TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Thursday it will tighten import controls on IP-PBX systems and Voice over Internet Protocol gateways starting Sunday to stop their use in scams.
The Bureau of Foreign Trade said the devices will receive dedicated tariff codes and new import rules, per CNA. Importers must provide certification from the National Communications Commission or an approved import permit.
Authorities explained that fraud groups have used the equipment to mask call origins or send large volumes of scam calls. They said the measures aim to strengthen tracking and reduce illegal use.
Under the revision, the previous tariff category covering several telecom devices has been split into two codes. The IP-PBX systems and VoIP gateways category will require verification before customs clearance.
A second category covers other equipment for transmitting or converting data, such as switches and routers. Some items in that group must undergo import inspection under rules set by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection.
IP-PBX systems allow businesses to manage phone networks and make calls over the internet. VoIP gateways connect phones to digital networks, though both technologies can be exploited by fraud rings to disguise call sources.
