 
  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 30 July 2004 
 
 
(04-3277) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 
Notification under Articles 7.3
1 and 8.2(b)2 of the  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU 
   The following communication, dated 21 June 2004,  is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Separate Customs Territo ry of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. 
 
_______________ 
 
   Pursuant to Articles 7.3 and 8.2(b) of th e Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, the 
Separate Customs Territory of Ta iwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu h as the honour to submit herewith 
the following notifications, namely the replies to the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures 
and the Consolidated List of Chinese Taipei 's WTO-ILP Questionnaires and their respective 
Governing Regulations in 2003.  While only some of the governing regulations have been revised 
since our last notifications on 6 May 2003, a list of the revised governing regulations is also enclosed for Members' reference.  (See Annex A). 
 
_______________ 
 
 
I.
 COMMODITIES SUBJECT TO CONDITIONAL IMPORT, IRON AND 
STEEL PRODUCTS, OPTICAL DISK MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT:  
BUREAU OF FOREIGN TRADE, MINI STRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS....................3  
II. METHYL BROMIDE AND HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (HCFCS):  
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATION (EPA) ...................................5  
III. BREEDING LIVESTOCK/POULTRY AND GENETIC RESOURCES: 
COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE ............................................................................................8  
IV. YELLOW-FIN TUNA, BLUEFIN TUNA, SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA, SWORDFISH, BIG-EYE TUNA: FISHERY ADMINISTRATION, COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE..............................................................................................................11
 
V. TOBACCO, LIQUOR PRODUCTS, AND UN-DENATURED ETHYL ALCOHOL: DEPARTMENT OF NA TIONAL TREASURY, MOF ................................13
 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. 
2 Copies of legislation referred to in this notifi cation, as well as application for import permit/import 
permit, application form for global ta riff rate quota (agricultural), premiu m bidding form for global tariff rate 
quota (agricultural) and application for tariff rate quota certificate (industrial) are available for consultation in 
the Secretariat (Market Access Division) (in English only). G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 2 
 
 
 VI.
 OIL AND PETROLEUM PR ODUCTS: ENERGY COMMISSION, MINISTRY 
OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS; SALT: DEPARTMENT OF MINES, MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS...................................................................................................15
 
VII. FISHING BOATS: COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE; VESSELS: 
DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION & AVIATION, MINISTRY OF 
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS (MOTC); CIVIL AIRCRAFT: CIVIL AE RONAUTICS ADMINIST RATION, MOTC .............................17
 
VIII.  FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, CONTROLLED SWORDS, POLICE 
WEAPONS: NATIONAL POLICE ADMINISTRATION, MINISTRY OF 
INTERIOR; INDUSTRIAL USE EXPLOSIVES: BUREAU OF MINES, 
MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS .............................................................................19  
IX. TARIFF QUOTA: DEPARTMENT OF CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, MINISTRY OF FINANCE ....................................................................................................22  
ANNEX A - REVISED GOVERNING REGULATIONS................................................................25 
ANNEX B - CONSOLIDATED LIST OF TPKM'S WTO-ILP QUESTIONNAIRES AND 
 THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNI NG REGULATIONS IN 2003 ....................................26 
 
   
 
  
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 3 
 
 
 I. COMMODITIES SUBJECT TO CONDITIONAL IMPORT, IRON AND STEEL 
PRODUCTS, OPTICAL DISK MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT:  BUREAU OF FOREIGN TRADE, MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS 
 
Outline of system
 
 1. Import licensing system is regulated by Article 11 of the “Foreign Trade Act” (hereinafter the "FTA"), which provides that commodities can be impor ted 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 restri ction is pursuant to the “Regulations Governing 
Import of Commodities” as mandated by the FTA. Comm odities 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 categor y). Commodities in the second category are subject 
to conditional import, i.e. import is allowed if c onditions (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 commodities in this category is granted upon 
fulfillment 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 Brom ide, HCFC are subject to conditional import in order to be 
in line with the Montreal Protocol, etc.  The impor t of ”Iron and Steel Products” is subject to import 
licensing procedures in order to monitor imports and requires issuance of an Import Permit by the BOFT; while import of “Optical Disks Manufacturi ng Equipment” is subject to measures taken for 
safeguarding intellectual property rights, and requires an import clearance certificate issued by the 
BOFT. The Customs Administration needs only to check the Import Permit or import clearance 
certificate issued by the BOFT, thereby facilitating th e customs clearance without the binding of other 
restrictive regulations.  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The commodities, which require an Import Perm it issued by the BOFT, are referenced in the 
"Consolidated List of Commodities Subject to Import Restriction and Commodities Entrusted to 
Customs for Import Examination" (G/LIC/N/1/TPK M/1 and G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/2) (hereinafter the 
"Consolidated List").  Copies of the Consolidated Li st and legislation referred to in this notification 
are available for consultation in the Secretariat.  
  With the information on the licensing coverage on “Iron and Steel Products”, a list of the 471 
items of Iron and Steel Products under import surv eillance has also been deposited in the WTO 
Secretariat for reference (G/LIC/N/2/TPKM/1), the list s were subsequently readjusted to 531 items on 
account of commodity recategorization. 
 
 The import certification system for “Optical  Disk Manufacturing Equipment” covers the 
following items:   C.C.C. Code 8477.10.90.20-3, 8479.89.99.20-8, and 8480.71.90.10-6. 
 
 The import licensing/certification system regarding conditional import, ”iron and steel products” and “optical disk manufacturing equi pment ”, under the BOFT is automatic, though the G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 4 
 
 
 BOFT Import Permit for commodities subject to cond itional 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 agre ement on the terms of accession to the WTO. 
 4. The import permits issued by the BOFT are not designed to restrict 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 th e 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 Administrati on can accelerate the customs clearance.  The 
purpose for the issuance of an Import Clearance Cert ificate for optical disk manufacturing equipment 
is to prevent infringements of intellectual propert y rights.  There is no other import 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 licensing/certification system is governed by the “Regulations Governing 
Import of Commodities” mandated by the FTA a nd the “Optical Disk Manufacturing Equipment 
Import Export Regulations” which are mandated by the Optical Disk Law, repeal of the system does 
not require legislative action. 
 Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7. Application for a licence:  (a) May be filed on any workday.  (b)  Will be granted within 20 minutes. 
 
(c)  Has no limitations as to the period of the y ear in or for which application may be made. 
 (d) Is considered and effected by either BO FT and its Kaohsiung Office, MOEA United Service 
Centre (Central Taiwan), Economic Processi ng Zone Administration or Science-based 
Industrial Park Administration. 
 8. None. The reasons for any refusal are given to  the applicant in writi ng.  In the event of 
refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to app eal by following the procedures provided by the law. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. According to the FTA and the “Regulations  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 impo rt if the imported goods are for the firms' or 
individuals' own use. 
 
 Based on the “Regulations Governing Regist ration and Administration of Exporters and 
Importers”, firms engaging in export/import or sal e business listed on its business licence are eligible 
for registration. There is no registration fee required.   Although the list of registered importers is not 
published, the BOFT welcomes any inquiry on it.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
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Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. With the application (See ANNEX A), an importer is required to  supply the documents 
referred to in the Consolidated List, where th e relevant import regulation codes are provided. 
 11. Upon actual importation, only the Import Perm it or import clearance certificate and the 
documents for customs clearance are required.  
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 Im port 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 importa tion cannot be made within the prescribed validity 
period, the importer may apply to the BOFT for extension of the validity. The import clearance certificate for Optical Disk Manufacturing Equipment has no time limit. 
 
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 attached 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 s ubject to quarantine or inspection, there is a 
quarantine or inspection procedure apart from import licensing. 
 19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
II. METHYL BROMIDE AND HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (HCFCS):  
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATION (EPA) 
Outline of system
 
 1. This licensing 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 procedures are specified within 
the “Methyl Bromide Management Regulation s” and the "HCFCs Consumption Management 
Regulations" set and administered by the EPA. With such license, the applican t then can acquire the 
Import Permit from the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) of the MOEA, which will be used for 
clearance of the shipments at the custom. 
  
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 6 
 
 
 2. The products under this system are subject  to non-automatic licensing, and they are: 
 (a) Methyl Bromide: C.C.C. 2903.30.90.21-4, 3808.90.92.10-6.  
(b) HCFCs: C.C.C. 2903.49.00.11-4, 2903.49.00.21-2, 2903.49.00.22-1, 2903.49.00.23-0, 
2903.49.00.24-9, and 2903.49.00.32-9. 
  The following goods, which are composed of  chemicals controlled under the Montreal 
Protocol, are also covered by this system: C. C. C. 2903.49.00.90-8, 3824.71.00.00-2, 3824.79.00.00-
4, and 3824.90.99.31-4. 
 3. Imports shall be made only from signatories to the Montreal Protocol or from countries or 
areas that have been approved and promulgation by  the Environmental Protection Administration. 
 
4. This system is made in compliance with  the provisions of the Montreal Protocol. 
 5. This system could be abolis hed without legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6.I. Information concerning granting and allocati ng of import quota is clearly stipulated by the 
EPA, and has been published both in the Gazettes of  EPA and the Government and release to the 
press.  II.(a) Methyl Bromide: Quota will only be issued fo r quarantine or pre-shipment treatment uses. An 
approval issued shall be valid for six mont hs. Application for approval is filed on a 
six-monthly basis. 
 (b) HCFCs: The quota is set annually. The domes tic quota is calculated by multiplying the base 
year consumption provided in the Montreal Prot ocol by a deduction rate.  Quota is allocated 
to firms based on total quota and past performan ce of firms with priorities given to users. 
 
III.(a) Methyl Bromide: Each entity wishing to import shall report its intended import amount for the 
coming six months period prior to the e nd of February 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. Unused quota 
shall not be re-allocated. 
 IV.(a) Methyl Bromide: Upon the date of issui ng of quota, applications may begin filing for 
acquiring import permit. 
 (b) HCFCs: Quotas shall be issued on a quarterly basis and are to be used within that quarter. 
 V. Applications for approval are processed within 7 to 30 days. 
 
VI. There is no waiting period between the granti ng of licences and the date of opening of the 
period of importation.   G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 7 
 
 
 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 case 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 arra ngements; no import licence from 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 c ondition that goods importe d must be re-exported 
and not sold in the domestic market.   7. Not applicable.  8. Reasons for any refusal are given to the appli cant 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 organizati on has the qualifications to apply for a licence. 
An applicant must prove that the use and the volu mes will conform to the scope provided for in the 
Montreal Protocol.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10.A. For Methyl Bromide, the documents  required for an application are: 
 
 (1) A photocopy of the importer's seal impression card (requested if it is the first time 
they have applied), 
 (2) The statistical data and customs import  declaration with respect to quantity of 
restricted methyl bromide imported within two years prior to the imposition of control 
(requested if it is the first time they have applied). 
 (3) Documented proof of the quantity/volume imported in the previous period.  (4) An application to import methyl bromid e for quarantine or pre-shipment treatment 
shall separately submit evidentiary docum ents with respect to such purposes. 
 B. For HCFCs, the documents required for an application are: 
 
 (1) Importer seal impression card.  (2) A table showing quantity statistics for th e applicant’s import of controlled substances 
imported within the two years prior to the implementation of import control. 
 (3) The import certificate(s) issued pr eviously to the applicant by Customs. 
 (4) A photocopy of such Customs-stamped import declaration(s). 
 11. Upon actual importation, an import permit i ssued by the BOFT and documents required for 
customs clearance shall be submitted.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 8 
 
 
 12. No licensing fee or other administrative fee is required. 
 13. No deposit or advance payment for the application shall be required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14.A. Methyl Bromide: import approval is valid fo r six months. Every six months application must 
be made again for import approval. An approval can be extended for another six months if the 
application for it was filed in the first half of the year. 
 
B. HCFCs: import approval is valid for th ree 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 eligibility, but quota allocated 
to users is not transferable.  17. There are no additional conditions besi des the quantitative limits of the quotas. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. There are no other administrative procedures apart from the aforesaid requirements.  19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported. 
 
 
III. BREEDING LIVESTOCK/POULTRY AND GENETIC RESOURCES: COUNCIL OF 
AGRICULTURE 
("Genetic" for the purposes of this import system re fers 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 environment favorable to the livestock raising business, to 
preserve public health and safety of human beings and animals, and prevent the entrance from foreign 
countries of infectious diseases and/or exotic pest s, imported animals are screened and controlled to 
ensure that they are suited to be raised in the dom estic 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 Livestoc k and Poultry and Genetic Resources” according to 
the “Animal Industry Act”. Importers of breeding an imals and genetic resources must first obtain a 
letter of approval from the Council of Agriculture  with which to use for customs clearance. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The applicable commodities consist of all breeding livestock/poultry animals and genetic 
resources. Based on the Commodity Classification C ode for such commodities as specified in the 
rules, this covers:  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 9 
 
 
  0101.11.00.00-5, 0102.10.00.00-5, 0103.10.00.00-4, 0104.20.00.10-9, 0105.11.10.00-9, 
0105.12.10.00-8, 0105.19.10.00-1, 0105.92.10.00-1, 0105.99.10.00-4, 0105.93.10.00-0, 0106.00.21.21-3, 0511.10.00.00-0, 0511.99.91.20-0, 0511.99.92.20-9 
 
 For all the above-listed code numbers, the letter of approval for importation will not be 
automatically issued.   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 of animal 
species or breeds, and to quarantine and track th e imported breeding animals and genetic resources.  
Not included are experimental animals for scientific  and research utilization, which may be imported 
through specially approved experimental project s 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 Importation of Breeding Livestock and Poultry and Genetic Resources”.  
The abolition of these rules would not require the appr oval of or passage by the legislative branch of 
the government. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. There is no restriction regarding import quantity or value.  
7.(a) Importers may apply for breeding livestock/poul try and genetic resources any time they need 
to do so. Such application for letter of approva l for importation of breeding livestock 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 ex amination and review. Th e application document 
will then be forwarded to the Council of Agricu lture for approval and issuance of the letter of 
approval for importation. Application for the letter of approval for importation of breeding 
poultry is made with the National Animal I ndustry Foundation, which first examines the 
application documents and then forwards them to the Council of Agriculture for issuance of 
the letter of approval for importation. Applicati on for the letter of approval for importation of 
genetic resources can be filed with  the Council of Agriculture directly for approval. It requires 
five working days to process the documents at  each processing unit.  An applicant should 
obtain the letter of approval for im portation within ten working days. 
 (b) The application for letter of approval fo r importation must follow the above-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 comp etent central organization, which governs and 
issues letters of approval for the importation of breeding livestock and poultry and genetic 
resources. 
 8. All applications made in accordance with th e regulations stipulated in the “Guidelines for 
Screening Applications for the Letter of Approva l for the Importation of Breeding Livestock and 
Poultry and Genetic Resources” shall not be denied.  For any non-conforming, rejected application, a G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 10 
 
 
 statement of the reason shall be made to the app licant, who may file a complaint to the Council of 
Agriculture or make appeal to the higher-level, supe rvising agency of this Council, in accordance with 
the Law of Appeals.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a) To import breeding livestock and poultry:  The applicant must be a registered livestock or poultry farm owner, but a trading company 
can be authorized to handle the application pro cedures on behalf of a registered farm owner. 
 
(b) To import genetic resources:  Same as above (a) but a registered trader can also apply for a letter of approval on their own 
behalf.  
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. 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 a pplication are: the application form, the applicant’s 
farm registration certificate, and a proforma-invoice from the overseas exporters. For breeding 
livestock importation, a pedigree certificate is also required. 
 11. For customs declaration, the applicant sh all need to present the letter of approval for 
importation issued by the Council of Agriculture, al ong with all the required documents to apply to 
customs for import. For quarantine requirements, the applicant has to make the quarantine application 
to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health In spection 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 th e application regarding import permit-issuance and 
other administrative or management procedures. 
 
13. No deposit or payment shall be incurred in rela tion to the application for letter of approval for 
importation issuance.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An approval letter shall be valid for six mont hs from the day following its issue, after which it 
shall become invalid and expired.  15. Applicants who do not import 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. Within the tracing and quarantine period which is altogether six months, to move the 
imported breeding livestock or poultry to any other lo cation, notice of intent to do so must be filed 
with the competent governments of  the specific municipalities or c ounties before being allowed to 
move the animal(s). 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. 
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 11 
 
 
 Other procedural requirements  
 18. Other administrative procedures mainly have  to do with the quar antine work, for which 
application must be made to the BAPHIQ, in accordance with “The Statute for Prevention and 
Control of Infectious Animal Diseases.” 
 19. The foreign exchange needed for the import commodities shall be automatically provided by 
the governing banks in charge of such import business.  IV. YELLOW-FIN TUNA, BLUEFIN TUNA, SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA, 
SWORDFISH, BIG-EYE TUNA: FISHERY ADMINISTRATION, COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE 
Outline of system
 
 
1. Import licensing for the products specified below is regulated by the "Screening Criteria and 
Procedures Regarding Applications for Written A pproval to Import Yellow-fin Tuna", "Notice of 
Application for Written Approval Licence to Im port, Export and Re-expor t Bluefin Tuna, and 
Original Statistical Document", "Notice of Application for Written Approval Licence to Import, Export and Re-export Southern Blue fin Tuna", "Notice of Application for Written Approval Licence 
to Import Swordfish",  "Notice of Application fo r Written Approval Licence to Import Big-eye Tuna", 
and is administered by the Council of Agriculture. Before being allowed to import, importers must 
obtain written approval from the Fishery Administration, 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. 0302.39.00.10-8; 0303.49.00.10-5; 0304.10.90.51-0; 
0304.20.90.31-3), Southern Bluefin Tuna (C.C.C.0 302.39.00.20-6; 0303.49.00.20-3; 0304.10.90.52-9; 
0304.20.90.32-2), Swordfish (C.C.C.0302.69. 99.50-4; 0303.79.99.80-5; 0304.10.90.60-9; 
0304.20.90.40-2), and Big-eye Tuna (C.C.C. 0303.49.00.30-1; 0304.20.90.33-1).   
 The licensing system is non-automatic.   
 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 agre ement on its terms of accession to the WTO. 
 
4. The licensing system is intended to protect marine 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 ten workdays. 
 G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 12 
 
 
 (c) Have no limitations as to the period of th e 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 writi ng.  In the event of 
refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to app eal 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 require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. An application shall be supported by an a pplication form, and accompanied by one photocopy 
of the applicant’s company licence and business licence.  Also required are an original copy of the 
statistical documentation for bluefin tuna and sout hern bluefin tuna, the certificate of origin for 
yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna, the certificate of e ligibility for swordfish issued by the government of 
the flag country of the fishing vessel that harvest ed the product in the shipment, one photocopy each 
of the nationality certificate of the fishing vessel and the fishing vessel licence, and one original and 
one photocopy of the foreign-issued quotation form. 
 11. Upon actual importation, an im porter is required to submit the import approval issued by the 
Fisheries Administration.   
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 ne w application shall be filed upon expiration. 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of an approval.  16. Approval documents are not tr ansferable 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 govern ed by other applicable regulations. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. There are no other administrative procedures, apart from obtaining an approval document prior to importation.  19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported. 
   G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 13 
 
 
 V. TOBACCO, LIQUOR PRODUCTS, AND UN-DENATURED ETHYL ALCOHOL: 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL TREASURY, MOF 
Outline of system  
 
1. The import licensing system is regulated by “The Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Law”,  
”Enforcement Rules of The Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Law “ and “Regulations Governing 
Undenatured Ethyl Alcohol”, and is administered  by the Department of National Treasury, MOF 
(hereinafter the “DNT”).  Howe ver, licences are issu ed by the Industrial Development Bureau, 
Ministry of Economic Affairs (hereinafter the “IDB ”) or the Ministry of National Defense (herein 
after the “MND”) if the ethyl alcohol is for milita ry use or for use in industries other than the 
manufacturing of spirits or pharmaceuticals.   Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
 
2. The licensing system covers cigarettes, alc ohol, and un-denatured ethyl alcohol, as identified 
by C.C.C. Code: 2103.90.90, 2203~2208 (with the exception of 2207.20), 2402~2403 (with the exception of 2403.91.00 and 2403.99.10).  The system is   subject to non-automatic licensing.  3. The system applies to goods origin ating in or coming from all countries. 
 
4. The system is intended to ensure the sound management of imports pursuant to the above-
mentioned laws and regulations.  5. Laws, regulations and appli cation procedures on this import licensing system are available on 
the DNT web site (www.dnt.gov.tw). (Some cases requi re another import approval).  Repeal of the 
system would require legislative approval. 
 Procedures
  
 6. Not applicable.  
7. Applications for licences or import approvals: 
 (a)-(b) Need to be made at least 30 days in advan ce of importation, and a licence can be issued within 
7 to 45 days. 
 
(c) May be submitted on any working day. 
 (d) Are considered and effected by the DNT. Howe ver, import approvals are issued by the IDB or 
the MND if the ethyl alcohol is for military use or for use in industries other than the 
manufacturing of spirits or pharmaceuticals. 
 
8. None. The reasons for any refusal are given to  the applicant in writi ng.  In the event of 
refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to app eal by following the procedures provided by the law. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
 
 
9. Pharmaceutical firms, manufacturers and milita ry institutions (including military schools and 
military hospitals), subject to the administrative rules and verification of correct usage, are eligible to 
apply for import approvals. Information about regi stration fees and the list of authorized importers 
will be disclosed. G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 14 
 
 
  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence 
 
 10.(a) For tobacco alcohol importer licences: applican ts are required to submit with their application 
photocopies of the company licence, their business registration, national identification card of 
the responsible person, and certification fee. 
 (b) For approval to import alcohol for repack aging and in containe rs holding over 5 liters: 
applicants are required to fill out an appli cation and with it submit: photocopies of their 
tobacco alcohol importer licence, national iden tification card of the responsible person, 
certificate of origin, alcohol manufacturer’s licence, and commission contract to import and/or proof of permission to repackage and sell from the Ministry of Finance. 
 (c) For approval to import un-denatured ethyl alcohol:  
 
 (1) DNT approval:  business licence, consum ption volume document and proof of self-
use. 
 (2) IDB approval: statement of u sage and manufacturing permit licence. 
 (3) MND approval: Procurement document; Certification from the relevant MND 
components. 
 
11. Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the following documents: 
 (a) For tobacco and alcohol produc ts and un-denatured ethyl alco hol for manufacturing alcoholic 
beverages: photocopy of the tobacco alcohol importer licence. 
 
(b)  Un-denatured alcohol products to be rep ackaged and in containers holding over five litres: 
photocopy of the DNT’s approval document and a certificate of origin. 
 (c)  Undenatured ethyl alcohol not for manufact uring alcoholic bevera ges: Import approval by 
authorities as in item 10(c).           
 
12. Examination fees (NTD2,000) and certification fees (NTD2, 000) are charged for the tobacco 
alcohol importer permit licence. There are no other licensing fees or administrative charges for import 
approval.  
13. There is no deposit or advance payment require ment associated with the issuance of licences 
or import approval.  Conditions of licensing 
 
 14. Tobacco alcohol importer licence: duration unlimited; approval to import undenatured ethyl 
issued by IDB: one year; approvals other than the above-mentioned: six months. 
 15. There is no penalty for non-utili zation of import licences or approvals. 
 16. Licences and import approvals are non-transferable between importers. 
 
17. There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of licences or approvals. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 15 
 
 
 18. There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing required prior to 
importation.  19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported. 
  
VI. OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS: ENER GY COMMISSION, MINISTRY OF 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS; SALT: DEPART MENT OF MINES, MINISTRY OF 
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS 
Outline of system
 
 1. The licensing of imports of oil and petroleu m products specified below is regulated by the 
“Petroleum Administration Law”.  The importer is  required to submit an approval from the Energy 
Commission, MOEA to customs for clearance.  The licensing of imports of salts is regulated by the 
Statute of Salt Administration and its By-laws.  An  importer of salts is re quired to get an approval 
from the Department of Mines, MOEA.  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing under this system is non-automa tic.  The oil and petroleum products covered by 
this system are naphtha, crude oil, gasoline, jet fuel , kerosene, diesel, fuel oil and liquefied petroleum 
gas.  Their C.C.C. codes are as follows: 2707.99.10.00-2, 2710.00.94.00-4, 2709.00.10.00-8, 2709.00.90.00-1, 2710.00.11.00-4, 2710.00.12.00-3, 2710.00.19.00-6, 2710.00.60.00-4, 
2710.00.21.00-2, 2710.00.22.00-1, 2710.00.23.00-0, 2710.00.29.00-4, 2710.00.32.00-9, 
2710.00.39.00-2, 2710.00.41.00-8, 2710.00.49-00-0, 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. 
 
 Salts include crude salt (C.C.C . code 2501.00.10.00-8), pure sodium chloride (C.C.C. code 
2501.00.20.00-6) and other kinds of sal t (C.C.C. code 2501.00.90.00-1). 
 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 ag reement on the terms of accession to the WTO. 
 4. The purposes of the system are to promote the sound development of the oil industry, 
maintain order in the production and sales in the o il market, ensure the steady supply of oil; to 
develop the national economy and enhance people’s live lihoods, and at the same time to give equal 
consideration to environmental protec tion.  With regard to salts, it is also to prevent proprietors from 
using low price, poor quality salt as table salt earni ng an improper profit and affecting public health. 
There is no other method for the import of these substa nces that can substitute for this current system. 
 
5. The system is managed in accordance with th e “Petroleum Administration Law” and “Statute 
for Salt Administration” and their By-laws.  Repeal of the system would require legislative approval. 
However, the system is scheduled to be phased  out as Taiwan Salt Industrial Corporation is 
privatized.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 16 
 
 
 7.(a) An application can be submitted on any work day. 
 (b) The licence cannot be granted immediately on request.  For oil and petroleum products: the 
screening on the application will be completed within two working days.  For salt, the 
application processing time is about three to five 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) Applicants need to approach only one administrative body.   
 8. An application will not be refused for any r eason other than failure 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 th e refusing agency or appeal to it s superior agency according to the 
relevant provisions of the Appeal Law. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Please refer to the governing regulations (see response to Question 5), which are available for 
reference in the Secretariat. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. There is no standard application form. De tails 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, importers are required to submit the import approval. 
 12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge. 
 
13. There is no deposit or adva nce payment requirement associat ed with the issuance of an 
approval.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The validity of an import approval for oil or petroleum products is 6 months from the date of 
issuance, but this can be increas ed or decreased by the agency which manages these import approvals 
when looking at the needs of the practical conditions .  The validity of an import approval for salt is 
one year, and it can be extended for one month if necessary.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of it. 
 16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  17. There are no conditions attached  to the issuance of a licence. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. For oil and petroleum products, imported produc ts have to pass inspection by Bureau of 
Standards, Metrology and inspection, MOEA.  As  for salts, there are no other administrative 
procedures apart from the above-mentioned licensing system.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 17 
 
 
  
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provi ded by the banking authority for goods to be 
imported.  
 
VII. FISHING BOATS: COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE; VESSELS: DEPARTMENT OF 
NAVIGATION & AVIATION, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS (MOTC); CIVIL AIRCRAFT: CIVIL AERONAUTICS ADMINISTRATION, MOTC 
Outline of system
 
 1. Import of fishing boats:  Pursuant to the “Fisheries Law” and “the Guidelines for the Issuance of Fishing Boat 
Building Permits and Fishing Licences”, importers sh all apply for an approval from the Council of 
Agriculture (COA) through the municipal or county/city government where the proposed port of 
registry is located.     Import of vessels:   Pursuant to“ the Law of Shipping Industry ”,“The Governing Rules on Carriers by Ship and Ship Leasing Companies”,” the Regulation of Sm all Vessels”, importers shall apply for an import 
approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) through the local 
competent authorities that have jurisdiction over th e water territory where the vessels shall sail or 
where the vessels shall berth.     Import of civil aircraft: 
 Importers shall apply for an approval from the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), 
MOTC through the authority-in-charge for insp ection, according to the Civil Aviation Law, 
Regulation of Civil Air Transport Enterprise a nd the Regulation Governing General Aviation. 
 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 and 8902.00.20.00-9. (b) Vessel: C.C.C. Code: 8901100000-2, 8901200000-0, 8901300000-8, 8901901000-3, 
8901902000-1, 8901903000-9, 8901909000-6, 8903910000-2, 8903920000-1, 8904000000-1, 
8905100000-8, 8905902000-7 and 8906009000-0. 
(c) Civil aircraft: C.C.C. Code: 8801.10.00.20-9, 8801.90.11.00-3, 8801.90.12.00-2, 
8801.90.20.00-2,  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, 8805.20.00.00-7. 
 
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 agre ement on the terms of accession to the WTO. 
 
4. The system is to ensure maintaining conti nuing use of fishery resources, to maintain safe 
navigable vessels within the territory of domestic wa ters 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.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 18 
 
 
 5. Any abolition of the “Fisheries Law”, “the Law of Shipping Industry” and “Civil Aviation 
Law” would require the endorsement of the legi slative branch of the government.  Abolition 
concerning “the Guidelines for the Issuance of Fi shing Boat Building Permits and Fishing Licences”, 
“Operating Rules for Screening Applications to Im port Fishing Vessels using New Fishing Methods”, 
“Administering Approach of Recreational Fishery” , “The Governing Rules on Carriers by Ship and 
Ship Leasing Companies”, “the Regulation of Small Vessels”, “the Regulation of Civil Air Transport 
Enterprise” and “the Regulations G overning General Aviation” do not need to be endorsed by the 
legislative branch of the government.  
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 re quest.  For fishing boats, it takes about two 
months. 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 applications 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 writi ng.  In the event of 
refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to app eal 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 require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. There are standard application forms.  Deta ils and documentational requi rements 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 im porter 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 adva nce payment requirement associat ed with the issuance of an 
approval. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. An import approval for fishing boats, vessels a nd civil aircrafts is valid for six months, and 
may be extended if necessary. 
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 19 
 
 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of an approval or a portion of it. 
 16. Approvals are not transf erable 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 exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  
 
VIII.  FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, CONTROLLED SWORDS, POLICE WEAPONS: 
NATIONAL POLICE ADMINISTRATION, MINISTRY OF INTERIOR; INDUSTRIAL USE EXPLOSIVES: BUREAU OF MINES, MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC 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, Ammunition: 
 Importers shall apply for an approval from the Mi nistry of Interior pursuant to the “Control of 
Firearms, Ammunition and Weaponry” and the “M easure Governing Permission and Administration 
of Firearms, Ammunition and Cutting, Pointed Weapons”.   Import of Controlled Swords:  Importers shall apply for an approval from the Municipal, City or County government 
pursuant to the “Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Weaponry ” and the “Measure Governing 
Permission and Administration of Firearms, Ammunition and Cutting, Pointed Weapons”. 
 
Import of Police Weapons: 
 Importers shall apply for an approval from the Mi nistry of Interior pursuant to  “The Use of 
Police Weapons Act ” and the “Measures Governing the Permission to Manufacture, Sell and Hold 
Police Weapons”.     Import of Industrial Use Explosives: Importers shall apply for an approval from the Bure au of Mines of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 
pursuant to the  “Industrial Use Explosive Material Management Code”.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2.(a) Licensing coverage of “Firearms, Ammunition, Controlled Swords, Police Weapons” are 
C.C.C. Code:  3824909921-6, 7326909010-3, 9302000000-7, 9303100000-4, 9303200000-2, 
9303300000-0, 9303909000-8, 9304000010-3, 9304000020-1, 9304000090-6, 9305100000-2, 
9305210000-9, 9305290000-1, 9305900000-5, 9306100020-7, 9306210000-8, 9306290000-0, 9306300000-7, 9306900000-4, 9307000010-0, 9506990010-1, 9705000020-6. 
 G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 20 
 
 
 (b) Licensing coverage of ”Industrial Use E xplosive” are C.C.C. Code:  2838.00.00.10-2, 
2850.00.90.10-6, 2904.20.00.13-4, 2905.50.90.10-0, 2905.50.90.20-8, 2908.90.00.10-8, 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, 3602.00.90.00-7, 3603.00.10.00-3, 3603.00.20.00-1, 3603.00.30.00-9, 
3603.00.40.00-7, 3912.20.00.10-5,3912.20.00.20-3. 
  The licensing system is non-automatic.  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 agre ement 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  “Control of Firearms, Am munition and Weaponry ” and “The Use of Police 
Weapons Act ” requires the endorsement of the legisl ative branch of the government; repeal of the 
“
Measure Governing Permission and Administ ration of Firearms, Ammunition and Cutting, 
Pointed Weapons ”, “Measure Governing Permission and Administration of Firearms, 
Ammunition and Cutting, Pointed Weapons ” and the “Industrial Use Explosive Material 
Management Code” does not need approval from the legislative branch of the government.  
 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 ev aluation 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, Police Weapons” or  “Controlled Swords”, an importer 
must approach the Ministry of Interior or the Municipal, City or County government separately for approval; for import of ”Industrial Use Explosives”, an importer must approach 
the Bureau of Mines of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for approval. 
 
8. None. The reasons for any refusal shall be give n 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 accordin g to the Law of Administration Appeal. 
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 21 
 
 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 9.(a) To import “Firearms, Ammunition” and “Cont rolled 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 require ments for application for licence  
 10.(a) For  “Firearms, Ammunition” 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 attorn ey.  For “Police Weapons”: a proof of 
procurement document from military agencies or police institutions stating intended quantity 
to be purchased and a product description document. 
(b) For “Industrial Use Explosives”: a letter of application stating the name, quantity of the 
goods, country of origin, method of transportation and the port of arrival.  
 11. Upon actual importation of “Firearms, Ammu nition, Controlled Swords” or “Police 
Weapons”, an import approval issued by the Ministry of Interior or the Municipal, City or 
County government is required, a nd an import approval issued by the Bureau of Mines of the 
Ministry of Economic Affairs is required for import of ”Industrial Use Explosives”. 
 12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.  
 
13. There is no deposit or adva nce payment requirement associat ed with the issuance of an 
approval.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. Approval documents from the Ministry of Interior, the Municipal, City or County 
government, and the Bureau of Mines of the Ministry of Economic Affairs are valid for six months.  Upon justifiable reason, the original licensing author ity may extend the validity of the import approval 
documents.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of an approval or a portion of it. 
 16. Approval documents are not tr ansferable 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 provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 22 
 
 
 IX. TARIFF QUOTA: DEPARTMENT OF CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, 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 cer tain quantity for specified imported goods. The 
lower tariff rate applies on imported goods within th e quota, and the normal tariff rate applies on 
imported goods in excess of the quota volume. The tari ff quota is allocated by the Ministry of Finance 
or the delegated organizations or other entruste d authorities. Moreover, the Ministry of Finance 
delegates the Central Trust of China to allocate the Tariff Quota of the agricultural products, and 
entrusts the Bureau of Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Economic Affairs to distribute the Tariff Quota of small vehicles in advance.   Purposes and coverage of licensing 
 
 
2. Agricultural and Industrial Products Subject to a Tariff Rate Quota Regime:  (a) Agricultural Products:  Chicken, pork belly, an imal offal (including pork offal, poultry offal, 
deer velvet), fresh pears (excluding European p ears), bananas, red bean, liquid milk, peanuts, 
garlic bulbs, dried shiitake, dried day lily, yo ung coconut, betel nuts, pineapples, mangoes, 
shaddocks, persimmons, dried longans and long an pulp, sugar (private sector), mackerel, 
carangid, sardine (herrings) and rice. 
 (b) Industrial Products:  Small vehicles and chassis.  
3. The tariff quota regime only applies to goods originating in WTO members. 
 4.  Certificates of tariff quota are issued to c ontrol 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 pursua nt 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 restrictions on quantity or value:  The decision of allocations is on a 
year basis in principle. The quota volume is d ecided 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 ra te of the method of distribution in advance, 
whilst the importers can not submit certificates on time but can rectify the procedure, the 
importers can apply for goods examined 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.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 23 
 
 
  
(b) Importers will receive certificates of tariff quot a after the process of applications, allocations, 
and announcement of the receivers. 
 
(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 time 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 licence
 
 
9. The qualification of applicants is as follows: 
 (a) Agricultural products: Rice, companies engagi ng in import and export business that have 
completed registration at the Bureau of Foreign Trade (under the Ministry of Economic Affairs), and also have registered as a food dealer at the Council of Agricultural. Other agricultural products, companies enga ging in import and export business that have 
completed registration at the Bureau of Foreign Trade (under Ministry of Economic Affairs). 
 
(b) Industrial products for small vehicles, importe rs and exporters who duly registered with the 
Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic  Affairs, corporate entities, and individuals 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. A sample application form is  attached (see AN NEX B-(1)(2)(3)). 
 11. Upon actual importation, an Importer is re quired to submit certificates of tariff quota. 
 
12. For the agricultural products under the method of Tariff Quota allocation conducted in the 
order applications are received. The applicants ar e 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 method 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 im ports its total allocation before its certificates 
expire. The royalty is charged to obtain th e right to import goods, and is non-refundable. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The valid period of certificate of tariff quota: 
 (a) Agricultural products under the method of dist ribution in advance, the quota is allocated on a 
year basis, and certificates are valid for produc ts arriving on or before 1 September of that 
year, and can be extended if necessary. 
 
(b) Industrial products for small vehicles are valid for products arriving on or before 31 
December of that year, and there is no extension. 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of an approval or a portion of it. G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 Page 24 
 
 
  
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, but not for small 
vehicles. To transfer quota, both obligee and transferee shall fill the application form of tariff quota 
and apply to the original authority which allo cated the quota for transference of quota and the 
performance bond accompanied by the following documents:  (a) The original certificates 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. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. There are no other administrative procedures, apart from obtaining an approval document prior to importation.  
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
 Page 25 
 
 
 ANNEX A 
 
Revised Governing Regulations  
as of August 2003 
 
1. FOREIGN TRADE ACT 
2. REGULATIONS GOVERNING IMPORT OF COMMODITIES 
3. REGULATIONS GOVERNING REGISTRATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF 
EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS 
4. METHYL BROMIDE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS 
5. HCFCS CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS 
6. CIVIL AVIATION LAW 
7. REGULATION OF CIVIL AIR TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE 
8. REGULATION GOVERNING GENERAL AVIATION 
9. MEASURES GOVERNING PERMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIREARMS, 
AMMUNITION AND CUTTING, POINTED WEAPONS 
10. THE USE OF POLICE WEAPONS ACT 
11. MEASURES GOVERNING THE PERMISSION TO MANUFACTURE, SELL AND HOLD 
POLICE WEAPONS 
12. INDUSTRIAL USE EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL MANAGEMENT CODE 
13. THE IMPLEMENTATION RULES OF TARIFF QUOTA  
 G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
Page 26 ANNEX B 
 
Consolidated List of TPKM's WTO-ILP Questionnaire s and their Respective Governing Regulations in 2003  
 
Subject(s) of 
Questionnaire Licensing Authority Governing Regulations Date of 
Promulgation/Amendment Contact Point 
1.Commodities 
Subject to Conditional 
Import, Iron and Steel Products, Optical 
Disk Manufacturing 
Equipment Bureau of Foreign 
Trade, Ministry o
f 
Economic Affairs 1. FOREIGN TRADE ACT  
2. ENFORCEMENT RULES OF THE FOREIGN TRADE 
ACT  
3. REGULATIONS GOVERNING IMPORT OF 
COMMODITIES  
4. REGULATIONS GOVE RNING REGISTRATION 
AND ADMINISTRATION OF EXPORTERS AND 
IMPORTERS  
5. OPTICAL DISK LAW  
6. OPTICAL DISK MANUFACTURING IMPLEMENT 
IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION REGULATIONS  2002/06/12 Amended 
2000/08/30 Amended 
2003/07/02 Amended 2003/06/09 Amended 
 
2001/11/14 Promulgated 2002/01/30 Amended tonyan@trade.gov.tw 
2.Methyl Bromide, 
HCFC Environmental 
Protection 
Administration 1. METHYL BROMIDE MANAGEMENT 
REGULATIONS  
2. HCFCs CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT 
REGULATIONS  2003/05/21 Promulgated 
2003/01/15 Promulgated ylwu@sun.epa.gov.tw 
3.Breeding Livestock/ 
Poultry and Genetic 
Resources Council of Agriculture 1. GUIDELINES FOR SCREENING APPLICATION FOR 
LETTER OF APPROVAL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF 
BREEDING LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY AND GENETIC 
RESOURCES  2002/07/24 Amended vincent@mail.coa.gov.tw 
4.Yellow-fin Tuna, 
Bluefin Tuna, Southern Bluefin 
Tuna, Swordfish, Big-
eye Tuna Fishery Administration, 
Council of Agriculture 1. SCREENING CRITERIA  AND PROCEDURES 
REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR WRITTEN APPROVAL 
TO IMPORT YELLOW-FIN TUNA  
2. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR WRITTEN 
APPROVAL LICENCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT AND RE-
EXPORT BLUEFIN TUNA AND ORIGINAL STATISTICAL 
DOCUMENT  
3. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR WRITTEN 
APPROVAL LICENCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT AND RE-
EXPORT SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA  
4. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR WRITTEN 
APPROVAL LICENCE TO IMPORT SWORDFISH  
5. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR WRITTEN 
APPROVAL LICENSE TO IMPORT, BIG-EYE TUNA  2002/02/15 Amended 
 2000/07/25 Announced 
 
 2000/03/30 Announced 
 
2001/09/12 Announced  
2002/03/15 Announced charlian@ms1.fa.gov.tw  
  G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4
 G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2
 Page 27Subject(s) of 
Questionnaire Licensing Authority Governing Regulations Date of 
Promulgation/Amendment Contact Point 
5.Tobacco, Liquor 
Products and 
Undenatured Ethyl 
Alcohol Department of National 
Treasury, Ministry o f 
Finance 1. THE TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL 
ADMINISTRATION LAW  
2. ENFORCEMENT RULES OF THE TOBACCO AND 
ALCOHOL ADMINISTRATION LAW  
3. REGULATIONS GOVERNING UNDENATURED 
ETHYL ALCOHOL  2000/04/19 Promulgated 
2000/12/30 Promulgated 
 
2000/12/30 Promulgated sherrie@mail.dnt.gov.tw  
6.Oil and Petroleum 
products Energy Commission, 
Ministry of Economic 
Affairs 1. PETROLEUM ADMINISTRATION LAW  2001/10/11 Promulgate d slchen@moeaec.gov.tw 
Salt Department of Mines, 
Ministry of Economic 
Affairs 2. STATUTE FOR SALT ADMINISTRATION  
3. BYLAW OF THE STATUTE FOR SALT 
ADMINISTRATION  
4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE STANDARDS AND 
PROCEDURES OF APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR 
THE IMPORT OF SALT AND ISSUING PERMISSION 
DOCUMENT  1981/11/16 Amended 
1990/08/15 Amended 
1996/05/14 Amended tttsai@moea.gov.tw 
7.Fishing Boats Fishery Administration, 
Council of Agriculture 1. FISHERIES LAW  
2. ENFORCEMENT RULES OF THE FISHERIES LAW  
3. THE REGULATION FOR FISHING VESSEL 
BUILDING PERMIT AND FISHERY LICENSE ISSUE  
4. OPERATING RULES FOR SCREENING 
APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT FISHING VESSELS USING 
NEW FISHING METHODS  
5. ADMINISTERING APPROACH OF RECREATIONAL 
FISHERY  1991/02/01 Amended 
2000/01/31 Amended 
2001/09/28 Amended 
 
1999/11/08 Amended 
 2001/07/31 Amended charlian@ms1.fa.gov.tw 
Vessels Department o f 
Navigation & Aviation, 
Ministry o f 
Transportation and 
Communications 6. THE SHIPPING I NDUSTRIES LAW (PARTIAL 
ARTICLES)  
7. REGULATIONS OF SMALL VESSELS (PARTIAL 
ARTICLES)  
8. THE GOVERNING RULES ON CARRIERS BY SHIP 
AND SHIP LEASING COMPANIES (PARTIAL ARTICLES)  2002/01/30 Amended 
1996/09/24 Amended 1996/07/17 Amended lu_pan@motc.gov.tw 
Civil Aircraft Civil Aeronautics 
Administration, 
Ministry o f 
Transportation and Communications 9. Civil Aviation Law
 
10. REGULATION OF CIVIL AIR TRANSPORT 
ENTERPRISE  
11. REGULATION GOVERNING GENERAL AVIATION  2001/11/14 Amended 
2002/12/13 Amended 
2002/12/13 Amended clcheng@mail.caa.gov.tw  
 G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/4 
G/LIC/N/3/TPKM/2 
Page 28 Subject(s) of 
Questionnaire Licensing Authority Governing Regulations Date of 
Promulgation/Amendment Contact Point 
8.Firearms, 
Ammunition, 
Controlled Swords National Police 
Administration, 
Ministry of Interior  1. MEASURES GOVERNING PERMISSION AND 
ADMINISTRATION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND 
CUTTING, POINTED WEAPONS  
2. CONTROL OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND 
WEAPONRY  2002/10/02 Promulgated 
2001/11/14 Promulgated yoker@npa.gov.tw 
Police Weapons National Police 
Administration, Ministry of Interior 3. SOCIAL ORDER MAINTAINING LAW (PARTIAL 
ARTICLES)  
4. The Use of Police Weapons Act  
5. Measures Governing the Pe rmission to Manufacture, Sell 
and Hold Police Weapons  1991/06/29 Promulgated 
2002/06/26 Promulgated 2002/11/06 Promulgated 
 yug@npa.gov.tw 
Industrial Use 
Explosives Bureau of Mines, 
Ministry of Economic Affairs 
 6. I
NDUSTRIAL USE EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL 
MANAGEMENT CODE  2002/08/21 Amended shunn@mine.gov.tw 
9.Tariff Quota Department of Customs 
Administration, 
Ministry of Finance 1. THE IMPLEMENTATION RULES OF TARIFF 
QUOTA  2002/06/12 Promulgated hmhuang@mail.mof.gov.tw 
 
__________ 