We have obtained information by our correspondent in Taiwan, Taiwan Maritime Services Ltd., as regards the subject matter. For details, please find attached their circular.

The remarkable points of the latest amendment to Marine Pollution Control Act (referred to as “the Act” hereunder) effective from 31 May 2023 are that the Act stipulated the higher penal level as well as the more explicit liability and rule, and the new adoption of whistleblower mechanism.

The maximums of administrative fines have been largely increased from up to NTD1.5 million to up to NTD100 million against those that cause marine pollution when engage in oil transportation, marine construction, marine dumping or other acts that may lead to the pollution.