Taiwan Camera Inspection: BSMI Concealed Camera Rules
Taiwan Camera Inspection: BSMI Extends Mandatory Inspection to Concealed Cameras Without Storage
Taiwan camera inspection requirements now extend to a wider range of concealed camera products. As of October 2, 2026, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs applies mandatory inspection to concealed cameras without storage functionality, for both imported and domestically manufactured goods. The measure places these products inside a defined conformity assessment framework, with specified test standards, certification routes, marking obligations and a customs import control.
The change is most relevant to manufacturers and importers of miniature cameras and camera modules designed to be built into everyday products.
Regulatory background
Digital video cameras and digital cameras have been regulated by the BSMI for several years, and concealed cameras with storage functionality were already within the mandatory inspection scope. Concealed cameras without storage, such as modules that only capture or transmit images, were not.
The BSMI's inspection requirements for digital video cameras, digital cameras and related information products close that gap. The regulation states that its purpose is to prevent the improper use of concealed cameras and to strengthen consumer privacy protection, and it follows a period of heightened public and government attention to covert filming in Taiwan during 2026. The same instrument also introduces cybersecurity testing for network-capable cameras and network equipment, on a longer transition schedule.
What changed in the Taiwan camera inspection framework
Products in scope
The BSMI defines a concealed camera as a miniature camera, including a camera module, that is already assembled into, or designed to be assembled into, everyday articles or other electrical products, and whose lens measures less than 2 cm by 2 cm. The examples given in the regulation are writing instruments, buttons, eyeglasses, watches and USB flash drives.
The category now applies regardless of whether the product has a storage function. Products classified as medical devices or as telecommunications terminal equipment are excluded, as are products holding a vehicle safety testing review report issued by a body commissioned by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Reference commodity classification codes: 8525.89.10.31.5, 8525.89.10.39.7, 8525.89.90.21.0 and 8525.89.90.29.2, each with import regulation C02. The BSMI notes that these codes are for reference only. A product that customs classifies elsewhere must still complete inspection before entering the market if it meets the definition.
Applicable inspection standards
Requirement | Standard | Applies to |
Electromagnetic compatibility | CNS 15936 (2016 edition) | All concealed cameras |
Electrical safety | CNS 15598-1 (2020 edition) | Products powered by AC mains, rechargeable lithium batteries or an external power conversion device; button cell provisions apply where relevant |
Restricted substances (Taiwan RoHS) | CNS 15663, Section 5 "Marking of presence" (2013 edition) | All concealed cameras |
Cybersecurity | One route chosen from: CNS 16120-1, CNS 16120-2, CNS 16132-1 and CNS 16132-2; CNS 16190; CNS 18031-1 and CNS 18031-2; CNS 62443-4-2; or the CNS 15408 series | Network-capable products (connection via TCP/IP) |
For products with wired connectivity only, the CNS 18031 route is not available; the remaining routes apply. Products with combined or multiple functions must meet the standards relevant to each function, and any accessory that is itself subject to mandatory inspection must comply separately.
Conformity assessment procedures
Two routes run in parallel:
Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI). The applicant first obtains a type approval certificate and then applies for inspection of each batch before import or factory release.
Registration of Product Certification (RPC). The applicant obtains an RPC certificate before import or factory release. For concealed cameras, the type test module must be combined with a full quality management system module, a production quality management system module or a factory inspection module.
The second point matters. Ordinary digital cameras and non-networked digital video cameras may still pair the type test with a declaration of conformity to type. Concealed cameras may not, so a quality system or factory inspection element is part of the RPC route.
Type testing is carried out by BSMI-designated laboratories. Applications are filed with the BSMI or its branches. The stated review period is 14 working days, excluding time spent waiting for supplementary documents or samples, plus 7 working days where sample testing is required. Certificates for newly listed concealed cameras without storage are valid for three years from the date of issue.
Labeling and marking requirements
Privacy warning. The outer packaging and the instruction manual must carry a clear, conspicuous and easily identifiable warning. The prescribed Chinese text is: 「嚴禁用於他人非公開活動與身體隱私部位，違者自負刑事與民事責任」. In English, this states that use on other people's non-public activities or private body parts is strictly prohibited and that violators bear criminal and civil liability (unofficial translation). This warning applies to concealed cameras only.
Commodity Inspection Mark. The obligatory applicant prints the mark, with an identification number composed of the scheme letter, the five-digit applicant code and the restricted substance status, for example "RoHS" or "RoHS (Pb)". The mark must be permanently affixed in a visible position on the product body, legible and durable.
RoHS presence marking. The presence condition of restricted substances must be shown on the product body, packaging, label or manual. Where it is published online, the web address must be stated in one of those locations.
Certification impact summary
Aspect | Before October 2, 2026 | From October 2, 2026 |
Concealed cameras without storage | Outside mandatory inspection | Subject to mandatory inspection (imports and domestic production) |
Certification route | Not applicable | TABI, or RPC with type test plus quality system or factory inspection module |
Testing | Not applicable | EMC, electrical safety, RoHS marking; cybersecurity for network-capable models |
Customs | No BSMI import control | Import regulation C02 |
Marking | No BSMI marking obligation | Commodity Inspection Mark, RoHS presence marking, privacy warning on packaging and manual |
Certificate validity | Not applicable | Three years from issue |
Concealed cameras with storage (already regulated) | Certified under previous standards and scheme | Revised standards and scheme apply to new applications; existing certificates must be replaced by June 30, 2028 |
What this means for manufacturers
Market entry is now conditional on certification. A concealed camera without storage cannot be imported into Taiwan or released from a Taiwanese factory without a valid RPC certificate or a passed batch inspection under TABI. Shipments arriving without one face a hold at customs under C02.
Component and module suppliers are in scope. The definition covers camera modules designed for integration, not only finished consumer products. Suppliers of sub-2 cm lens modules to makers of wearables, smart glasses, pens or other housings should assess their own obligations and those of their customers.
A local obligatory applicant is needed. BSMI certificates are held by a Taiwan-based entity, typically the importer or a local representative. Foreign manufacturers should confirm who will hold the certificate and print the mark.
The RPC route requires quality system evidence. Manufacturers planning to use RPC should confirm that their factory documentation supports one of the permitted quality or factory inspection modules. Where it does not, TABI is the alternative, at the cost of batch-by-batch inspection.
Network-capable products carry cybersecurity obligations. Concealed cameras that connect over TCP/IP, including Wi-Fi models that stream to a phone, fall under the cybersecurity standards. Choosing the route early matters, since several of the CNS options correspond to international schemes. The BSMI has indicated that CNS 16190 is harmonized with EN 303 645 and the CNS 18031 series with EN 18031, which may allow test evidence to be reused. An existing report from a BSMI-designated laboratory can be supplemented with differential testing at the same laboratory.
Packaging and manuals must be revised. The privacy warning, the RoHS presence table and the Commodity Inspection Mark all require artwork and documentation changes, in Traditional Chinese, before goods ship.
Timeline and required actions
Date | Milestone | Required action |
Announcement date | Revised standards and schemes take effect for previously listed network-capable digital video cameras and concealed cameras with storage; BSMI begins accepting applications | New applications should follow the revised standards to receive a full three-year certificate |
October 2, 2026 | Mandatory inspection begins for concealed cameras without storage | Hold a type approval certificate and pass batch inspection (TABI), or hold an RPC certificate, before import or factory release; apply the privacy warning and required marks |
By June 30, 2028 | Deadline for replacing certificates issued under the previous standards for concealed cameras with storage and network-capable digital video cameras | Submit documentation meeting the revised standards and apply for a replacement certificate; certificates not replaced will be revoked |
July 1, 2028 | Previous standards and schemes cease to apply; digital cameras and digital video cameras without storage become subject to inspection; revised scheme begins for routers, switches, gateways and similar network equipment | Complete certification for the remaining product categories before this date |
Recommended steps for affected companies:
Screen the product portfolio against the concealed camera definition, including lens dimensions and intended integration.
Confirm classification and whether an exclusion applies (medical device, telecommunications terminal equipment, vehicle-approved product).
Select the conformity route (RPC or TABI) and appoint the Taiwan-based certificate holder.
Engage a BSMI-designated laboratory for EMC, safety and, where applicable, cybersecurity testing.
Update packaging, manuals and product marking with the privacy warning, RoHS presence information and the Commodity Inspection Mark.
For products already certified under the previous regime, schedule certificate replacement well ahead of June 30, 2028.
