APEC promotes the Passenger Name Record (PNR)

APEC Ministers have encouraged “APEC economies to … utilize advance information systems such as advance passenger information and passenger name record (API/PNR) in order to ensure safe, secure and efficient travel” and have recognized that “advance passenger information and passenger name record (API/PNR) systems can mitigate the FTF travel threat” and encouraged “APEC member economies to use these important tools that also facilitate legitimate travel by enabling authorities to process travelers at border crossings more quickly.”
apec promotes the passenger name record pnr VietNam Customs gives ideas for trade facilitation at SCCP APEC meeting
apec promotes the passenger name record pnr APEC experts debate disaster risk financing, insurance policies
apec promotes the passenger name record pnr APEC creates a turning point for global trade, investment
apec promotes the passenger name record pnr
SCCP APEC 2017 meeting in Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Anh.

The SCCP Common Action Plan has incorporated “Introduction and Implementation of Passenger Name Record” since 2016 April. Its objective is “to facilitate and secure cross border movement of passengers and the accompanied goods by implementing advance passenger risk analysis in adopting internationally harmonized standards and best practices.” One of its Indicators for implementation is “To update the information on Customs use of PNR by the economies and to update the strength and weakness in/for the use of PNR.” The current survey was prepared with an aim to contribute to this Indicator for implementation.

Unless otherwise agreed by SCCP1, the coordinator suggests that all Annexes including the raw data should be treated as not-for-public information.

Legal framework and procedural aspects

10 APEC economies have legal framework obliging the airlines to submit all the PNR data to the Customs administration (or other agency). All of them have compliance measures: e.g., fines/ penalties, imprisonment, deferment of lording/ unloading, denial/ revocation of flight rights, and blacklisted, in case of non-compliance. Eleven economies have legal framework enabling the Customs administration (or other agency) to access/ require the particular PNR data from the airlines. All 12 economies which Customs obtain the PNR Data have legal framework for the personal data protection covering PNR data.

12 APEC Customs administrations obtaining the PNR data frequently or moderately use the PNR data in their risk management. Nine Customs administrations use them strongly frequently while three use it moderately.

Procedures of identification and control are apparently categorize into four types: (1) the target is identified at the Immigration booth and controlled at the Customs booth (five economies); (2) the target is identifies and controlled at the Customs booth (two economies); (3) the target is identified at the luggage carousel and controlled at the Customs booth (two economies); and (4) the target is identifies and controlled at the Immigration booth (one economy). The monitoring system between the Immigration booth and the Customs booth or between the carousel and the Customs booth differ by economies; one economy uses RFID technology.

12 APEC Customs administrations have certain mechanism of PNR data management. Such mechanism includes: (1) Access to the PNR data, particularly raw data is strictly controlled to the authorized officials; one economy has monitored all the log of individual officers’ names who accessed the data. Data sharing with the other government agencies are also controlled. (2) Prescribed maximum conservation period beyond which the data will be deleted while such period apparently varies across economies. (3) The economies that obtain the PNR data submitted by EU airlines under the framework of bilateral PNR agreements, depersonalize the data beyond the set timeframe and furnish 3rd party audit.

Achievements

19 APEC member Customs administrations have mandate to control air passengers and/or luggage on inbound, outbound and crews. 15 administrations also have mandate to control on transit. 17 administrations have mandate on both passengers and luggage while two do not have mandate on passenger control and one does not have mandate on luggage control. The purpose of such control is universally common: the need of control against commercial fraud and other Customs offences. 18 administrations answered that their control also aims to expedite the legitimate passenger clearance and their luggage and 16 address the terrorist threats.

18 Customs administrations have applied risk management to control over air passengers or luggage. 15 administrations apply risk management on control on-site and 16 economies apply it prior to the arrival. Their source of risk management include: black list, watch list, risk profiling and targeting based on travel documents, API, PNR, and other intelligence.

10 APEC economies have legal framework obliging the airlines to submit all the PNR data to the Customs administration (or other agency). All of them have compliance measures: e.g., fines/ penalties, imprisonment, deferment of lording/ unloading, denial/ revocation of flight rights, and blacklisted, in case of non-compliance. Eleven economies have legal framework enabling the Customs administration (or other agency) to access/ require the particular PNR data from the airlines. All 12 economies which Customs obtain the PNR Data have legal framework for the personal data protection covering PNR data.

apec promotes the passenger name record pnr

How the WCO can support the implementation of the WTO TF Agreement

VCN- The World Customs Organization (WCO), with its wide network of 180 Customs administrations, is the centre ...

Outstanding findings:

19 APEC member Customs administrations have mandate to control air passengers and/or luggage, among which 18 administrations have applied risk management to control over air passengers or luggage.

12 Customs administrations have received PNR data and 11 economies analyzed them; they frequently or moderately use the PNR data in their risk management.

10 APEC economies have legal framework obliging the airlines to submit all the PNR data to the Customs administration (or other agency).

12 Customs administrations receiving the PNR data have a unit dedicated to manage and analyze the PNR data

2 APEC Customs administrations have certain mechanism of PNR data management.

11 APEC Customs administrations obtain the PNR data transferred electronically by the airlines.

8 APEC Customs administrations furnish the ICT equipment and software covering entire PNR processes.

8 APEC Customs administrations collect the data consistent with PNRGOV.

10 APEC Customs administrations finance the cost to establish and maintain the interface for PNR data transferring from the airlines to the Customs administrations by the Government.

12 APEC Customs administrations held consultation with the airlines prior to introduction of the PNR requirement.

15 APEC Customs administrations raise “PNR data quality submitted by the airlines” is the largest specific challenges. Approximately one third of APEC Customs administrations answered that they can provide technical assistance.

By Hoang Anh

Related News

Outlook for lending rates in 2025?

Outlook for lending rates in 2025?

VCN - The economy is forecast to continue to recover strongly from the end of 2024 to 2025, helping credit demand increase rapidly, but lending interest rates may also be under increasing pressure.
Industrial production maintains rapid and throughout bounceback

Industrial production maintains rapid and throughout bounceback

VCN - The industrial production index in 11 months continued to recover rapidly and increase steadily in 60/63 provinces and cities, which is a good signal for the economy.
Ho Chi Minh City achieves record state revenue of over VND500 trillion in 2024

Ho Chi Minh City achieves record state revenue of over VND500 trillion in 2024

VCN - For the first time in its history, Ho Chi Minh City’s budget revenue surpassed VND500 trillion in just 11 months of 2024.
Multiple drivers propel positive growth in budget revenue

Multiple drivers propel positive growth in budget revenue

VCN - Dr. Bui Dang Dung, former Deputy Chair of the National Assembly’s Finance and Budget Committee, believes that the 2024 state budget revenue results are highly encouraging, reflecting the concerted efforts of the Government, relevant agencies, and the business community amid challenging economic conditions.

Latest News

GDVC sets goal of widely disseminating Customs policies

GDVC sets goal of widely disseminating Customs policies

VCN – The General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) has issued a plan to disseminate and educate the law; and support and provide information in 2025.
Hai Phong Customs sets out 15 tasks to achieve the revenue target of VND 72,000 billion

Hai Phong Customs sets out 15 tasks to achieve the revenue target of VND 72,000 billion

VCN – Hai Phong Customs Department has issued Directive No. 624/CT-HQHP dated January 21, 2025 on drastically implementing solutions to facilitate trade, improve the effectiveness of state management, and strive to achieve the revenue target of 2025.
Over 1,500 customs declarations processed by Hai Phong Customs during Tet

Over 1,500 customs declarations processed by Hai Phong Customs during Tet

VCN - Hai Phong Customs Department processed 1,547 customs declarations during the Tet holiday period
Hai Phong Customs strives to perform tasks from the beginning of the year

Hai Phong Customs strives to perform tasks from the beginning of the year

VCN – Hai Phong Customs Department has actively and effectively implemented solutions to accomplish tasks and achieve targets.

More News

Ho Chi Minh City: Foreign visitors spend more than VND1,500 billion to buy goods upon exit

Ho Chi Minh City: Foreign visitors spend more than VND1,500 billion to buy goods upon exit

VCN - According to the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department, in 2024, the unit refunded VAT on goods that foreigners and oversea Vietnamese residents brought with them when leaving the country with a value of over VND1,540 billion.
3,500 customs declarations handled in Lang Son over Tet

3,500 customs declarations handled in Lang Son over Tet

VCN - During the 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake), Lang Son Customs Department processed nearly 3,500 customs declarations valued at over US$306 million.
Hai Phong Customs processes more than 1,500 declarations during 2025 Lunar New Year holiday

Hai Phong Customs processes more than 1,500 declarations during 2025 Lunar New Year holiday

VCN - During the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, Hai Phong Customs Department processed 1,547 declarations.
US$10.5 million in trade flows through Binh Duong Customs during Tet  During the 2025 Lunar New Year

US$10.5 million in trade flows through Binh Duong Customs during Tet During the 2025 Lunar New Year

VCN - During the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, the Binh Duong Customs Department arranged for staff to be on duty, ensuring quick and timely customs clearance, helping import and export businesses avoid interruptions and maintaining a smooth flow of goods.
Proactive customs measures for express parcels: Tightening control over import-export goods

Proactive customs measures for express parcels: Tightening control over import-export goods

VCN - International express delivery companies are the main entities responsible for handling import and export customs procedures on behalf of the recipients. The Express Customs Branch (HCM City Customs Department) has been proactive in introducing various measures to both promote trade and maintain strict control over import and export goods
Best covers of Vietnam Customs songs: 15 winners revealed

Best covers of Vietnam Customs songs: 15 winners revealed

VCN - The Vietnam Customs Youth Union has just officially revealed the 15 victorious pieces in the "Cover Songs about Vietnam Customs 2024" contest. These 15 prizes are divided into various categories, totaling approximately 100 million Vietnamese Dong in prize money
Vietnam Customs kicks off campaign for innovation, breakthrough, and growth

Vietnam Customs kicks off campaign for innovation, breakthrough, and growth

VCN - To concentrate on leadership, guidance, and vigorous implementation of goals, targets, and tasks towards the objectives of Digital Customs and Green Customs by 2025, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has launched a competition campaign with the theme: "Innovation - Breakthrough – Development”
Researching and proposing amendments to 2014 Customs Law to meet the requirements of innovation

Researching and proposing amendments to 2014 Customs Law to meet the requirements of innovation

VCN - After 10 years of implementation, the Customs Law has been effective in reforming administrative procedures and protecting national sovereignty. However, in the context of innovation requirements, it is necessary to continue reforming specialized inspections and focusing on digital transformation.
Hai Phong Customs implements solutions to facilitate trade

Hai Phong Customs implements solutions to facilitate trade

VCN - In 2024, trade turnover of Hai Phong Customs Department saw a sharp increase compared to 2023 to more than US$132 billion.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
GDVC sets goal of widely disseminating Customs policies

GDVC sets goal of widely disseminating Customs policies

VCN - Additionally, the GDVC aims to unify the direction and coordination within and outside the industry on the dissemination and education of laws for customs officials; to support, and provision of information to relevant organizations and individuals.
Hai Phong Customs sets out 15 tasks to achieve the revenue target of VND 72,000 billion

Hai Phong Customs sets out 15 tasks to achieve the revenue target of VND 72,000 billion

VCN - In 2025, Hai Phong Customs Department is assigned to collect the revenue target of VND72,000 billion (under Decision No. 1524/QD-TTg dated December 6, 2024 of the Prime Minister).
Over 1,500 customs declarations processed by Hai Phong Customs during Tet

Over 1,500 customs declarations processed by Hai Phong Customs during Tet

Hai Phong Customs Department processed 1,547 customs declarations during the Tet holiday period
Hai Phong Customs strives to perform tasks from the beginning of the year

Hai Phong Customs strives to perform tasks from the beginning of the year

VCN - Following Decision 19/2014/QD-TTg dated March 5, 2014 of the Prime Minister on the application of the Quality Management System under the National Standard TCVN ISO 9001:2008, Hai Phong Customs Department has issued a quality policy and quality obje
Ho Chi Minh City: Foreign visitors spend more than VND1,500 billion to buy goods upon exit

Ho Chi Minh City: Foreign visitors spend more than VND1,500 billion to buy goods upon exit

VCN - According to the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department, in 2024, the unit refunded VAT on goods that foreigners and oversea Vietnamese residents brought with them when leaving the country with a value of over VND1,540 billion.
Mobile Version