Lang Son Customs Department has taken COVID-19 prevention and control measures for smooth operation of imports and exports, trade facilitation and improvement of capacity and efficiency of customs management in the area.

Huu Nghi Customs Branch inpsect import goods

Provide solutions

The complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted import and export at Lang Son Border Gate. Lang Son Customs Department has regularly worked with Chinese authorities to restore imports and exports at sub-border gates that are closed due to the pandemic, Director of Lang Son Customs Department Nguyen Hoang Tuan said.

The department has proposed the Chinese authorities to extend the border gate opening time to increase customs clearance capacity, and offer solutions to facilitate imported and exported goods, especially agricultural products, raw materials, supplies and components imported for domestic production.

A private gathering area for vehicles carrying lychee. Photo: H.A

The department has coordinated with authorities at border gates, including Border Guard, Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board, Police and port operators to classify goods channels and avoid congestion at the border gate.

The export shipments in the Green channel, authorized economic operators, fresh fruit and agricultural products are given priority for quick customs clearance to prevent the risk of infection and increased costs for businesses.

The department has taken measures to increase goods clearance capacity to cut related costs, thereby creating a healthy business environment for the business community, resolve difficulties and problems amid the pandemic.

In addition, Lang Son Customs Department has assigned officials to instruct and carry out procedures to export fruit and agricultural products, and receive feedback from businesses to handle problems.

In the first half of 2021, Lang Son Customs Department has processed procedures for import and export goods with a turnover of US$1.9 billion, a year-on-year growth of 76.2%.

By June 27, the department’s revenue hit VND4,133 billion or 119% of the assigned target, up 144% compared to the same period in 2020.

Facing difficulties in declaration before goods arrive at border gate

Lang Son Customs Department is facing difficulties related to declaration before goods arrive at the border gate.

The department has also directed customs officials to comply with Official Dispatch 119 of the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The department has established working teams at border gate customs branches to instruct customs declarants and the business community; conducted training on pilot declaration before official declaration to deal with arising problems.

It has assigned working teams to monitor the situation and resolve problems in a timely fashion, coordinated with relevant authorities to classify goods channel and give priority for enterprises that comply with the law, while handling enterprises that fail to declare.

Working with Chinese authorities to notify goods owners to comply with regulations and proposing them to only allow Vietnamese vehicles that have declared under directions on Official Dispatch 119. Vehicles that have not declared will be classified into a private channel to avoid congestion at the border gate.

To achieve goals in the last months of the year, Lang Son Customs Department continues to implement Directive 215 of the General Department of Vietnam Customs, facilitate trade and enhance efficiency of the state administration and prevention of tax loss in 2021.

It will actively supervise and control import and export goods, mean of transports on exit or entry and bonded warehouses.

In the first half of 2021, Lang Son has handled 728 violations and 106 tip-offs on the management system. The department collected VND760 million from tax arrears and imposed fines worth VND212 million for administrative violations.