In recent years, Taiwan has experienced significant increases in bilateral trade with other countries. This implies that there are significant increases in corresponding risks associated with foreign pests and disease intrusion. There have been outbreaks of new types of animal- and plant-associated pests and diseases; together with the massive increases in the international exchange of goods and flow of people, plant and animal inspection and quarantine have become extremely important. One notable animal disease outbreak was the foot and mouth disease that occurred in 1997 caused by some illegal smuggling of animal products. This outbreak heavily impacted the swine population in Taiwan; also worth noting was the avian influenza outbreak in early 2015. Therefore, the role that APHIA plays is crucial in ensuring food safety and safeguarding agricultural products in Taiwan.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIA) is responsible for quarantine services, and prevention and control of important animal and plant diseases and pests. APHIA is keen to safeguard and ensure the quality and sanitation of all imported agricultural products into Taiwan, promote the development of Taiwan’s agriculture, protect natural resources, and safeguard the health of the Taiwanese people.
Any passengers carrying animal- or plant-related products should consult the relevant quarantine regulations of APHIA before departing from other countries and honestly apply for quarantine when entering Taiwan to avoid penalties.
For the purpose of excluding the risk of rabies and other diseases and in reference of international standards and the regulations of advanced countries, APHIA revised the "Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Dogs and Cats" (the Annex 6 of Article 8 of the "Regulations for the Importation of Objects Subject to Animal Quarantine") on February 27, 2024, which came into effective on February 29, 2024. As per the revised requirement, passengers bringing dogs and cats into Taiwan from countries or regions with rabies epidemic areas are allowed to apply for exemption for post-entry quarantine if specific conditions are satisfied.
(1)「Quarantine for Dogs and Cats」
(2)「Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Dogs and Cats」 (Effective on February 29, 2024)
(3)「Quarantine for Animals and Animal Products」
(4)「 Quarantine for Plants and Plant Products」
