Scraps "disguised" as ordinary goods

Hai Phong Customs officials coordinated to inspect the case of exporting 6 containers of copper "disguised" as plywood, April 24, 2024.

Many new tricks

A representative of Hai Phong Customs Department shared that through recent cases, Hai Phong Customs has discovered a number of new sophisticated tricks. Notably, smugglers established companies in Vietnam, declared simple agricultural products on export declarations, which are less subject to regulations on goods management and tax rates; declared ports of destination as countries not on key routes to conceal information about actual exported goods and actual receiving locations (on the manifest) in order to avoid inspection and supervision by the Customs agency.

A typical case is the case on May 3, 2024, when Hai Phong Customs Department inspected an export shipment according to a customs declaration opened on April 27, 2024, packed in 4 containers of Thuan Trieu Import Export Service Trading Company Limited (address in Tam Hoa Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai).

According to an update from Hai Phong Customs Department, in the first 6 months of 2024, the unit detected and handled 1,749 violations; the total amount of administrative fines was nearly 18 billion VND. Hai Phong Customs is completing the file to transfer a request to prosecute 1 case and transfer 1 case of criminal information.

The declared goods were red beans. However, the actual inspection results showed that the goods packed in 4 containers were scrap steel. Currently, Hai Phong Customs Department is coordinating with the Police to investigate and clarify

With similar behavior, previously on April 24, 2024, Hai Phong Customs Department coordinated with Hai Phong Border Guard to inspect an export shipment of 6 containers of NHT Trading and Investment Company Limited (located in Hap Linh Ward, Bac Ninh City) declaring export procedures according to the declaration opened on April 22, 2024.

The declared goods were multi-layer plywood made from planted acacia wood, originating from Vietnam. The actual inspection results of the goods in 6 containers were copper lumps and copper scrap. Hai Phong Customs Department coordinated with Hai Phong Border Guard to initiate a criminal case for smuggling.

7 solutions to combat

In that situation, Hai Phong Customs Department has developed and synchronously deployed many effective solutions to promptly prevent, arrest and strictly handle violations according to the provisions of law.

In which, focusing on 7 key groups of solutions including: First, closely following the plans of the Steering Committee 389 at all levels, the annual direction of the General Department of Customs to focus on developing plans and solutions to combat smuggling in accordance with the actual situation and locality.

Second, promulgating regulations on coordination in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods and handling of violations with signs of crime at Hai Phong Customs Department to ensure that coordination between units is carried out in a focused and specialized manner, clearly defining responsibilities according to locality, field and meeting the requirements of tasks and actual situation.

Third, proactively coordinate closely with forces inside and outside the industry to strengthen patrol and control on the sea route; share, collect information, screen, classify subjects as a basis for developing a focused and key plan to combat, arrest, and handle violations of customs laws according to regulations.

Fourth, strictly implement customs control measures according to Circular No. 728/2018/TT-BTC dated June 15, 2018 of the Ministry of Finance and Decision No. 450/QD-TCHQ dated November 20, 2018 of the General Department of Customs. Especially focus on measures to collect customs control information; investigate and study to grasp the situation.

Fifth, regularly review legal documents related to commodity and tax policies to promptly update, direct, rectify implementation, find loopholes and shortcomings that subjects can take advantage of to smuggle, commit trade fraud, and illegally transport goods across the border.

Sixth, thoroughly grasp and direct units to promote the application of information technology in customs control; exploit and use the customs information system and existing equipment such as ships, canoes, container scanners, and positioning seals to effectively serve customs control work.

Seventh, consolidate and improve the organization at the unit, strengthen discipline for cadres and civil servants to prevent negative behaviors and violations of the law in the unit, ensuring internal cleanliness and strength.