HCM City Customs: Many breakthrough programs in Customs modernization

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Supervision delegates of the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front inspect the supervision division at Cat Lai port. Photo: T.H.

Applying for new IT programs

In April 2017, the HCM City Customs Department applied an e-manifest system with the objective of enhancing the application of risk management at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. According to the HCM City Customs Department, this application will facilitate the reduction of procedures and time for Customs procedures and the Customs force will apply electronic chip tracking system to ensure strict management, raising the efficiency of the handling of violations, combating trafficking and illegal transportation of narcotics and weapons across borders.

Earlier, from 1^st January 2017, the HCM City Customs Department implemented electronic surveillance procedures under Article 41 of the Customs Law for Cat Lai port in Ho Chi Minh City, to expand seaports in the region. Accordingly, Customs offices and port enterprises will be connected through the information technology system and exchange data on import and export goods, for Customs clearance for port operators to export or import goods and facilitate Customs supervision at seaports, simplification of procedures, reduction of time and cost of enterprises.

From 1^st March 2017, along with the Customs, the HCM City Customs Department has implemented 41 Customs procedures through the highest level of online public services (level 3 or level 4) to create the most favorable conditions for organizations and individuals when carrying out Customs procedures.

In mid-March 2017, the HCM City Customs Department deployed a scanning system of luggage at the gate of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Accordingly, all checked baggage of the entry passengers through the scanner has been ensured intact, without affecting the procedures of the passengers on entry. In the case where passengers are suspected, their luggage will be monitored continuously throughout the process of the underground system until passengers receive their baggage, then they will be subject to Customs inspections and declaration.

According to the Customs Branch of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the application of scanning underground system will facilitate passengers on entry, minimizing the time for Customs procedures, and only passengers with suspected baggage must carry out further Customs inspection steps. Thus, Customs officers will also reduce the pressure on their tasks and spend more time focusing on handling suspected cases. Earlier, the Customs Branch of Tan Son Nhat International Airport had arranged for Customs officers and aviation security staff to work together in inspections of exit luggage, thereby reducing 50% of procedures at the airport.

In addition, in March 2017, the HCM City Customs Department deployed the Online Supervision Division to connect, supervise and monitor exported and imported goods at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. As a result, the Customs Branch of Tan Son Nhat International Airport can monitor and handle the movement of each consignment of imported and exported goods, thereby coordinating Customs units to promptly detect and prevent smuggling and commercial frauds. Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department can also timely detect and correct the civil servants with the wrong implementation of procedures.

The process is modernized

In addition to the application of machines and IT effectively, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department continues to maintain stable operation of the information technology equipment systems; expanding, upgrading and promoting the efficiency of systems in the implementation of Customs procedures to facilitate the export and import activities of enterprises and ensure Customs management.

The implementation of e-Customs procedures through VNACCS / VCIS system at all Customs Branches for imported and exported goods through seaports and airports helps to facilitate transparency in Customs operations, simplifying Customs procedures and shortening Customs clearance time for exported and imported goods for enterprises. Besides, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department has also pre-screened for exported and imported goods to support Customs clearance and improve the effectiveness of anti-smuggling.

Notably, with the management of many seaport systems, the HCM City Customs Department effectively implemented Customs declarations in the e-Manifest System. Till now, there have been 60 shipping lines and 631 shipping agents to implement electronic collection and remittance among Customs, Taxation, State Treasury, Finance and commercial banks for more than 98% of tax collection and payment through e-Payments; and implement the e-C / O system in the work of examination.

Besides, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department regularly inspects the implementation of administrative procedures; reviews and reports to the competent agencies to adjust, amend and supplement Customs professional processes towards simplicity, clarity, and transparency. Also, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department publicizes legal documents, guides documents related to Customs procedures; sets up instructions and solves problems at the Customs clearance points; and answers the questions of businesses and people on the website of the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department and the website of the City Government.

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front supervises the HCM City Customs Department VCN- On 26th April 2017, the delegation of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front chaired by Mr. ...

From the reform of administrative procedures mentioned above, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department is creating many advantages for the business community in production, business, and international integration.