Q1: What is meant by open file application?

A1: Open file application refers to the process of requesting access to view, copy, or duplicate files from government agencies in accordance with Articles 17 to 21 of the File Act and Article 46 of the Administrative Procedure Act. The application involves procedures and operations related to file application, application review and response, file preparation, file viewing, copying or duplication, file return, and file application statistics.

Q2: What are the relevant laws regarding file application services?

A2: The relevant laws include the File Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Government Information Disclosure Act, and Confidentiality Protection laws, among others.

Q3: How can one find the catalogs of archival files held by various agencies?

A3: You can search the catalogs of archival files held by various agencies through the "National Archive Catalog Query System" provided by the Archive Administration.

Q4: Who can apply for file application to this office?

A4: General public, profit-making businesses, government organizations, authorized agents, or appointed representatives can apply for file application to this office in accordance with the provisions of the File Application Open Operation Guidelines.

Q5: Are there any age or identity restrictions for applying for file application?

A5: The age limit for applicants is determined based on the capacity to act, which involves matters related to the exercise of legal rights. While the File Act does not explicitly state the age limit, the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and Civil Law can be applied. The minimum age limit for legal capacity to act is 20 years old. Anyone can be an applicant for file application, and foreign nationals are limited to requesting their files without restrictions by the laws of their respective countries.

Q6: What is the timeframe for approving or rejecting a file application?

A6: According to the File Act, within 30 days from the date of acceptance by this office, the applicant will be notified in writing of the review results. If there is a need for additional information or corrections (within 7 days), the period will be counted from the date of the applicant's submission of the supplementary documents.

Q7: What are the regulations for the public's use of files?

A7: According to Article 20 of the File Act, file viewing or copying should be done at the designated time and location (2nd floor comprehensive reading room) specified by this office. When this office approves the public's request to view or copy files, it sets a reasonable deadline and requires the applicant to use the files at the designated location before the agreed-upon deadline.

Q8: What should the applicant pay attention to when viewing, copying, or duplicating files?

A8: The applicant should take note of the following:

1. Do not make annotations, alterations, replacements, extractions, underlines, or damage the files.
2. Do not disassemble completed bound files.
3. Do not destroy or alter the content of the files using other methods.
4. Do not remove any part or all of the dossier materials from the viewing location without permission.
5. The applicant must comply with the usage regulations established by this office. If the applicant violates the regulations, this office may request the submission of another application.

Q9: Are there any limitations on the scope of file application?

A9: This office may reject an application if the file falls into one of the following categories:

1. Relates to national secrets.
2. Contains criminal information.
3. Involves trade secrets.
4. Relates to academic knowledge, skills assessment, or qualification reviews.
5. Contains personnel and salary information.
6. Subject to confidentiality obligations under laws, regulations, or contracts.
7. Other cases that are necessary to protect public interests or the legitimate rights and interests of third parties.

Q10: What are the fees for the public's application for file viewing, copying, or duplication?

A10: For file viewing and copying, the fee is NT$20 for every 2 hours. If the duration is less than 2 hours, it will still be charged as 2 hours.

For file duplication, if mailing services are required, the actual postage fee will be charged, along with an additional processing fee of NT$50.

For photocopying, black-and-white copies are charged at NT$2 per page for sizes up to B4 (inclusive), and NT$3 per page for A3 size. For other methods of duplication, please refer to the File Duplication Fee Standards.

To facilitate quick access to national file information, the Archive Administration provides the "Government Archives Catalog Query System" at the following website: https://near.archives.gov.tw for online searches.

If you have any further questions regarding file application, please email rurume@mail.moj.gov.tw, and the staff of this office will be happy to assist you.