Many duty-free operators have suspended operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam and other countries have closed border gates, leading to the stagnation of exit and extry activities.

A duty free shop is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: N.L

According to the statistics from Customs, as of August, among 159 duty-free warehouses and shops of 50 duty-free operators approved by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, 15 shops and 14 warehouses of 12 operators have notified of suspension by local customs departments.

Of those, 10 stores and nine warehouses had expired the six-month suspension deadline.

One duty-free shop was approved by the GDVC for more than six months, but it has not operated.

Thus, between January and August, 20 duty free shops had to revoke the certificate of eligibility for duty-free business according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 8 of the Government’s Decree 68/2016/ND amended and supplemented in Clause 5, Article 1 of Decree 67/2020/ND-CP dated June 15, 2020.

According to the Ministry of Finance, due to the complicated development of Covid-19 pandemic, the number of duty-free shops that suspended operation and expired the deadline will increase.

The ministry has received proposals of duty-free operators and local customs departments on the extension of the suspension and operation deadline of duty-free shops.

The Ministry of Finance has reported to the Prime Minister on this issue and proposed solutions to remove difficulties for operators.