In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has significantly affected business and production activities of import and export goods, Can Tho Customs Department has actively implemented many measures to support businesses to ensure cargo clearance and boost exports.

Can Tho Customs officials conducted quick physical inspection for
imported raw materials so that enterprises could promptly put them
into production during pandemic conditions.

By the end of June, Can Tho Customs Department had handled customs procedures for import and export goods worth nearly $3 billion, an increase of more than 8%, especially export turnover increased by more than 25% compared to the same period in 2020; while revenue collection of the unit reached more than VND1,500 billion.

Leaders of Can Tho Customs Department have always paid attention to creating favorable conditions for enterprises when carrying out administrative procedures related to customs.

In particular, focusing on inspection and supervision to avoid the situation that requires organisations and individuals to submit and present documents, pay fees and charges that do not comply with the provisions of the law, slow down the process of cargo clearance, causing damage or incurring costs for enterprises. Strictly comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Finance on the deadline for submission of C/O, the form of C/O submission for imported goods during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Can Tho Customs Department, during an outbreak of the pandemic, the documents in the customs dossier are submitted through the customs electronic data processing system, not requiring direct submission to customs officials. Strictly follow instructions when enterprises declare and submit paper documents in customs dossiers as prescribed, which are photocopies when doing customs procedures and implemented entirely on the system, without requiring signatures or stamps on these documents.

Mr. Chung Wai Fu, General Director of Lee&Man Vietnam Paper Co., Ltd. said that many businesses, including Lee&Man, have faced many difficulties and challenges due to the complex developments of Covid-19 pandemic.

However, thanks to the support from Hau Giang Customs Branch as well as Can Tho Customs Department, it has been making great contributions to enterprises to overcome difficulties and stabilise production and business. Customs authorities have promoted activities by applying electronic methods, minimizing direct contact to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic effectively such as applying digital signatures to ensure data security and improve the legality of the electronic declaration, promoting the implementation of online public services, the procedures for declaring - receiving - handling requests for administrative procedures; looking up the status of processing dossiers; fee payments are done online.

In particular, Can Tho Customs Department also maintains good implementation of the automatic customs management system at the company's dedicated port, so the monitoring of imported and exported goods entering and leaving the port is convenient.

Currently, branches under Can Tho Customs Department have built and deployed Group Zalo activities on communication, guidance and supporting customs declarants and taxpayers to support businesses for removing difficulties and publish new regulations and guidelines on customs procedures and tax policies to help businesses catch up in time during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There have been hundreds of messages exchanged with businesses through this interactive form. In cases where it’s required to send original paper documents such as C/O, permits, specialised inspection results, enterprises send them via postal service or submit them at a separate reception room which is equipped with masks and hand sanitizer, a paper medical declaration form or a QR code for enterprises to promptly send and receive dossiers. This ensures safety and pandemic prevention in accordance with the regulations.

Deputy Director of Import-Export documents - Minh Phu Hau Giang Seafood Joint Stock Company Ngo Thi Thu Hien said that the leaders and customs officials of the customs branch created a Zalo group to interact, solve problems as well as consulted customs procedures in the pandemic was very creative and effective, ensuring fast cargo clearance.

In order to reduce time for implementing clearance procedures and release of goods, affiliated units have applied risk management in customs operations, reducing the proportion of Yellow and Red channels, and increasing the percentage of Green channels. Researching and implementing a program of supporting enterprises to improve compliance with customs laws under the direction of the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

In addition, Can Tho Customs Department has also continuously exchanged and coordinated to provide information between Customs authorities and other relevant authorities when handling administrative procedures under the National Single Window; sending, receiving and returning the results of administrative procedures and answering questions of enterprises through the National Single Window.

The Department has also strengthened work with the State Treasury, Tax authorities and commercial banks in the province to create favorable conditions and encourage enterprises to participate in electronic tax payment and clearance 24/7 to reduce clearance time for releasing goods.