According to the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department, by early February 2024, the total amount of goods stored for more than 30, 60, and 90 days in the ports in the city had increased significantly, reaching over 6,000 containers. Among them, there were over 1,228 containers stored for more than 30 and 60 days, an increase of 48% compared to 401 containers in December 2023. The number of containers stored for more than 90 days was 4,845, a slight decrease of 5% compared to December 2023.
The majority of the stored goods are concentrated in the Saigon Port Customs Sub-Department in Zone 1 (located at Cat Lai Port). Specifically, there are over 1,227 containers stored for more than 30 and 60 days, and up to 4,496 containers stored for more than 90 days.
Container goods at Cat Lai Port
In addition to the goods stored in the ports, the amount of goods stored at the airports has also increased significantly, with a total of 2,038 types of goods and 469,583 tons. Among them, the Saigon Port Customs Sub-Department at Tan Son Nhat International Airport accounted for nearly 1,700 types of goods, with over 477 tons.
Explaining the significant increase in stored goods, especially at Cat Lai Port, a representative from the Saigon Port Customs Sub-Department in Zone 1 stated that this is the end of the lunar year when businesses have a high import volume, including many goods that have not been processed in time and have become stored goods.
In reality, a large quantity of stored goods can hinder the loading and unloading operations, customs clearance for import-export businesses, as well as the shipping lines and port operators. If the storage period exceeds 90 days, it requires more processing stages and incurs significant costs for all parties involved.
In an interview with Người Lao Động (Laborer) newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Huu Nghiep, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department, said that in order to strengthen the inspection, supervision, and control of imported goods being stored at warehouses, ports, and border gates, the department regularly reports the storage data to the Supervision and Management Department of Customs – General Department of Customs.
According to the procedure for handling stored goods, when the storage period exceeds 90 days, which means that customs authorities have contacted and notified multiple times without any receiving party, it is determined that the goods are abandoned, and they will be handled according to regulations. The processing of stored goods must be carried out according to a separate procedure that requires the participation of multiple units in the board.
