Kinmen County Environmental Protection Bureau: Do Not Bring Unapproved Environmental Pesticides via Small Three Links

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, June 16) The Kinmen County Environmental Protection Bureau today urged travelers and those using the Small Three Links between Taiwan and mainland China not to bring unapproved environmental pesticides into the country, and strictly prohibited advertising or selling such products. The public can verify the legality of pesticide products through the Environmental Protection Administration's official system.

With the growing popularity of cross-border e-commerce, online purchasing agents, and social media transactions, the Kinmen County Environmental Protection Bureau issued a press release today warning that some individuals are purchasing environmental pesticides such as mosquito repellents, insecticides, rodenticides, and cockroach control agents abroad or via the Small Three Links, and bringing them back. Some are even advertising or reselling these products through Facebook groups, LINE chat groups, live-streaming platforms, and online auction sites.

The bureau emphasized that environmental pesticides are strictly regulated. Importing, advertising, or selling such products without approval violates the "Environmental Pesticides Control Act." According to the Act, all environmental pesticide products must first apply for inspection and registration with the central competent authority—the Environmental Protection Administration—and obtain an Environmental Pesticide License before importation is permitted.

The bureau noted that even if certain environmental pesticides are permitted under customs regulations, they are legally allowed only for personal use and must not be sold. Unauthorized importation may result in seizure and confiscation by customs. Moreover, advertising, selling, acting as a purchasing agent, or reselling such products via online platforms, social media, or messaging apps constitutes illegal sale without a license. Offenders may face fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 for unlicensed advertising or sales.

The bureau warned that "while some environmental pesticides may be legally sold overseas, they may not comply with Taiwan's regulatory standards." Differences in active ingredient concentrations, labeling requirements, and usage restrictions can be significant. Recently, some foreign products have attracted consumers with claims of stronger effects and lower prices, but their actual ingredients may be unclear and could contain unapproved active substances banned in Taiwan, posing potential risks to human health and the ecological environment.

The bureau urges travelers and Small Three Links users not to bring unapproved environmental pesticides into Taiwan and to refrain from advertising or selling such products through online or physical channels. For questions about the legality of environmental pesticides, the public is advised to consult the Environmental Protection Administration's "Environmental Pesticide License and Pest Control Services Online Inquiry System" in advance to help safeguard consumer safety and environmental quality. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150616