As Taiwan enters its peak travel season, the FDA has issued several reminders about cosmetics, medicines, and food purchased while traveling abroad. The administration reminds travelers that all the above listed items are for personal use only, and may be sold– with violators facing hefty fines.
Regarding cosmetics, the FDA says that products purchased abroad may not be supplied, resold, publicly displayed, traded, or provided to others for trial use. Doing so violates the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, and can incur fines between NT$10,000 to NT$1 million (about US$300 - US$30,600 ). Further, if travelers purchase cosmetics in glass ampoules, they must apply to the FDA before importing them.
Other items to watch are those classified as medical equipment, including such things as cotton swabs, bandages, condoms, contacts, sanitary pads, tampons, and masks. These also qualify for personal use only, and persons caught selling, or repurposing said items can be fined up to NT$1 million.
The FDA has issued similar reminders to travelers about bringing back food, and medications of any kind, with and without a prescription. The administration emphasizes both may only be for personal consumption. Travelers should check that any amount they bring back either is within the legal limits and restrictions to avoid heavy fines.