Continue inspections for management of scraps at seaports in HCMC and Ba Ria – Vung Tau

	BR-VT Customs: proposed removal of problems related to imported scraps
	Customs is ready for coordination with Maritime Administration in handling backlogged scraps
	The latest guide on the management of scrap imports from abroad into Vietnam

Deputy Director General Mai Xuan Thanh directly inspect the imported scrap shipments at Hai Phong port (on 3rd August, 2018). Photo: Ngoc Linh.

Inspecting scraps by modern equipment

On 3rd August, 2018, Deputy Director General of Customs Mai Xuan Thanh led the GDC’s inspection team for the management of imported scraps at Hai Phong port.

This is the first area inspected by the GDC’s inspection team under the GDC’s Official Letter No. 4202/TCHQ-PC dated 17th of July 2018 on the management of scraps in order to urge the implementation of the GDC’s directions as well as grasp difficulties and problems arising to remove in a timely fashion and effectively carry out the management of imported scraps according to the law.

During the physical inspection at Hai Phong port, the inspection team guided and inspected the implementation of Customs procedures for imported scraps at some Customs Branches of Dinh Vu port and Customs Branches of Hai Phong port zone III.

On the morning of 3rd of August, 2018, at VIP GREEN port, which is an area managed by Dinh Vuport Customs Branch, the inspection team witnessed the inspection of competent units under Hai Phong Customs Department for 5 containers of backlogged imported goods which were shown on the Manifest as scrap plastics.

From the physical inspection, it was easy to realize that all 5 containers were garbage ineligible for import requirements.

On the other hand, many containers also had a lot of sticky cesspit-water on the floor and the stinking smell of garbage.

However, this was only a small number of nearly 1,000 containers of scrap plastics backlogged at Hai Phong port, which was inspected by the Customs.

In addition to witnessing the inspection of backlogged containers by Hai Phong Customs Department, the inspection team requested the branches to inspect some specific containers which were declared as scrap plastics, papers and irons by enterprises.

Customs officers of Customs Verification Department (under General Department of Customs) used many tools and technical equipment for on-the-spot inspections.

For example, for scrap irons and steels, the units used radiation detection meter and metal chemical analyzers. For scrap plastic scraps, the Customs verification force used infrared equipment and infrared Raman Spectrometers

As a result of the initial inspection, the Customs force determined that the goods in these containers were not garbage and that the inspection results should be released to quickly clear eligible shipments so as to facilitate production and business.

Officers of Customs verification department used radiation detection meter to inspect imported scrap irons and steels. Photo: N. Linh

Scraps imported to Vietnam tended to decrease

Talking with reporters of Customs Newspaper during the inspection process at Hai Phong port, acting director of Customs supervision and control Department (under the GDC) Au Anh Tuan said that after taking drastic measures by the Customs sector and competent agencies, scrap shipments imported to Vietnam tended to decrease.

"However, scraps backlogged at the port are likely to increase because enterprises refuse to receive goods, or do not meet the import requirements, or are waiting for the inspection results from the competent authorities …," Mr. Tuan said.

In order to further enhance the effective management of imported scraps, the GDC’s leaders continue to require local customs departments to strictly follow the regulations related to the management and import of scraps as well as guidelines by the GDC on this matter.

Backlogged scraps at ports: Who is the victim?

For the key seaports of Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the Customs Supervision and Control Department will continue to request the GDC’s leaders to establish inspection teams like Hai Phong area.