Taipei: The Customs Administration (CA) under the Ministry of Finance has announced a series of measures to support businesses and government agencies impacted by Typhoon Danas. These measures aim to facilitate the swift application for tariff deductions or exemptions for imported goods that have been damaged as a result of the typhoon.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Customs Administration has clarified that businesses can seek customs duty exemptions under the Customs Act if their imported goods are damaged or rendered useless due to the typhoon after unloading but before clearance. Additionally, if goods already taxed are found damaged before being claimed due to a natural disaster, businesses can request a tax refund.

The Customs Administration is also assisting government agencies in claiming customs duty exemptions for imported or donated equipment and supplies meant for emergency rescue operations, in line with Taiwan’s tax regulations. For urgently needed supplies in disaster-stricken areas, such as medical drugs, construction machinery, and sanitation equipment, these can be imported duty-free with a written declaration. Importers unable to obtain official tax exemption approval immediately from the Ministry of Health and Welfare can complete the necessary application process within two months of the goods’ importation.

Furthermore, bonded goods housed in customs-supervised facilities, including bonded factories, warehouses, and duty-free shops, that sustain damage due to a natural disaster can apply for verification and write-offs from records upon approval. If raw materials cannot be processed for tax refunds on time due to the disaster, businesses have the option to apply for a processing extension of up to one year.

To streamline these processes, all customs offices will establish a one-stop window to expedite the clearance of relief supplies, further aiding affected areas in their recovery efforts.