Customs tightens oversight on e-commerce imports

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On November 8, 2024, the General Department of Vietnam Customs released Official Letter No. 5480/TCHQ-GSQL, which provides detailed instructions for handling goods imported via e-commerce platforms. The move comes amid increasing feedback from customs units and businesses about challenges in implementing current regulations.

The department clarified that these guidelines apply solely to e-commerce imports. For other imported goods delivered through express services, existing regulations under Circular No. 191/2015/TT-BTC, Circular No. 56/2019/TT-BTC, and related instructions remain in force.

Customs officials have been directed to strengthen supervision during the clearance process for imported goods transported from entry points to centralized inspection facilities for postal and express delivery items where there is a sign of violation.

In cases where potential legal violations are detected (excluding prohibited imports), customs branches at the entry point must transfer the information to the receiving customs unit at the destination. The destination unit is then tasked with conducting thorough inspections, identifying violations, and ensuring appropriate legal action.

The General Department of Vietnam Customs outlined that e-commerce imports include goods purchased by Vietnamese nationals or foreign residents in Vietnam via e-commerce service websites, applications offering e-commerce services, sales websites, or sales applications for delivery into Vietnamese territory.