Customs strives for trade facilitation, boosting import-export growth

In the first quarter, the entire customs sector ensured smooth customs clearance for over 3.2 million declarations, with the total import-export value reaching nearly 178 billion USD, representing a 15.4% increase and 23.79 billion USD higher compared to the same period last year.

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The General Department of Vietnam Customs held an online conference to evaluate the first quarter and deploy the work program for the second quarter of 2024. The Customs sector set out the following goal: To resolutely implement solutions to reform administrative procedures, modernize customs, establish a national single window mechanism, establish an ASEAN single window mechanism, facilitate trade, and promote import-export growth.

In the first quarter, all sectors of the industry achieved many positive results. Notably, resolute implementation of solutions to reform administrative procedures, modernize customs, and facilitate trade. In quarter 1 of 2024, import and export activities nationwide recovered and increased significantly. The industry ensured smooth clearance for more than 3.2 million declarations, with a total import-export value of nearly 178 billion USD, up by 15.4%, corresponding to an increase of 23.79 billion USD over the same period last year. In which, green channel declarations accounted for over 67%; yellow channel declarations accounted for nearly 30%, and red channel declarations accounted for more than 3%.

In the work of combating smuggling and trade fraud, continuing to play the role of advisor to the Standing Agency of the National Steering Committee 389, the Steering Committee 389 of the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has specified and implemented key work plans and programs in each area, in order to alert local authorities about activities related to smuggling and trade fraud as well as to provide guidance on controlling and combating smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across borders on all routes.

Customs officers are carrying out import and export procedures for businesses

As a result, the Customs sector detected, seized, and processed 3,483 cases of violations, with an estimated value of goods violating over 5,816 billion VND. The Customs authority has prosecuted 4 cases, transferred 30 cases to other agencies for prosecution recommendation, and collected more than 116 billion VND for the state budget. The Customs sector has presided over and coordinated with functional forces to arrest 92 cases and 87 subjects involved in the illegal buying and transporting of narcotics.

Mr. Tran Dinh Kha, Deputy Director of Moc Bai Customs Branch, Tay Ninh Provincial Customs Department, said that in addition to regular professional activities, the branch has also proactively collected information to re-evaluate all professional activities and the situation in the area, on that basis, analyze and identify key subjects, commodities, and other risk factors to develop and focus resources on effectively implementing the peak plan to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods across the border…

Regarding the key tasks in the second quarter and the coming time, the General Department of Vietnam Customs requires the whole sector to focus on implementing the assigned tasks and solutions well. In particular, it is necessary to focus on the following groups of key tasks: Continuing to complete the projects according to the assigned roadmap; continuing to focus on the task of reforming administrative procedures, modernizing customs.

At the same time, continuing to implement the National Single Window Mechanism, the ASEAN Single Window Mechanism, and at the same time focusing on promoting the implementation of tasks related to realizing Digital Customs, Smart Customs. For customs inspection and supervision work, promptly amend related procedures to suit reality; review and reassess warehouses, yards, and locations for inspection and collection of import and export goods.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Deputy General Director of the General Department of Vietnam Customs, said that currently, the projects and key tasks assigned to the industry are being completed and in line with the set progress. “For other groups of tasks under the Ministry, the Government, the National Assembly, as well as the General Department, it is suggested that the assigned units and the implementation teams focus on developing an implementation roadmap to ensure the reform and modernization work, as well as the implementation of administrative procedures; the heads of units need to review and direct”, said Mr. Tho.

Regarding international cooperation, according to the plan, the ASEAN Customs Directors General Conference will be held in the second quarter; relevant units need to uphold the spirit of responsibility to fulfill their tasks well, ensuring the successful organization of this conference. At the same time, continue to follow the plan of the General Department of Vietnam Customs on commemorating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam Customs (September 10, 1945 – September 10, 2025) and the 6th National Customs Model Conference in 2025.