Search

In addition, export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora protected under CITES Appendix I or species included in the Wildlife Conservation Act must apply to the BOFT for export licences; the application must be accompanied by prior approvals from the Council of Agriculture. The MOEA simplified the process for re-exporting CITES products and improved its online application process in 2012.

The Specifically Selected Goods and Services Tax (SSGST) continues to be charged on "high-priced" goods, such as (…) turtle shells, hawksbill, coral, ivory, and furs and fur products, (…) More than 40% (30% in 2013) of SSGST revenue was collected at the border in 2017.

(…) To boost local investment in high-tech industries, the authorities provide funding for medium- and long-term concessional credit facilities. The funds are meant for: (…) purchase of pollution-control equipment; (…)

The 2017 Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) Work Plan has been focused on domestic standards for green energy technologies, precision machinery, green transportation, energy-saving, environmental protection, public construction, and consumer and senior care products. With respect to energy-saving and environmental protection, emphasis is placed on cycling products, electric vehicles, energy management system and smart meters. In response to public concerns raised by consumers for a healthy and safe living environment, the BSMI continues to work on, inter alia, synthetic detergents, tyres, wheelchairs, infant products and products used for public construction. The areas identified in the 2017 work plan remain the focus areas of the 2018 plan; new products such as those in the energy-saving area, i.e. fuel cell technologies, wind turbines and photovoltaic energy management systems, were included. In response to the needs of manufacturers, consumers and other users, Chinese Taipei's semi-annual work programme objective is to draft and revise domestic standards with a view to applying a set of consistent standards to local products, procedures and services.

(...) The Voluntary Product Certification (VPC) System continued to upgrade the level of design, development and production of products based on more stringent requirements. In 2016, it covered 37 product items, mostly, electrical and electronic products. In 2016, the scope of the VPC System was expanded to cover photovoltaic (PV) modules to promote duality testing and validation of PV modules, low carbon footprint investigation of PV manufacturers and development of factory inspection technology. Reportedly, it provides a comprehensive certification system for the PV industry conducive to high-performance solar PV module technology.

The BSMI remains responsible for developing the statutory metrology system. The purpose of this system is to ensure fair trade, maintain proper public safety and health, and protect the environment (Article 5 of the Weights and Measures Act). (…)

Between January 2014 and early May 2018, Chinese Taipei submitted 167 regular notifications to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade; the 60-day period for comments was observed for 136 regular notifications. (…) During the review period, Chinese Taipei was subject to three TBT-related specific trade concerns (STCs). [154]

[154] These STCs covered: the Draft of the Organic Agriculture Act (EU, 2016); genetically modified organisms labelling (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, United States, 2015); (...)

Labelling requirements for foods containing and/or derived from genetically modified food raw materials remain virtually unchanged. In 2015, new biotechnology labelling regulations for prepackaged foods, food additives, and unpackaged foods were introduced. Primary products from GM raw materials, such as soybean oil, corn starch and syrup and soy sauce, are required to be labelled as GM. "Secondary" products made with GM primary products, such as beverages containing corn syrup, are exempted from GM labelling requirements. The length and width of the font must not be less than 2 mm and must be noticeable due to a different colour, font or background. The regulations impose a 3% de minimis threshold for GM labelling. These regulations cover restaurants and catering establishments. Fines for violating the regulations can range from NT$30,000 (US$1,000) up to NT$3 million (US$100,000). Business licences can be revoked for serious violations.

Chinese Taipei continues to use non-GPA covered government procurement to support: (…) the procurement of environment-friendly (green) products; (…)

Procuring entities are encouraged but not required to give priority to environment-friendly goods in their procurements according to Article 96 of the GP Act. A price preference of no more than 10% might be granted to relevant certified goods. Terms and specifications related to Article 96 are defined by the Regulations for Priority Procurement of Eco-Products, jointly published by the PCC and the Environmental Protection Administration in 1999. A 2001 Programme defines the proportion and categories of environmentally preferable products that governmental agencies shall purchase. The goal has been amended annually according to the yearly performance and it is set at 90% for 2017. Currently, a total of 168 categories of products, with the Green Mark, the Energy Label, the Water Conservation Label, or the Green Building Material Label, are included in the list. The system applies to products regardless of origin considerations. On 21 March 2018, there were 295 local and overseas companies with 6,437 certified models among 51 kinds of products. An appraisal mechanism was created and maintained to evaluate the overall performance of the system in accordance with established criteria and index; honours or awards are granted to entities meeting their annual environment-friendly goods purchase targets.