Introduction to inspection of Imported Alcohol

In view of the fact that hygiene standards of alcohol are critical to the health of consumers, strengthening the hygiene management of alcohol is necessary. According to Article 39, Item 3 of “The Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act,” application for the inspection of imported alcohol products shall be made with the central competent authority. Products which do not comply with hygiene standards may not be imported. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have also formulated "The Administrative Regulations Governing the Inspection of Imported Alcohol" in accordance with the authorization provisions of paragraph 7 of the same article, as the basis for the implementation of sanitary inspections of imported alcohol.

The hygiene inspection system has been carried out on imported alcohol since January 1, 1995. According to Article 4 of "The Administrative Regulations Governing the Inspection of Imported Alcohol," the inspection of imported alcohol is conducted in the following ways: Lot-to-lot inspection, Lot-sampling inspection, and Release-after-documentary examination. This inspection system is executed by the National Treasury Administration, Ministry of Finance. Products which do not comply with hygiene standards may not be imported.

The implementation of the inspection of imported alcohol is a risk control mechanism so as to ensure the safety of alcohol consumption for consumers.