No, removing sand from Taiwan’s beaches violates the Beach Management Regulations under the Coastal Act (2015), with enforcement by local environmental protection bureaus and the Coast Guard Administration. Penalties include fines up to NT$2 million (≈US$65,000) and potential criminal liability for large-scale extraction. Recent 2026 amendments tighten oversight, requiring permits for scientific or cultural purposes only.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in Taiwan
- Coastal Act (2015, amended 2026): Prohibits unauthorized sand removal from public beaches, classifying it as environmental damage under Article 22. Exemptions require permits from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), limited to research or indigenous cultural activities.
- Beach Management Regulations: Local governments (e.g., Taipei City, Kaohsiung) enforce stricter rules, banning extraction even for small quantities. Violators face immediate confiscation of tools and vehicles by the Coast Guard Administration.
- Criminal Liability (Penal Code §320): Large-scale or commercial sand theft triggers charges for theft of public property, with sentences up to 5 years imprisonment and additional fines under the Environmental Protection Administration’s 2025 enforcement guidelines.