Taipei: The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced Thursday that individuals receiving parcels containing pork products from abroad will face fines of up to NT$1 million (US$32,160), even if the violation was unintentional. This initiative is part of strengthened efforts to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from entering Taiwan.

According to Focus Taiwan, the revised rule, effective from November 6, imposes fines of NT$200,000 for first-time offenders and up to NT$1 million for repeat violations. The MOA presented this in a report on post-ASF prevention and market adjustment measures at Thursday’s Executive Yuan meeting.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih highlighted that in past cases, some recipients claimed ignorance of their parcels containing pork products to avoid punishment. Moving forward, all violators will be fined, regardless of intent, though those believing they were wrongly penalized can seek administrative relief.

The MOA’s new measures include stricter border inspections, enhanced checks on cargo and travelers from high-risk areas, and tighter regulation of cross-border e-commerce platforms. The Ministry of Digital Affairs plans to mandate e-commerce platforms under its jurisdiction to display disease-prevention warnings and restrict access to high-risk products. Non-compliant platforms may face penalties.

Additionally, the Coast Guard Administration will utilize radar and drones to monitor suspicious vessels, expand inspections to curb smuggling of animal products, and strengthen checks on crew belongings.

Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed relevant agencies to rigorously enforce these new measures to help Taiwan regain its ASF-free status, following the confirmation of African swine fever at a Taichung pig farm last month, as stated by Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee.