HCM City Customs Department clears more than 250 shipments for Covid-19 prevention and control

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All imported vaccine batches are cleared by HCM City Customs in a timely fashion. Photo: Thu Hoa

According to the deputy director, the border gate customs branches quickly cleared all imported shipments of biological products, medical supplies and equipment and supported firms in customs process.

Amid the turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic, HCM City Customs Department has to perform in tough conditions. Customs officers have made great efforts to overcome obstacles and dangers to maintain the flow of import and export goods and prevent the disruption of supply chains, production and exports, especially shipments of vaccines and medical supplies for disease prevention and control.

In August, the department has established special working groups, including rapid response teams for the customs clearance of these shipments (team 1080).

The hotline of Team 1080 has supported customs clearance of more than 200 declarations, received and handled 142 applications for quick clearance, and answered questions for 31 cases.

The department has applied information technology, removed shortcomings and assigned officers to work online and supported forces performing customs clearance.

To ensure safety for forces performing customs clearance for goods, some customs branches have implemented the “three-on-the spot” method. Although there are many shortcomings, customs officers have made great efforts to fulfill their tasks.