Separate the notice date from the implementation dates

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs reported on 2 October 2026 that the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) had revised two mandatory product-inspection notices: one covering digital cameras and camcorders, and another covering audiovisual recording, playback and display products. The attached schedules contain different implementation dates; the publication date is not a single start date for every newly listed product.

The revisions update cybersecurity testing routes for specified connected cameras, recorders, displays and televisions. They also add inspection coverage for certain products that do not have storage. Inspection for newly listed non-storage hidden cameras begins on 2 October 2026. Newly listed non-storage digital cameras/camcorders and videowall displays are scheduled to enter inspection from 1 July 2028. Existing certificate holders in specified connected-product categories have transition provisions that refer to 30 June 2028; confirm the category and certificate route that applies to the exact model. The notice excludes products classified as medical devices or telecommunications terminal equipment from the listed categories.

Classify the Taiwan SKU before asking for a quote

Do not describe a product only as a “camera” or “monitor.” Put its intended Taiwan model number and key features in the RFQ: digital camera or camcorder; wired, wireless or both network connections; storage capability; and whether a miniature camera is built into, or designed for, an everyday item. BSMI defines a hidden camera category using a miniature camera fitted to or designed for items such as pens, buttons, glasses, watches or USB drives, with a lens smaller than 2 cm by 2 cm. Product function and design matter, not just the sales name.

For audiovisual goods, identify whether the item is a video recorder, player, television, ordinary display or videowall display, and whether it connects to a network. Ask the supplier to state the applicable inspection item and implementation date in writing. A product that combines functions or includes an in-scope accessory may require additional checks under the notice.

Request evidence for the exact model and test route

Ask for the current Taiwan-facing model list, product photographs and manual, network-interface details, storage description, and any BSMI registration or type-approval documents already held. Match the certificate holder, model family and product configuration to the model being quoted. If a supplier cites a cybersecurity report, ask which listed test route it supports and whether an accredited BSMI-designated laboratory has confirmed that route for the model.

The annex lists alternative CNS cybersecurity standards and combinations, with the permitted choices differing by product and by wired or wireless connectivity. They are not necessarily a checklist of tests that every model must all pass. Have the supplier and designated laboratory map the product to the applicable line and allowed option; do not select a standard from a generic brochure. Include the cost, evidence owner, test lead time and responsibility for re-testing after a hardware, firmware or model-family change in the quotation and contract.

Use staged dates as purchase-order gates

For shipments planned near 1 July 2028, ask early whether the specific model is newly covered or already listed with revised requirements, what evidence must be ready before import or local manufacture, and whether an existing certificate needs replacement or amendment. Put the required document, responsible party and latest handover date beside the sample approval, balance payment and booking milestones. Do not assume that a certificate for a similar model covers a different network or storage configuration.

These are Taiwan BSMI product-inspection rules for the listed categories, not a universal rule for imports into Indonesia or African markets and not a Chinese export-control measure. The notice says its commodity codes are for reference; product scope may still apply when Customs or the trade authority classifies a product outside a listed reference code. Confirm classification and market-entry requirements with BSMI, Taiwan Customs or a qualified local specialist before relying on a supplier’s summary.

Your next-order checklist

  • Record the exact Taiwan model, camera or AV product type, wired/wireless connectivity, storage, and any hidden-camera design feature in the RFQ.
  • Separate the 2 October 2026 rule date from the 1 July 2028 start date for specified newly listed products and the 30 June 2028 transition date mentioned for certain existing certificates.
  • Match BSMI evidence and any cybersecurity test report to the exact model, certificate holder, product configuration and allowed test route.
  • Ask the supplier and designated laboratory to confirm whether the model is in scope and what documents are required before import or local manufacture.
  • Tie evidence handover, testing cost, model changes and re-testing responsibility to purchase-order and payment milestones; verify destination-market rules separately.

Sources & reference dates

  1. 公告修正「應施檢驗資訊商品數位攝影機及數位相機等商品之相關檢驗規定」及「應施檢驗視聽音響錄影或放影機等商品之相關檢驗規定」Source published: 2026-10-02
  2. 標準檢驗局公告附件：數位攝影機、數位相機及視聽音響錄影或放影機等商品檢驗規定Source published: 2026-10-02

Prepared by the Yifeng Sourcing editorial team with AI assistance from the primary sources listed below. Source dates are recorded; destination-specific requirements should be reconfirmed before acting. This is not legal or tax advice.