Peddlers refuse to obtain entry formalities

Around 50 peddlers from the international ferry "Daeryoung" silently protested entry formalities in the Pyoungtaek international passenger ferry terminal, sitting in front of inspection boards on October 19. "Daeryoung" made its maiden entry voyage to Pyoungtaek from Rongcheng that day.

According to Suwon Customs and Pyoungtaek Police, "Daeryoung" left for Rongcheng on Oct. 17 and came back to Pyoungtaek two days later in the early morning.

Out of 440 on board, 390 passengers obtained entry formalities. However, 50 Korean and Chinese peddlers refused to clear customs. Pyoungtaek customs offices speculated that their refusal to submit to customs inspections was because their baggage contained imports in excess of the 50 kg.

If their cargoes exceed the permitted amount, peddlers can still bring them in by paying a fine. However, the fine is three times as much as the cargoes themselves.

A Customs officer said that as the Port of Inchon strengthens its entry formalities many peddlers tried to get entry through Pyoungtaek where they assumed there would be loose entry inspections because of the ferry's maiden voyage. The excess cargoes might be stored by Customs or may be returned to China.