According to Tran Anh Tu, Head of the Lao Cai International Border Gate Customs Team, since the beginning of 2026, the border gate customs force has been effectively carrying out the inspection and supervision of import-export goods and cross-border transport vehicles, ensuring strict adherence to customs procedures while facilitating rapid, timely customs clearance.

During the first nine months of 2026, 715 enterprises engaged in import-export activities through the border gate. The total import-export turnover reached 1.975 billion USD — a 79% increase compared to the same period in 2025 — driven by a rise in the value of several high-value import and export commodities.

State budget revenue collection reached a high level; in the first nine months of 2026, it totalled 989.26 billion VND. This figure represents 93.8% of the target assigned by the Ministry of Finance, 79.1% of the target set by the Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee, and 74.2% of the target assigned by the Customs Department — marking an increase of 18% compared to the same period in 2025.

Tax debt recovery efforts also yielded positive results. The amount of enforced tax debt recovered during the period was 1.555 billion VND, and the unit continues to review tax debt records to carry out debt collection and enforcement measures in accordance with regulations.

Over the past nine months, there were 55 recorded cases of smuggling and illegal cross-border transportation of goods, with a total value exceeding 2.374 billion VND.

However, the operational situation at the border gate remains complex, posing significant challenges for customs forces. Issues include enterprises misdeclaring commodity codes to evade taxes, or concealing undeclared high-value goods among declared cargo to smuggle and illegally transport imports into the country.

Additionally, some border residents and travellers exploit duty-free allowances — intended for authorised border trade — by breaking down shipments and hiding illicit goods among permitted items; they also take advantage of gaps in Customs and Border Guard surveillance to smuggle and consolidate goods within the domestic market.

To ensure the smooth inspection and control of goods passing through the border gate during the remaining three months of 2026, Tran Anh Tu, Head of the Lao Cai International Border Gate Customs Team, has emphasised the need to implement several fundamental measures:

Strengthen political and ideological education and execute the key work program for 2026 by devising effective implementation strategies tailored to practical conditions and management requirements.

Closely adhere to the directives and guidance of the Party Committee and Sub-department leadership; regularly monitor the situation at the border gate and border areas to enforce administrative discipline among officers and civil servants; enhance political awareness, individual responsibility, and organisational discipline; and build a highly united and cohesive unit to successfully fulfil political tasks for 2026.

Step up budget collection efforts and intensify measures to prevent tax revenue loss; continue to strengthen the follow-up, recovery, and clearance of tax arrears; and strive to exceed the assigned budget revenue targets for 2026.

Continue to carry out customs management operations using the “Digital Border Gate” platform when processing entry/exit and import/export procedures at Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II.

Continue to process customs procedures for import-export goods and vehicles entering or leaving the country in strict accordance with established customs protocols. Conduct risk management information gathering and post-clearance audits in compliance with regulations.

Effectively perform duties related to combating smuggling and trade fraud; strengthen strict control within the area of jurisdiction; and effectively prevent smuggling and trade fraud activities in the locality.