TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In Taiwan, lost items turned in to the police can be claimed by the finder after a specific time but are still subject to regulations and limitations.
Under Taiwan's civil code, the finder can claim items worth less than NT＄500 if unclaimed after 15 days, while you can claim items worth over NT＄500 after six months.
Exceptions to this rule include ID cards, National Health Insurance cards, and keys with personal identifying information.
Cell phone finders can still claim the phone even though it contains personal information.
In 2022, Taiwan's railroad police received over 6,500 lost goods, with almost 4,000 items returned to their owners. So far this year, the railroad police have received nearly 2,500 lost goods.
In January, the Ministry of Justice clarified that although the finder can own the item, they can not hold the previous owner's private or personal information.
The National Police Agency is proposing to amend the law, referencing Japan's lost goods law. Under the proposed amendment, the finder cannot claim ownership if the lost good contains personal data.
