The number of undeclared cigarettes seized by customs authorities has increased significantly following a tobacco tax hike earlier this year.

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 16 February.
Adults are permitted to bring up to a litre of liquor and 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 454 g of tobacco into the country tax-free, officials said. Travellers are required to declare any liquor and tobacco products that exceed these limits and pay import duties, they added. The maximum amounts permitted are five litres of liquor and 1,000 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 2.27 kg of tobacco per traveller. 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. (pi)