Customs intensifies the fight against smuggling of electronic cigarettes

On June 13, in an exchange with reporters, a representative of the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department said that in recent times, the smuggling, stockpiling, and trading of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco has increased, causing harm and affecting public health and social security.

In the face of this situation, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has recently requested that the units (local customs departments and the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department strengthen professional measures to grasp the situation, strictly manage export, import, temporary import and re-export activities, promptly detect and prevent the illegal transportation of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco.

E-cigarettes were seized at Hung Yen province

In which, the General Department of Customs requires the units to closely monitor goods and luggage, exported and imported through the border gates, shipments with signs of violations, and conduct inspections and handling in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Strengthen inspection and control with a focus on key routes and areas at risk of smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, and strictly handle violations.

At the same time, it is necessary to proactively collect and handle information at home and abroad related to the smuggling of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco through the application of professional customs control measures and the application of information technology.

The leaders of the General Department of Vietnam Customs direct the units to apply professional measures to control customs, means, and technical equipment, and closely coordinate with the functional forces to combat organized and sophisticated smuggling and illegal transportation.

Notably, the units need to review and assess the situation, and establish specialized anti-smuggling projects for individuals, lines, and groups smuggling electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco.

In addition, the Customs force must strengthen the exchange and sharing of information, and coordinate with the functional forces (such as Police, Border Guard, Market Surveillance...) to combat smuggling lines of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco.