TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Customs Administration said on Wednesday it seized 4.92 million counterfeit items last year, worth over NT$900 million (US$30 million) — mostly fake cigarettes, medicines, and clothing, CNA reported.
According to the administration, cross-border e-commerce and international parcel shipments have led to an increase in counterfeit goods being smuggled in via freight shipments or hidden in containers. It said cigarettes and pharmaceuticals remain key targets of customs inspections.
Customs officials said they seized 4.83 million illegal cigarettes last year, along with 39,000 medicines, including weight-loss drugs, aesthetic medical products, and erectile dysfunction drugs. More than 17,000 clothing and accessory items were also seized.
The administration noted that in May 2025, Taipei Customs seized eight fake Nvidia chips intended for air export, valued at more than NT$7 million. It added that customs officials seized 6,000 counterfeit export items last year.
The administration has used big data and AI-powered systems to analyze high-risk importers and source countries. It has also worked with luxury brands, electronics firms, and pharmaceutical companies to provide training for customs officials on identifying fake goods.
The administration has also integrated AI-powered image recognition technology to help customs detect whether passenger luggage contains meat, drugs, tobacco, or alcohol by analyzing appearance and texture.
The administration added that customs identify counterfeit goods by checking product quality, origin and pricing, as well as coordinating with rights holders. When suspected counterfeit goods are found, customs work with trademark owners or distributors for inspection.
From June 2025, passengers carrying or importing counterfeit goods via delivery will have the items confiscated or destroyed. They may also face fines of up to three times the value of the goods.
The administration urged the public to carefully choose e-commerce platforms when shopping online and to avoid purchasing products from unknown sources or at unusually low prices.
