TAIWAN. The Department of Customs Administration has decided to review its controversial proposed regulations that would force travel retailers to report detailed information on shoppers and their purchases to the government.
As reported, local retailers, airport executives and suppliers fear that the rules – announced on 31 July ahead of a seven-day consultation period – would have a severe impact on their business both in terms of passenger resistance and compliance costs.
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Government-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Monopoly Bureau would be one of the victims of legislation proposed by another state body |
Under the rules travel retailers would have to register the personal data of every passenger purchasing at their stores, as well as reporting their purchases by both product and quantity.
However, during a public hearing yesterday, the Customs Administration heard widespread concern about the proposals from airport management; and duty free retailers, including government-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Monopoly Bureau. Many leading suppliers also expressed their criticism to Customs.
As a result, Customs has decided to review its plan over a period of one month. Industry executives wanting to express their views are advised to resend their earlier comments made to the Department of Customs Administration to ‘The Premier of Executive Yuen (行政院長信箱)’.
This can be done by clicking on the following link: http://www.ey.gov.tw/en/iFrame.aspx?n=0365179CAD6A3933
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Taiwanese travel retailers Ever Rich Duty Free and Tasa Meng would be hurt badly if the proposals become law |
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