TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A woman in Tainan was forced to pay NT$100,000 (US$3,270) to avoid prosecution for importing 20 packages of cotton swabs from China, CTI News reported on Thursday.

Two years ago, the woman, surnamed Chen (陳), reportedly ordered 20 packages of large cotton swabs through the Taobao shopping app for approximately NT$480 (US$16). However, the product was intercepted at customs because cotton swabs are classified as medical supplies, per UDN. 

Chen was out of the country when customs sent her a notice about the seized products, and agents eventually destroyed the cotton swabs. Due to Chen’s inaction, customs agents referred the case to prosecutors to take legal action against Chen. 

According to media reports, Chen received a summons from Tainan District Prosecutor’s Office in June. The notice informed Chen that she would have to pay a fee of NT$100,000 to avoid court proceedings. 

Chen reportedly failed to appear in court after the summons was delivered, per UDN. This prompted prosecutors to dispatch police officers with an order to arrest her.

After questioning and agreeing to pay the fee to defer prosecution, Chen was released from police custody. 

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, items like cotton swabs, band-aids, gauze, medical face masks, and other similar products are classified as medical products. Under the Medical Devices Act, importing such items requires inspection and registration with the ministry's Food and Drug Administration.