Customs takes many measures to fight against pig smuggling

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Pigs illegally imported from Cambodia were seized by authorities in the Northern West border. Photo: internet

Deputy Director of General Department of Customs Mai Xuan Thanh has signed a document to direct local customs departments and the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department (General Department of Customs) to prevent smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of pigs and pig products under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue and the 389 National Steering Committee.

Accordingly, the leader of the General Department of Customs has requested local customs departments and the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department strengthen professional measures to prevent and control African swine fever; and smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of animal and animal products, especially products related to pigs.

They will also share related information and collaborate with media and press agencies to inform and encourage people not to support smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of above products.

At the same time, to inspect and assess the situation and performance, prevent and handle acts of smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of above products at border gates and areas under their respective management.

According to the Import and Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), in November, 2019, pork imports reached more than 15,000 tonnes, worth US$15.9 million, up 164 percent in volume and 113 percent in value compared to November 2018.

In the 11 months of 2019, Vietnam’s imported pork was more than 111,000 tonnes, worth $124 million, up by 108 percent in volume and 97 percent in value compared to the same period last year.

Types of imported pork to Vietnam were mainly cutlet, cut meat, pork leg, pork leg and bone from countries which have developed livestock industries such as Poland, Germany, France, the US and the Netherlands.

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Notably, the average price of imported pork in the 11 months of 2019 was $1,117 per tonne, equivalent to VND 25,950 – 26,000 per kg.