Hefty $9,000 Fine Issued to Traveler for Carrying Roast Chicken and Pork Lunch Box

An Indonesian passenger traveling from Hong Kong to Taiwan faced deportation after failing to pay a hefty NT$200,000 (HK$48,430) fine for carrying a lunchbox containing roast pork, breaching import regulations, as reported by local media.

The incident occurred when the traveler arrived in Taipei on April 30, carrying a lunchbox filled with a mix of Cantonese-style roast meats, including rice with roast pork and soy sauce chicken—staples of Cantonese cuisine.

However, due to the stringent import regulations, the passenger found themselves unable to afford the substantial fine imposed. Consequently, they not only forfeited their lunch but were promptly deported from the country.

Taiwan had introduced fines of NT$200,000 for bringing pork products into the island from countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) following an outbreak in China in 2018. Subsequent violations carry even steeper penalties, escalating to NT$1 million for repeat offenders.

ASF poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate of approximately 80% among affected animals. The virus exhibits high resistance in the environment, capable of surviving on various surfaces such as clothes, boots, and wheels, as well as in pork products like ham, sausages, or bacon.

An official from Taiwan’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency advised travelers to dispose of any prohibited items they may have inadvertently brought in using designated disposal bins before reaching immigration control. The official emphasized that individuals could either voluntarily declare such items or discard them without facing criminal liability.