Lang Son Customs tightens control on imports and exports ahead of Lunar New Year

While smuggling and illegal cross-border transport of goods have generally remained under control, Lang Son Customs reported occasional spikes in smuggling attempts, unauthorized goods transport, and import fraud.

Common violations identified include misdeclared goods descriptions, quantities, categories, and HS codes; import of prohibited items; non-compliant imports; and goods breaching intellectual property regulations.

Officials of the Huu Nghi International Border Gate Customs Branch (Lang Son Customs Department) scan cargo containers using a mobile scanning machine. Photo: H.Nụ

Representative of Lang Son Customs Department highlighted increasingly sophisticated smuggling techniques, with some cases involving high-value goods and advanced methods such as counterfeit documents to evade inspection and gain financial advantage.

Many companies, officials noted, exploit customs policies for imported materials designated for foreign business processing (E21), or goods deposited into bonded warehouse (C11) and transshipment, to avoid taxes or engage in trade fraud. Currently, more than 80% of goods processed through border checkpoints involve transshipment or independent transport.

In response, Lang Son Customs has placed companies and goods categories prone to fraud under heightened scrutiny. By November 5, 2024, Customs units had recorded 1,537 violations related to customs law, smuggling, and trade fraud, with a total estimated value of over VND 34.2 billion. More than 1,470 cases resulted in administrative fines, contributing nearly VND 8 billion to the state budget.

At Huu Nghi Border Gate Customs Branch, which handles a significant volume of electronics, machinery, agricultural produce, household goods, and chemical products, the department has intensified surveillance and inspections. To date, this branch alone has uncovered 1,254 violations with an estimated value of nearly VND 29 billion, resulting in VND 5.2 billion in fines paid to the state budget.

Deputy Manager of Huu Nghi Customs Branch, Phung Van Ba, emphasized the increased focus on monitoring imported consumer goods, transshipped items, and independently transported goods to ensure compliance with customs procedures.

As of October 31, 2024, the branch had escalated 15 customs declarations from green to yellow and seven from green to red, while over 9,900 were moved from yellow to red. These adjustments led to the identification of 76 violations and administrative fines totaling over VND 330 million.

The upcoming Lunar New Year traditionally sees an uptick in smuggling and trade fraud due to increased demand for goods, particularly household products. In anticipation, Lang Son Customs has directed all units to reinforce control over high-risk areas, with strict inspection of high-duty goods.

Customs units at border checkpoints have been instructed to closely scrutinize e-customs records, enhance online monitoring, and deploy container scanners at checkpoints to detect misdeclared, high-value imports.

All import-export categories, especially consumer goods, household items, and express shipments, are subject to rigorous inspection to prevent smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit products, and unauthorized transfers.

Accountability measures are enforced for customs officers handling shipments, and mobile inspections have been increased. Lang Son Customs has also strengthened collaboration with border authorities to exchange timely information on smuggling and trade fraud.

Additionally, the department has intensified public awareness efforts, encouraging citizens, travelers, and businesses involved in cross-border trade to report any instances of smuggling or fraud.