of Foreign Trade (under the Ministry of Economic 
Affairs), and also have re gistered as a food dealer at the Council of Agricultural.  
 
Other agricultural products : companies engaging in import and export business that have 
completed registration at the Bureau of Foreign Trade (under Ministry of Economic Affairs).  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  A sample application form is attached (See ANNEX II -(1)(2)2). 
 
11.  Upon actual importation, an Importer is required to submit certificates of tariff quota.  
 
12.  For the agricultural products under t he method of Tariff Quota allocation conducted in the 
order applications are received. The applicants are required to pay NT1, 000 when they apply for 
quota allocation or in case of transference of quota.  
 
13.  For the agricultural products under the metho d of distribution in advance, the authorities will 
collect a performance bond or royalty whilst issuing the certification of tariff quota. The 
performance bond will be returned to the holder after the holder imports its total allocation before 
its certific ates expire. The royalty is charged to obtain the ri ght to import goods, and is 
non-refundable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The valid period of certificate of tariff quota:  
 
 Agriculture products under the method of distribution in advance, provided that the quota is 
allocated once a year, the certificate of tariff quota is valid for products arriving on or before 
1 September of that year, and can be extended to cover pr oducts arriving on or before 
31 December, if necessary.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for t he non -utilization of an approval or a portion of it.  
 
16.  For agricultural products under the method of distribution in advance, the quota distributed 
can be transferred partial or wholly within the valid period of the certificates. To transfer quota, 
both obligee and transferee shall fill the application form of tariff quota and apply to the original 
authority which allocated the quota for transference of quota and the performance bond 
accompanied by the following documents:  
 
(a) The original certificate s of tariff quota . 
 
(b) The agreement of transference of tariff quota with mutual subscription . 
 
(c) The agreement of transference of the performance bond with mutual subscription.  
 
17.  There are no conditions attached to the issuance of an approval.  
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  Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from obtaining an approval document 
prior to importation.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
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