A Study on Infectious Biological Materials Import/Export Permit Process at Taipei Regional Center of Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, 2015–2017

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202201_38(1).0001

Hsiao-Chi Wang^1,2＊, Yi-Pin Tsai³, Ling-Yu Chang¹, Yu-Ju Lin¹, Hui-Rong Liu⁴, Jui-Wei Hsieh¹, Chi-Tai Fang^5,6,7

2022 Vol.38 NO.1

Correspondence Author： Hsiao-Chi Wang^1,2＊

Abstract：

        With the rapid development of biomedical technology, the number of applications for import or export permit of infectious biological materials have increased year by year. Among them, around 50%–60% was examined by the Taipei District Control Center of Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC). However, there were some problems when applying for the import/export permit, such as misunderstanding the permit requirements. The purpose of this study is to identify the errors and to investigate the causes.
        Our study was divided into two parts. First, we linked and analyzed data collected from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, through the Infectious Biological Materials Import/Export Permit System and the Electronic Official Document System of Taiwan CDC. Second, we conducted an applicant satisfaction survey. The results of this study would facilitate policy revision to improve the efficiency of the application process.
        The Taipei District Control Center examined 2,164 applications for the import and export of infectious biological materials from 2015 to 2017. The most frequently mistaken field in the application form was a characteristic description of infectious biological materials. The text errors in the correspondence and accompanying documents were mostly inconsistent, incomplete, unclear, or insufficient. The results of the questionnaire survey demonstrated the gaps between the respondents' perception and the regulations and guidance. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the readability and clarify the application process of the guidance, and the interface and management of Infectious Biological Materials Import/Export Permit System.
        Biotechnology has been developing rapidly in recent years. To cope with the increasing number of import or export applications, we suggest that the Infectious Biological Materials Import/Export Permit System should be updated and its user friendly convenience for applicants be improved.