The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) is preparing to impose controls on exports of strategically sensitive goods, including high-technology products, to Iran and North Korea, two countries suspected of attempting to develop nuclear or biochemical weapons.
BOFT officials said that Taiwanese exporters must first obtain export licenses or approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs before exporting strategically sensitive equipment, raw materials or technologies to Iran or North Korea.
The list of 89 items subject to the controls, includes natural or synthetic graphite, machine tools used in semiconductor manufacturing, forging machines and hydraulic lathes.
The lsit will be publicized in the near future for the convenience of Taiwanese exporters, the BOFT officials said.
The policy is being adopted in line with measures taken by the international Export Control Organization to arrest the proliferation of nuclear or biochemical weapons, which may pose a grave threat to global security, the officials said.
They noted that Iran and North Korea have reportedly been working to develop weapons of mass destruction in recent years.
Meanwhile, the BOFT officials said permits must also be obtained in advance for exports from other countries passing through Taiwanese ports and destined for Iran or North Korea.
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