Taiwan Woman Cries After Customs Inspects & Discards Sanitary Products

A Taiwanese woman returning from Xiamen, China, experienced a deeply distressing ordeal at customs, reportedly after her sanitary products were subjected to invasive inspection. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has sparked outrage online and renewed debate about the treatment of women’s hygiene products at border crossings.

The woman, whose surname has been reported as Chen, was traveling back to Taiwan when customs officials in Xiamen reportedly opened and examined her sanitary pads and menstrual cups. According to multiple Taiwanese news outlets, including TVBS News and TEEPR, the inspection was so thorough that blood was visible on her legs and trousers upon arrival in Taiwan.

Reports indicate that a male customs officer allegedly laughed at her distress. Chen reportedly broke down in tears upon discovering the state of her belongings, and was visibly shaken when she arrived in Taiwan. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation on social media, with many users expressing anger and disbelief at the perceived violation of privacy and dignity.

While the exact legal basis for the inspection remains unclear, customs authorities are generally permitted to examine goods to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items. However, critics argue that the level of intrusion in this case was excessive and unnecessary, particularly given the personal nature of the items involved. Taipei Customs states that undeclared goods or fraudulent statements can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of how menstrual products are treated by authorities and retailers. In December 2024, a controversy erupted in China over sanitary pad manufacturers allegedly producing pads shorter than advertised, sparking a national debate on gender equality and consumer rights. ABC News reported on the widespread outrage surrounding this issue.

The situation also echoes broader concerns about the classification of sanitary products as medical devices. In Taiwan, as reported in Taiwan News in August 2025, a woman was forced to pay a NT$100,000 fine for importing cotton swabs from China, as they were classified as medical supplies requiring inspection and registration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This highlights the bureaucratic hurdles and potential financial burdens faced by individuals importing even seemingly innocuous hygiene products.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan classifies items such as cotton swabs, band-aids, gauze, and medical face masks as medical products, requiring inspection and registration for import under the Medical Devices Act. This regulation, while intended to ensure safety and quality, can lead to complications and unexpected costs for travelers.

The recent incident in Xiamen has also raised questions about the treatment of Taiwanese citizens traveling to and from mainland China, given the complex political relationship between the two sides. While there is significant trade and travel between Taiwan and China, tensions remain high, and concerns about the protection of Taiwanese citizens’ rights are frequently voiced.

Beyond the immediate case, the incident underscores a wider trend of increasing scrutiny of women’s bodies and reproductive health. In Taiwan, a recent article published in Jaclynn Joyce’s Substack highlights a growing concern over the removal of women’s restrooms in favor of “all gender” facilities, raising questions about the erosion of spaces specifically designed for women’s safety and comfort. This trend, the author argues, reflects a broader embrace of gender identity ideology that can come at the expense of women’s rights and privacy.

The Taiwanese government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the Xiamen customs incident. However, the case is likely to fuel calls for greater protection of Taiwanese citizens’ rights when traveling abroad, and for a review of the regulations governing the import of sanitary products. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for invasive and humiliating experiences faced by travelers, particularly women, at border crossings.