Huu Nghi Border Gate Customs Officers, Lang Son Customs Department support and answer questions for businesses. Photo: Ngọc Linh

Supporting member enterprises in procedures

During the two-year pilot period under Decision No. 1399/QD-TCHQ, a total of 295 enterprises participated in the program. In the first phase (2022), 213 enterprises signed memorandums of understanding with provincial and municipal customs departments, followed by 82 enterprises in the second phase (2023 onward). The results showed that over 80% of participating enterprises either improved or maintained their compliance levels.

On December 4, 2024, the General Department of Vietnam Customs issued Decision No. 2790/QD-TCHQ, officially replacing Decision No. 1399/QD-TCHQ, to implement the program formally.

To support member enterprises, Customs authorities have designated specific areas and assigned officers and specialists to directly assist, guide, and address issues related to customs procedures, document inspections, and the physical examination of import-export goods for member enterprises.

Customs also collaborates with port operators and warehouse businesses to facilitate smoother goods handling, including loading, unloading, and storage. They aim to promptly resolve any procedural challenges and respond to inquiries or official document requests from member enterprises.

Additionally, member enterprises receive risk alerts during customs procedures, including warnings on: supply chain security risks, intellectual property violations in import-export activities, internal risks within enterprises based on recommendations from domestic and international organizations.

To further reduce costs and simplify processes, Customs authorities offer priority services, such as screening goods with X-ray scanners at enterprise-requested locations. These adjustments are designed to lower logistical expenses and improve efficiency in customs and transit procedures for member enterprises.

Prioritized services for member enterprises

Customs authorities aim to ensure that member enterprises stay updated on regulatory changes. They provide priority access to updates on new customs policies, procedures, sector-specific management regulations, administrative penalties, and tax laws.

For policy development, member enterprises are prioritized in receiving invitations to contribute feedback at workshops and conferences; participating in discussions on new regulations, processes, and customs procedures.

In addition, training programs to improve compliance and knowledge of new policies are regularly organized, with priority access for member enterprises.

Member enterprises are also granted access to information about customs broker agents and inspection agencies. Customs offers proactive support to help these enterprises avoid legal violations, mitigate risks within their supply chains, and maintain or improve compliance levels.

To address specific cases, Customs authorities collaborate with relevant agencies to guide and assist member enterprises in resolving violations while minimizing legal consequences, ensuring adherence to regulations.

The Customs sector is integrating technology to digitize information and data within the program framework. This initiative supports monitoring and compliance evaluations for member enterprises and manages enterprise records through a comprehensive digital transformation process. By digitizing operations, Customs ensures effective oversight of enterprise activities and production processes, from start to finish.