In over 100 years in the Customs history, numerous valuable documents and artifacts have been collected and preserved, including the compilation of the regulations governing Customs operations and documents and objects required for clearance procedures. Some of the collection has become historical relics, while others are still in use. Yet, all of them are considered valuable as far as clearance procedures are concerned. 

This area exhibits relics and historical documents, which illustrate the various stages Customs went through over its development. Displayed in this area include the calligraphy of “Tariff Autonomy” written by the late President Chiang Kai-Shek, clearance documents in the Ching Dynasty, introduction movie, training courses, and training certificates completed with the lecturer’s signature of the Customs college, Customs flags, official seals, inspection stamps, the Customs uniforms in the old days, gat badge in the Mainland era, Certificate of Authority of the officers, branding iron for wood marking purpose, fade-proof pencils for clearance forms, and nostalgic pictures, which have struck the core of the visitors’ hearts in a way as shiny as those Customs medals.

Prior to the Japanese occupation, Taiwan Customs was under the jurisdiction of the imperial Chinese Customs Service. In addition to the lighthouses which have been listed as historical relic, the coffer made in London, UK, which witnessed the great responsibility shouldered by the imperial Chinese Customs Service, and the dictionary put in the Inspector General’s office for official use, were also among the artifacts with more than one hundred years of history. Furthermore, what is worth mentioning is the “Landmark of Taiwan Customs”, which was accidentally found by the officer of Kaohsiung Customs when hiking. It was not only a piece of cultural heritage recording the historical change of Taiwan, but also added classic atmosphere to the Customs Museum and made the visitors realize the importance of preserving cultural heritage (The Landmark was designated as historical relic by the Cabinet-level Council for Cultural Affairs, now renamed as Ministry of Culture, according to Cultural Heritage Preservation Act on September 28, 2011).

Each story behind the relics in the museum, which serves as the witness for the glorious accomplishments of Customs at various stages of history, deserves our appreciation.