Ha Tinh Customs Department has directed its units to implement solutions to fulfill the “dual goals”- ensuring Covid-19 prevention and control while completing tasks.

Ha Tinh Customs officers work online. Photo: Khanh Chi.

Surpassing revenue target soon

According to Ha Tinh Customs Department, the department has completed the revenue target. This is a positive result amid the turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of August 24, the department received and handled 10,126 customs dossiers, a year-on- year increase of 50%.

The total trade jumped 95% to US$3,661.11 million compared to the previous year.

From July, due to the serious Covid outbreak, the number of customs declaration forms fell by 6.9% and the total trade also decreased by 5.8% compared to the previous month.

Between January and August, the department’s revenue increased by 102.18% of the estimate and 86.99% from a year earlier to VND5,395.35 billion. Revenue collected by Vung Ang Seaport Customs Branch was VND4,970.73 billion and Cau Treo Border Gate Customs Branch was VND306.18 billion. The remaining revenue was from Xuan Hai Seaport Customs Branch and the port clearance audit unit.

Deputy Director of Ha Tinh Customs Department Dinh Van Hoa told Customs News that the surge of imports of key items like coal and ore by Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation helped to increase the department’s revenue.

In addition, the turnover of some commodities such as Red Bull, tapioca starch, sawn timber of all kinds, and electronic products also increased, rising the department’s revenue.

Early completion of the revenue target only between January and August resulted from providing solutions to facilitate import and export operation, raising sustainable revenues and boosting the source, taking measures to prevent loss.

In the early days of the year, Ha Tinh Customs Department strengthened information collection of major firms and projects to grasp their import and export operation, and trade for assessment of revenue capacity. The department requested units to facilitate customs clearance for importers and exporters.

The department has also applied information technology in operational process, and instructed and removed difficulties for businesses.

The department has implemented online public services at level 3 and level 4 for administrative procedures related to business; received and returned results via the postal service, facilitated firms, preventing disruption due to the disease, and ensuring safety in control the pandemic while restoring production, import and export.

Encouraging firms to send dossiers via the Customs online public service system and pay taxes via the 24/7 e-tax payment system and pre-authorised e-tax payment system.

Improving the flow of import and export goods

Amid the turbulence of the public health crisis, the department has deployed action plans and offered solutions to prevent the pandemic and implement quick customs clearance for firms.

It has also asked customs branches to control Covid-19 prevention at border gates, especially in Cau Treo International Border Gate.

All means of transport on exit and entry have been disinfected before customs clearance. Residents on entry must undergo 21-day quarantine. All drivers of vehicles must change drivers before entry.

Cau Treo International Customs Branch has divided officers into two groups and each group is on duty for 15 days to not interrupt customs clearance.

Vung Ang Seaport Customs Branch has requested all officers comply with instructions of health authorities and carefully contact foreign clients in customs process; and established working teams to support and remove obstacles for firms.

In the rest of the year, Ha Tinh Customs department will continue to implement plans to expedite customs modernisation and reform, simplification of administrative procedures, IT application in automated customs management; promote the implementation of online public service and create favourable conditions for import-export and entry-exit activities, business support, and promptly solve problems.

The department has instructed firms to comply with regulations on the deadline for submitting of certificate of origin, the form of the certificate for imported goods applied in the Covid-19 period. This will help reduce time and cost for businesses and make convenience for customs officers.