Since the beginning of 2021, Hai Phong Customs Department has provided many solutions to achieve the revenue target of VND56,000 billion in 2021.

Customs operation at Hai Phong Customs Department. Photo: T.B

Suffer many difficulties 

Talking to Customs News, Director of Import and Export Duty Division (Hai Phong Customs Department) Nguyen Ngoc Khanh said that this year, the revenue collection of the department is forecasted to face many difficulties. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have negative impacts on the world and domestic economy, meanwhile Hai Phong seaport is the area with the largest volume of imports and exports in the North, so it has been suffered considerabledifficulties.

In addition, following Decision 23/2019/QD-TTg on the List of import goods subject to customs procedures at the entry border gate, enterprises are allowed to carry out customs procedures for many items at customs branches outside the border gates more than those specified under Decision 15/2017/QD-TTg, which also significantly affects the revenue of Hai Phong Department. At the same time, some local customs departments have also put ICDs into operation such as ICD Long Bien and ICD Tan Cang Ha Nam, thus reducing the number of businesses implementing customs procedures in Hai Phong.

Vietnam continues to participate in many free trade agreements (FTAs) with higher requirements and must fully comply with international commitments, including tariffs, market access and intellectual property, which affects Vietnam’s economy and the import and export activities. Vietnam has negotiated and participated in 16 FTAs, of which 14 FTAs have taken effect; some agreements have reduced and eliminated tariffs, such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, andASEAN-China Free Trade Area Agreement which have entered the last time for tariff elimination,the special preferential import tax rate of most commodity streams have been cut to 0%.

“Meanwhile, the revenue of businesses with tax codes in Hai Phong only accounts for 13%-15% of the total revenue of Hai Phong area,” Khanh said.

Also, Khanh said that besides difficulties and challenges, the revenue collection of Hai Phong Customs Department has basic advantages, including that the department’s leaders have promoted the tradition of solidarity, focused on democracy in direction and administration; implemented creativity in management thinking; innovated direction methods according to specific plans and programs; focused on implementing measures for the strengthening of public disciplineand internal control.

Especially, the department pioneers in administrative reform, customs modernization and working methods improvement; performs prevention of smuggling, trade fraud and illegal cross-border transport of goods.

Strive to exceed revenue target 

Hai Phong Customs Department has determined that the goal for 2021 is to strive to fulfill and exceed the State budget revenue targets assigned by the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Vietnam Customs, and Hai Phong City People's Committee.

To achieve this goal, the Director of the Import and Export Duty Division has proposed five groups of key solutions.

First, building a detailed plan for revenue collection in the entire department from the beginning of the year. In which, assigning specific tasks of each unit and providing methods for the State revenue collection in a synchronous, unified manner, and regularly conducting inspections on the performance progress of units to take timely measures to urge them.

Second, following plan No.2557/KH-HQHP dated February 25, 2020 on the development of the Customs-Business partnership, bringing the partnership into practice in all customs operation of Hai Phong Customs Department.

Strengthening the organization of dialogue, record and resolving difficulties, problems, creating confidence for the business community when implementing customs procedures at the department. At the same time, improving personnel and maintaining regular operations of the consultation team at the department and branches, promptly removing difficulties and problems of enterprises within their competency.

Third, improving the efficiencyof anti-smuggling and trade fraud in the area. In which, focusing on the prevention of trade fraud via code, price, C/O, infringement of intellectual property rights to effectively control the situation and prevent the establishment of smuggling rings and groups and illegally transporting goods through the management area and creating a healthy and equal business environment for businesses in the area.

Fourth, reviewing and grasping the tax debt situation; classifying debt groups, tax debt status of enterprises, and taking measures for handling in accordance with regulations; drastically handling and enforcing the tax debt collection according to the provisions of law, reducing outstanding tax debt, minimizing new tax debts, and preventing the tax debts as of December 31, 2020.

Fifth, strengthening training and self-training to ensure there are highquality human resources, thereby, arranging qualified customs officers in reasonable positions to serve people and businesses.