Transparency in analysis and goods classification

In 2020, Customs Department of Goods Classification (General Department of Vietnam Customs) has strived to reduce number of analytical samples by 405 samples. In the photo: Professional activities at inspection centre. Photo: Q.Hùng

Strive to reduce 40% of analytical samples

As of September 15, the Customs Department of Goods Classification (General Department of Vietnam Customs) received 7,483 samples. In the third quarter of 2020, the unit received 2,235 samples requesting to classify and analyse, reducing 1,138 samples compared to the same period in 2020, equivalent to 33.7%. Among these, there were 310 samples identified for an increase of tax, accounting for 15.7%; 145 samples identified to tax reduction, accounting for 7.8%; 662 samples identified to change codes, unchanged tariff rates, accounting for 33.6%; 817 samples were correctly declared, accounting for 41.4%. A total of 724 samples were returned to local customs departments, the number of samples remaining at the departments ranged from 2.7% -13%, the average backlogged sample decreased by 5%.

Talking to reporters, Director of Customs Department of Goods Classification Do Van Quang said the analytical samples were evenly distributed in the north, central and south regions. Compared to the same period in 2019, the number of samples received by the unit decreased by 30%. The reason was the unit has worked with the Risk Management Department to conduct a risk assessment, striving to reduce the number of analytical samples. At the same time, the unit reported to the leader of the General Department of Vietnam Customs to direct the sector to rectify the work of collecting samples to avoid wasting resources.

“If the goods have sent samples and received analysis results before, the unit would not send the sample and reuse the old results, leading to prolonged clearance time, wasted resources, costs and expenses, wasting resources and machinery. In 2020, the unit has strived to reduce 40% of the number of samples, which was reducing the number of samples requested for analysis and have corrected results as declared,” Quang stressed.

Do Van Quang added that besides the task of goods analysis and classification, the unit participated in goods inspection. The unit has carried out quality inspection for vegetables, fruits and supplementary foods, conducted experiments in the laboratory and proceeded to the practical implementation in customs procedures.

Towards the target of specialised inspection

In the key work programme in 2020, the Customs Department of Goods Classification has paralleled the implementation of its professional tasks with the preparation for the implementation of the Scheme on Reforming the Model of Quality Inspection and Food Safety Inspection for import goods (the scheme is being submitted to the Government). Specifically, the Customs Department of Goods Classification has developed a process of analysis and inspection of exported and imported goods and is collecting the opinions of local customs departments, submitting to the leader of the General Department of Vietnam Customs for promulgation. In particular, there are important contents related to the above scheme.

This new process will create a corridor, towards bringing the analysis and verification work to reach the standard, creating objectivity in this work; integrating previous analysis and classification, orienting specific jobs and overcoming shortcomings.

According to Quang, the Customs Department of Goods Classification will consider and adjust a number of functions and tasks to match the actual situation. For example, the proposed procedure would be to encode the sample before transferring for analysis. Therefore, the verification unit must arrange appropriate staff to perform arising work.

Laboratory staff must have specialised qualifications. Therefore, the Customs Department of Goods Classification always focuses on training towards specialised inspection. The Customs Department of Goods Classification has linked with the equipment supplier to fully exploit the equipment for training; coordinate with training schools and centres to update information and acquire new knowledge.