Nghe An Customs implements cargo clearance in pandemic-hit conditions

On the morning of June 22, talking with Customs News reporter, Nguyen Thanh Trung, Deputy Director of Nghe An Customs Department said that facing the tense situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nghe An area, Nghe An Customs Department arranged customs officials to work in shifts, to ensure effective pandemic prevention and the handling of procedures and professional work as required, avoiding impacts on the activities of businesses operating import - export in the country.

Nam Can Customs official received and handled procedures for enterprise. Photo: Mạnh Đường

The plan of working in shifts and avoiding direct contact is reasonable to protect the safety of customs officials and employees, and to ensure backup human resources for more complex situations that may arise. At the professional stages, regarding to jobs which can work online, the unit has also arranged for customs officials and employees to work online.

Nghe An Customs Department also directs branches to request customs officials to guide customs declarants and taxpayers to declare and submit customs dossiers and documents related to tax exemptions, reduction and refund for customs authority via customs electronic data processing system or sending postal and express delivery services to ensure all transactions and contacts between customs officials and enterprises are carried out on the electronic system.

Nam Can Customs official inspect vehicle on entry and exit country and import-export goods to ensure pandemic prevention. Photo: Mạnh Đường

In case of having to receive documents and vouchers, units should arrange a separate location to receive them, ensuring separation from other divisions. Customs officials who performed task at this position are also fully equipped with tools and equipment to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with regulations by Nghe An Customs Department.

According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, for customs officials who perform task of physical inspection, customs supervision, patrol, control and at Vinh airport, the unit has also fully equipped necessary equipment for effective anti-pandemic work.

For customs and employees, when working at the office, they must strictly comply with the regulations on wearing masks and ensuring distance. When leaving the house and residence, it is necessary to keep a diary of travel schedules and individuals contacted to be able to provide full information to the authorities when necessary.

Vinh Customs official checked import and export goods. Photo: Nguyễn Khánh

At the same time, to ensure the management, supervision and customs clearance of goods take place smoothly and without interruption, Nghe An Customs has directed its branches to communicate to all people, enterprises and passengers on entry and exit to clearly understand the pandemic situation and work with authorities at the border gate for deploying measures of anti-pandemic like measuring body temperature and wearing face masks.

At border gate units, Nghe An Customs has also been effectively working with authorities in the area to implement pandemic prevention measures at road and seaport areas, especially vehicles and passengers arriving at the border gate have passed through the pandemic-hit area.

Facilitate enterprises in the clearance process of import and export goods based on a principle of ensuring requirements of pandemic prevention but avoid causing unnecessary disruption to import and export activities; encourage firms to carry out online procedures through professional programs of customs, online public service system, 24/7 tax payment through the banking system. Especially, maximum support for goods like machinery, equipment, supporting tools and pharmaceuticals to be used for pandemic prevention and treatment.