Thua Thien Hue Customs: launching many solutions to accompany with import-export enterprises

Professional activities at Thuy An Customs Branch (Thua Thien Hue Customs Department). Photo: N. Linh

Declarations in green channel rise

Deputy Director of Thua Thien Hue Customs Department, Do Hoang Duong, stated that in recent times, the department has proactively implemented numerous measures to support and collaborate with enterprises, aiming to foster a voluntary compliance environment within the customs framework.

Beyond enhancing administrative reform and streamlining customs procedures, the department has executed various enterprise support programs, including customs procedure consulting, guidance on utilizing electronic declaration systems, and timely dissemination of information regarding new regulations. Regular dialogue sessions with enterprises, alongside multiple communication channels through electronic portals, email, and messaging platforms, have been established to promptly receive, guide, and address challenges faced by the business community.

These facilitating solutions have gradually yielded positive results, as evidenced by the growth in the number of enterprises undertaking customs procedures and the corresponding increase in import-export turnover.

During the first half of 2024, the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department processed procedures for 154 enterprises, including eight first-time applicants. All customs declarations were submitted electronically.

Notably, the department handled over 22,555 customs declarations, representing a 21.09% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Of these, 18,317 declarations were categorized as Green Channel, accounting for 81.21%, surpassing the national average for Green Channel declarations. Total import-export turnover reached USD 954.03 million, marking a 16.12% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Consequently, state budget revenue collection achieved positive results, amounting to VND 518.74 billion, fulfilling 83.67% of the assigned target and reaching 75.18% of the revenue target set by the Thua Thien Hue People's Committee.

According to the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department, with the objective of supporting and facilitating enterprises in complying with customs laws and regulations, the department has organized and implemented support activities for the business community through various channels, such as intensifying the dissemination of customs policies and laws to enhance enterprise compliance and voluntary adherence, reducing the percentage of Yellow and Red Channel declarations, thereby expanding the cooperation model and encouraging other enterprises to participate in cooperation with the Customs authority.

Particularly for the group of partner enterprises (10 partner enterprises and 6 enterprises participating in the voluntary compliance program), the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department has established a group on an electronic application platform to provide timely, comprehensive, and accurate information on policies and laws in accordance with the signed agreements in a swift and convenient manner.

Regularly providing information to enterprises

Regular customs-enterprise dialogue activities have been consistently implemented. Most recently, at the end of July, the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department organized a customs-enterprise dialogue conference, which attracted a large number of import-export businesses operating in the province. Enterprises highly appreciated the attitude and problem-solving skills of the officials of the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department, and their issues were promptly resolved.

In addition, the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department also disseminated new regulations related to tax policies, risk management, compliance management, and product origin; while also highlighting some administrative violations of customs law that occurred in the area under the unit's management, which had been handled, so that enterprises could study and understand thoroughly to limit errors in the process of carrying out procedures.

Enterprise support activities for customs procedures are also maintained regularly by the advisory teams at the departmental and sub-departmental levels. The advisory team has promptly received feedback, difficulties, and suggestions regarding customs procedures, the working attitude of customs officials, and has addressed them promptly. In the first six months of 2024 alone, the unit has supported, consulted, and answered more than 71 difficulties arising in the process of implementing customs procedures and tax policies for businesses in the area. 100% of the difficulties within the scope of authority were resolved promptly, and one case beyond the scope of authority was recorded by the General Department of Customs and reported to the Ministry of Finance for consideration and resolution.

To continue contributing to improving the business environment, attracting investment, and promoting import-export activities, the Thua Thien Hue Customs Department stated that it will continue to effectively coordinate with other functional units in the area to implement solutions to facilitate and promote production, business, import-export, entry and exit, and trade investment in the area; improve the quality of resolving difficulties, promptly advise and provide full guidance on policies and procedures for customs declarants; flexibly use advisory forms such as telephone, email, and Zalo; and focus on quickly and promptly resolving difficulties arising during the process of carrying out customs procedures.