Taiwan Considers Border Controls for 'Slimming Injections' Amid Illicit Trade Concerns

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing enhanced border management for GLP-1 drugs, widely known as "slimming injections," due to rising concerns over their illegal import and sale. The agency is considering making these medications a mandatory declaration item or a priority for border inspections.

Legislator Lin Shu-fen raised concerns in the Legislative Yuan about the proliferation of "slimming injections" from mainland China circulating on social media platforms like Facebook and Threads. She highlighted the risks associated with these drugs, including potential side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort and delayed gastric emptying, and the difficulty in verifying their authenticity and ensuring safety when purchased through unofficial channels.

Wang De-yuan, deputy director-general of the FDA, acknowledged that illegal sources primarily involve travelers carrying the drugs into the country or purchases made through international mail. Some products are then resold online, contributing to the problem of illegal sales. To combat this, the FDA is pushing for amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act to strengthen platform accountability, requiring online marketplaces to remove illegal listings and provide seller information for investigations.

The FDA is also collaborating with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and platforms like LINE to implement blocking procedures for confirmed violations. Regarding travelers carrying these drugs, current regulations require a doctor's prescription and limit the quantity to a six-month supply for personal use. However, the FDA admits that current checks do not capture all instances of travelers bringing these medications in.

To address this gap, the FDA is discussing with the Customs Administration the possibility of adding GLP-1 drugs to the list of items requiring declaration upon entry. Failure to comply could result in confiscation of the medication or other penalties. The FDA also reminded the public not to resell personal medications online, as doing so without a vendor's license can incur significant fines and potential imprisonment, especially for unapproved imported drugs. The agency urged individuals seeking weight loss solutions to consult healthcare professionals and use prescribed medications obtained through legitimate channels.