Cargo importers in Taiwan are complaining that their shipments are being delayed because Customs authorities are taking too long to inspect goods. The Customs officials say they need more time to prevent ‘possible misunderstandings’ while the importers complain that officials are excessively cautious. There have been a number of alleged scams in Taiwan in which Customs offices have been implicated, which may account for their caution.
Officials have been accused of accepting bribes for allowing the import of freight containers which held restricted goods. The increased frequency of spot checks for imports has led to longer queues for clearance.
Importers and exporters claim that the longer processes have increased costs for them, as freight shipments are being held pending inspection meaning they are unable to sell the goods and realise their profit.