The number of undeclared cigarettes seized by customs authorities has increased significantly following the tobacco tax hike, officials said.
According to officials at the Ministry of Finance's Taipei Customs Office, a total of 3,635 cartons of undeclared cigarettes have been seized since the tobacco tax was raised from NT$50 per carton of 200 cigarettes to NT$100 per carton on Feb. 16.
Adults are permitted to bring up to 1 liter of liquor and 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 454g of tobacco into the country tax-free, officials said.
Travelers are required to declare any liquor and tobacco products that exceed these limits and pay import duties, they added. The maximum amounts permitted are 5 liters of liquor and 1,000 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 2.27kg of tobacco per traveler.
Any liquor and tobacco products beyond the set limits will only be allowed to clear customs if they are imported by licensed importers or are accompanied by a permit, officials said.
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