Customs Seized 4.92 Million Counterfeit Items Last Year, Infringement Value Exceeds NT$900 Million
Taiwan's Customs Administration announced that it seized 4.92 million counterfeit items last year, with an infringement market value exceeding NT$900 million. The top three categories of seized counterfeits were cigarettes, medicines, and apparel. Customs urged consumers to avoid purchasing products from unknown sources or with unreasonably low prices when shopping online.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 18:29
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Taipei, April 15 (CNA) The Customs Administration of the Ministry of Finance today announced that customs seized 4.92 million counterfeit items last year, with an infringement market value exceeding NT$900 million. Counterfeit cigarettes, medicines, and apparel were the top three categories. Consumers are reminded not to purchase products from unknown sources or with unreasonably low prices when shopping online.
The Customs Administration held a regular press conference today, announcing that a total of 430 intellectual property infringement cases were investigated by customs last year, with 4.92 million counterfeit items seized and an infringement market value exceeding NT$900 million.
The Customs Administration pointed out that with the popularization of cross-border e-commerce and international parcels, illegal operators often smuggle counterfeit goods through sea and air express or by hiding them in containers, attempting to confuse customs officers. In addition to common high-value items such as luxury clothing and leather goods, counterfeit cigarettes and medicines are also frequently smuggled. These types of goods pose a significant threat to public health and have always been a key target for customs in border control to strictly prevent inferior fake goods from entering the domestic market.
According to Customs Administration statistics, the top three categories of counterfeit goods seized last year were cigarettes, medicines, and apparel. Officials cited examples, stating that last year, counterfeit Winston brand cigarettes were seized, as well as counterfeit medicines for Viagra, urinary system issues, and hyaluronic acid.
Regarding exports, officials revealed that Taipei Customs also seized 8 counterfeit NVIDIA chips exported by air last year, with an infringement market value exceeding NT$7 million.
Zhao Tai-an, Deputy Director-General of the Customs Administration, stated that in addition to using big data and artificial intelligence to analyze high-risk manufacturers and countries of origin, customs actively cooperates with domestic and international brand rights holders to hold workshops on identifying genuine and counterfeit products, enhancing the professional capabilities of frontline customs officers. For example, they have cooperated with Louis Vuitton, Apple Inc., and the agent for "Mounjaro," commonly known as the weight-loss injection, to expand the effectiveness of counterfeit product enforcement through public-private collaboration.
Customs Administration reminds that importing and exporting counterfeit goods not only harms the legitimate interests of rights holders but may also lead to criminal liability. Consumers should carefully choose reputable e-commerce platforms when shopping online and avoid purchasing products from unknown sources or with unreasonably low prices to protect their own rights.
The Customs Administration stated that it will continue to strengthen horizontal communication with law enforcement agencies, enhance border enforcement through intelligence sharing, and jointly safeguard a safe consumption environment. (Editor: Zhai Si-chia) 1150415
The Customs Administration held a regular press conference today, announcing that a total of 430 intellectual property infringement cases were investigated by customs last year, with 4.92 million counterfeit items seized and an infringement market value exceeding NT$900 million.
The Customs Administration pointed out that with the popularization of cross-border e-commerce and international parcels, illegal operators often smuggle counterfeit goods through sea and air express or by hiding them in containers, attempting to confuse customs officers. In addition to common high-value items such as luxury clothing and leather goods, counterfeit cigarettes and medicines are also frequently smuggled. These types of goods pose a significant threat to public health and have always been a key target for customs in border control to strictly prevent inferior fake goods from entering the domestic market.
According to Customs Administration statistics, the top three categories of counterfeit goods seized last year were cigarettes, medicines, and apparel. Officials cited examples, stating that last year, counterfeit Winston brand cigarettes were seized, as well as counterfeit medicines for Viagra, urinary system issues, and hyaluronic acid.
Regarding exports, officials revealed that Taipei Customs also seized 8 counterfeit NVIDIA chips exported by air last year, with an infringement market value exceeding NT$7 million.
Zhao Tai-an, Deputy Director-General of the Customs Administration, stated that in addition to using big data and artificial intelligence to analyze high-risk manufacturers and countries of origin, customs actively cooperates with domestic and international brand rights holders to hold workshops on identifying genuine and counterfeit products, enhancing the professional capabilities of frontline customs officers. For example, they have cooperated with Louis Vuitton, Apple Inc., and the agent for "Mounjaro," commonly known as the weight-loss injection, to expand the effectiveness of counterfeit product enforcement through public-private collaboration.
Customs Administration reminds that importing and exporting counterfeit goods not only harms the legitimate interests of rights holders but may also lead to criminal liability. Consumers should carefully choose reputable e-commerce platforms when shopping online and avoid purchasing products from unknown sources or with unreasonably low prices to protect their own rights.
The Customs Administration stated that it will continue to strengthen horizontal communication with law enforcement agencies, enhance border enforcement through intelligence sharing, and jointly safeguard a safe consumption environment. (Editor: Zhai Si-chia) 1150415