The Customs sector continues to make efforts to cut costs and clearance times for businesses

The Customs sector continues to make efforts to cut costs and clearance times for businesses

VCN - The General Department of Vietnam Customs wishes to continue to help enterprises to solve their difficulties and problems.
Deputy Director General of Vietnam Customs Mai Xuan Thanh
Deputy Director General of Vietnam Customs Mai Xuan Thanh

Speaking at the Forum on Tax Policy, held on December 15, Deputy Director General of Vietnam Customs, Mai Xuan Thanh said, “Vietnam is integrating into the international economy. If in 2000, Vietnam's import and export was only US$30 billion, in 2009 it recorded a figure of US$127 billion, and in turn conquered the mark of US$200 billion in 2011, US$300 billion in 2015, US$400 billion in 2017, US$500 billion in 2019 and reaching US$600 billion in early December 2021.”

"That result has put Vietnam in the top 30 economies with the largest import-export value globally, showing Vietnam has risen quite quickly compared to other countries. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is firmly at No. 2 after Singapore. This was an impressive result due to the countries’ constant efforts, and a testament to the political determination and effective activities of the business community over the years".

However, starting from 2020 and especially in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic situation broke out on a large scale. Following the direction of the Government and the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has proactively implemented solutions to support businesses, ensure production stability, the smooth and safe circulation of goods and overcome disruptions in the supply chain.

The General Department of Vietnam Customs has always identified administrative reform as a key political task, which should be carried out regularly with synchronous solutions, making the satisfaction of people and businesses a service goal. In the years 2020 and 2021, administrative reform has been further accelerated. Up to now, basically, all steps of customs procedures have been done electronically. Some documents previously required by enterprises to submit paper copies are now also submitted online with digital signatures, further reducing business conditions and facilitating businesses.

At the same time, according to Mr. Mai Xuan Thanh, as a standing body of the National Steering Committee on ASEAN Single Window, National Single Window and Trade Facilitation, the General Department of Vietnam Customs advised to promote the implementation of the National Single Window, and is chairing on the development of the Decree named, "Stipulating the management mechanism, methods, order and procedures for state inspection of quality and state inspection of food safety for imported goods”. The reform of specialized inspection methods following the draft Decree is expected to help businesses reduce costs and reduce contact points between enterprises and agencies and organizations.

According to the independent impact assessment results of the Trade Facilitation Project, funded by USAID, when the Decree is implemented, it will have a positive impact on businesses and the economy. It is estimated it will save nearly VND 1,300 billion (approximately US$59.1 million) per year for businesses, and increase the value of the economy by over VND 9,000 billion.

Along with that, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has also continued to improve the legal framework in the customs field. Implementing the law promulgation program of the Ministry of Finance, and program of the General Department of Vietnam Customs approved by the Ministry of Finance, from now until the end of the year, the General Department of Vietnam Customs will submit to the Ministry an amendment to Decree No. 08, which continues to simplify and cut customs procedures to reduce costs and clearance time for businesses.

The leader of the General Department of Vietnam Customs also said, “the Customs sector has also applied synchronous solutions to quickly clear import and export goods. Accordingly, the General Department, together with the local Customs Departments, set up teams to handle problems for businesses within the same day. During the Covid-19 pandemic period, following the direction of the leaders of the Ministry of Finance, as well as the leaders of the Ministry of Health, the Customs authorities quickly handled all shipments of medical supplies, equipment, vaccines, biological products and aid shipments for Vietnam.

Along with that, cross-border exports were also focused on speeding up clearances. Customs authorities coordinated with departments, agencies and People's Committees of provinces and cities that have joint borders with neighboring countries, in order to have meetings that aim to remove obstacles and speed up clearance, to reduce congestion for businesses.

Notably, in the past, the Customs sector has also promoted the application of information technology to help enterprises carry out customs procedures in the context of the pandemic. For example, in 2021, all core customs procedures were completely implemented by automatic methods, through VNACCS/VCIS systems, at 100% of Customs units in the whole country. More than 99% of participating enterprises processed more than 99.8% of customs declarations and clearance time for goods classified in green channels, in only 1 to 3 seconds. State budget revenue related to export and import activities is also managed via online methods, accounting for 99.8% of total revenue.

Up to now, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has provided online public services at level three and four for 215 over 237 administrative procedures, accounting for 91% of the total number of administrative procedures performed by the Customs authority. In particular, 209 administrative procedures have been provided with online public services at level four (reaching the rate of 88%). In 2021, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has integrated 26 online public services into the National Public Service Portal.

Director General Mai Xuan Thanh said, “in the future, the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to be complicated, there will be commercial competition between major countries, a trend of shifting global supply chains and the 4.0 revolution. All of these things would hugely affect the export and import activities of Vietnam.

Implementing the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress, Vietnam Customs would continue to strengthen international integration, harmonize the task of both facilitating trade and performing the State management of customs, create a transparent and fair import-export environment and contribute to improving national competitiveness. One of the main solutions was to implement digital customs with features such as, smart border management, chain and ecosystem management and intelligent connection and processing.

In the context of the turbulent of Covid-19 pandemic, with the drastic and close direction of the Government, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, the support of the business community, press agencies and great efforts and determination generally, the General Department of Vietnam Customs wishes to continue to solve difficulties and obstacles in the operation of enterprises, so that enterprises can continue to reduce costs.”

By Thùy Linh/Thanh Thuy

Related News

Modernizing Customs: From VNACCS to Digital Customs Part 2: The urgent need for a new IT system

Modernizing Customs: From VNACCS to Digital Customs Part 2: The urgent need for a new IT system

VCN - With Vietnam's rapidly expanding economy and a significant rise in import-export volumes—now among the top 20 globally—the VNACCS/VCIS system has become outdated. It urgently requires an upgrade or the development of a new information technology (IT) infrastructure to streamline trade facilitation and enhance customs management efficiency in this evolving landscape.
Customs Modernization: From VNACCS to Digital Customs. Part 1: The "Revolution" of VNACCS

Customs Modernization: From VNACCS to Digital Customs. Part 1: The "Revolution" of VNACCS

VCN - The modernization of customs has been a continuous focus for the Customs sector, aimed at facilitating trade and enhancing the efficiency of state management. Central to this effort has been the VNACCS/VCIS System, which has provided numerous benefits to the business community and significantly boosted Vietnam's import-export turnover.
Customs sector deploys work in 2025

Customs sector deploys work in 2025

VCN - On December 16, the General Department of Customs held an online conference to review the results of work in 2024 and deploy tasks for 2025. Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang attended and directed the conference. Director General Nguyen Van Tho chaired the conference. Attending the conference were former Director General of Customs General Department Nguyen Van Can, former Deputy Director General of Customs General Department of Customs Hoang Viet Cuong and Deputy Directors General: Luu Manh Tuong, Dinh Ngoc Thang, Au Anh Tuan, Tran Duc Hung and representatives of a number of departments, bureaus and general departments under the Ministry of Finance.
Customs sector launches campaign against counterfeit goods and online fraud

Customs sector launches campaign against counterfeit goods and online fraud

VCN - To support the “Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Online Fraud” Contest and the “Scratch Anti-Counterfeit Labels – Win Instant Prizes” Program, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has called on all departments, officers, public employees, and staff within the sector to participate in efforts to combat counterfeit goods and online fraud.
Comment

Latest News

HCMC Customs: Outstanding performance across all operations

HCMC Customs: Outstanding performance across all operations

VCN - On January 2, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Customs Department held its annual review conference to assess 2024 achievements and outline tasks for 2025. The event was attended by Vice Chairman of HCMC People's Committee Nguyen Van Dung and Deputy Director General of Vietnam Customs Dinh Ngoc Thang, who delivered keynote speeches.
Tackling revenue challenges: Dong Nai Customs Department’s strategic plan for 2025

Tackling revenue challenges: Dong Nai Customs Department’s strategic plan for 2025

VCN - Facing mounting challenges in revenue collection, the Dong Nai Customs Department is stepping up efforts to secure its 2025 state budget targets through proactive measures and digital transformation.
Director General Nguyen Van Tho: streamlining apparatus to meet the requirements of customs modernization

Director General Nguyen Van Tho: streamlining apparatus to meet the requirements of customs modernization

VCN - Director General of the General Department of Customs Nguyen Van Tho said that the customs sector will focus on arranging and streamlining the apparatus, ensuring that the new apparatus can be put into operation immediately, without interruptions.
Cao Bang Customs Department collects over VND 940 Billion, achieving a 22% increase

Cao Bang Customs Department collects over VND 940 Billion, achieving a 22% increase

VCN - In 2024, the Cao Bang Customs Department achieved remarkable budget revenue growth, significantly surpassing its targets.

More News

Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs: A strategic partner in business success

Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs: A strategic partner in business success

VCN - Businesses have highly appreciated the administrative reforms and support provided by the Ba Ria - Vung Tau (BR-VT) Customs Department, recognizing these efforts as a critical factor in fostering growth amid ongoing challenges.
Challenges facing customs revenue collection in 2025

Challenges facing customs revenue collection in 2025

VCN - Revenue from import-export activities is expected to face significant challenges in 2025, necessitating coordinated and decisive measures to ensure accurate and sufficient tax collection, preventing revenue losses, and achieving assigned targets.
Quang Ninh Customs: making efforts to help businesses improve compliance

Quang Ninh Customs: making efforts to help businesses improve compliance

VCN - Quang Ninh Customs Department has synchronously deploys support activities, guidance, answers questions, provided information, and warned of risks to help businesses proactively prevent and avoid violations, and voluntarily improve their compliance with customs laws.
Hai Phong Customs collects over VND87 billion from post-clearance audit

Hai Phong Customs collects over VND87 billion from post-clearance audit

VCN – The Post-clearance audit branch (under Hai Phong Customs Department) alone has conducted 236 audits and collected VND86.4 billion.
Customs modernization: From VNACCS to Digital Customs: Part 3: Part 3: Comprehensive digital transformation in customs field

Customs modernization: From VNACCS to Digital Customs: Part 3: Part 3: Comprehensive digital transformation in customs field

VCN - The shortcomings and inadequacies related to the VNACCS/VCIS and satellite information technology (IT) systems have been identified early by the General Department of Customs. Therefore, on the one hand, the Customs sector has been actively seeking solutions to solve them, on the other hand, it has focused resources to carry out comprehensive digital transformation in the customs sector in response to the Government's policy.
Ho Chi Minh City Customs: Exceeded the state budget revenue target by nearly 100 billion VND

Ho Chi Minh City Customs: Exceeded the state budget revenue target by nearly 100 billion VND

VCN - Carrying out the task of collecting the state budget in a very difficult context, but with the outstanding efforts of the leadership and civil servants of Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department, the unit has exceeded the state budget collection target by the end of the year.
Hai Phong Customs sets new record in revenue of VND70,000 billion

Hai Phong Customs sets new record in revenue of VND70,000 billion

VCN – Hai Phong Customs Department set a new record in budget collection in 2024 with more than VND70,000 billion
Hai Phong Customs focuses on customs supervision and management

Hai Phong Customs focuses on customs supervision and management

VCN – With a large number of enterprises and declarations carrying out import and export procedures, Hai Phong regularly focuses on strengthening customs supervision and management.
Businesses highly appreciate support of Quang Ngai Customs

Businesses highly appreciate support of Quang Ngai Customs

VCN – Administrative reform, trade facilitation and support for enterprises are key solutions of Quang Ngai Customs Department that have been highly appreciated by the business community, helping the department to soon complete its political tasks.
Read More

Your care

The system has not recorded your reading habits.

Please Login/Register so that the system can provide articles according to your reading needs.

Latest Most read
HCMC Customs: Outstanding performance across all operations

HCMC Customs: Outstanding performance across all operations

Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department held its annual review conference to assess 2024 achievements and outline tasks for 2025 on January 2, 2025
Tackling revenue challenges: Dong Nai Customs Department’s strategic plan for 2025

Tackling revenue challenges: Dong Nai Customs Department’s strategic plan for 2025

Facing mounting challenges in revenue collection, the Dong Nai Customs Department is stepping up efforts to secure its 2025 state budget targets through proactive measures and digital transformation.
Director General Nguyen Van Tho: streamlining apparatus to meet the requirements of customs modernization

Director General Nguyen Van Tho: streamlining apparatus to meet the requirements of customs modernization

VCN - Director General of the General Department of Customs Nguyen Van Tho said that the customs sector will focus on arranging and streamlining the apparatus, ensuring that the new apparatus can be put into operation immediately, without interruptions.
Cao Bang Customs Department collects over VND 940 Billion, achieving a 22% increase

Cao Bang Customs Department collects over VND 940 Billion, achieving a 22% increase

In 2024, the Cao Bang Customs Department achieved remarkable budget revenue growth, significantly surpassing its targets.
Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs: A strategic partner in business success

Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs: A strategic partner in business success

Businesses have highly appreciated the administrative reforms and support provided by the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs Department, recognizing these efforts as a critical factor in fostering growth amid ongoing challenges.
Mobile Version