A family of 4 is planning a 5-day, 4-night trip to Taiwan in early July. Concerned their 5-year-old son might not enjoy the local cuisine, they are considering bringing 1 kg of pork floss. They would like to know if this is allowed.

Mai Anh

Answer:

According to Customs Taipei, the website of the Taiwan Ministry of Finance, most meat products from land animals are prohibited due to processing and quarantine regulations.

Pork floss. Photo: Barona

Pork floss. Photo: Barona

Phan Tan Phat, founder of the travel company Dat xe tai Dai Loan, advises Vietnamese tourists against bringing fruits, fresh produce like vegetables, and seafood into Taiwan. Meat products, whether raw, cooked, or included in instant noodles, porridge, or bone broth, are also discouraged. "However, processed seafood is permitted," Phat said.

Undeclared prohibited items can result in fines from 10,000 to 1,000,000 Taiwan dollars (340 to 34,000 USD) under the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. Only products meeting quarantine requirements are allowed, according to Customs Taipei.

To prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) and other animal-borne diseases, Taiwan has banned pork products from ASF-affected regions.

First-time offenders face a fine of 200,000 Taiwan dollars (nearly 6,800 USD) and may be deported if they fail to pay at the border.

Phat suggests that travelers with minimal luggage can take the purple line MRT directly to downtown Taipei or use the airport bus service. Bus schedules are readily available at the airport. For those with bulky luggage or larger groups, taxis are recommended.

Anh Minh