Phase 1 of the scheme on reforming the model of quality inspection and food safety inspection for import goods is being run by the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC).

Deputy Minister Vu Thi Mai chairsthe online meeting to receive comments
for completion of the draft decree on March 18. Photo: H.N

The Ministry of Finance has received comments on the draft decree from ministries and branches.

The development of the decree set out in Decision 38/QD-TTg is aimed at institutionalising the Government’s policies on reforming the model of quality inspection and food safety inspection for import goods, but still ensuring the effectiveness of State management by ministries managing sectors and fields on quality of import goods, protection of lives, people's health, environmental protection, economic and national security, according to the GDVC.

Ngoc Linh/Ngoc Loan

The decree ensures compliancewith the provisions of laws such as Customs Law, Law on Product and Goods Quality, Law on Food Safety, Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, Law on Animal Husbandry, Law on Crop production, Law on Fisheries, Law on Foreign Trade Management. Inheriting regulations that have been effectively implemented in Decree 15/2018/ND-CP dated February 2, 2018 detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Food Safety; Decree 74/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018 amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Government's Decree No.132/2008/ ND-CP dated December 31, 2008, detailing the implementation of a number of articles of Law on Product and Goods quality; Decree 85/2019/ND-CP dated November 14, 2019 on the implementation of administrative procedures under the National Single Window, the ASEAN Single Window and specialised inspection for exported and imported goods andDecree 17/2020/ND-CP dated February 5, 2020 amending and supplementing several decrees related to business investment conditions under the management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and uniform application for goods subject to quality inspection and food safety inspection.

The decree also aims to improve the effectiveness of ministries managing sectors and fields by strengthening connections and information exchange among the State management agencies; develop and apply existing information technology systems to simplify and modernise inspection procedures and ensure ensure information transparency. Effectively apply advanced inspection methods such as traceability andrisk management in line with international practices, and international conventions/agreements signedby Vietnam.

The urgent implementation of the decree is not only performed by the GDVC but also by local customs departments.

“To operate the scheme as well as plan of the Ministry of Finance and the GDVC, division has established a working team to run the scheme and commentonthe decree regulating quality inspection and food safety inspection for imported goods; notified to the business community on reform of the scheme,” Head of Customs Control and Supervision Division under Hai Phong Customs Department said.

To prepare the implementation of directions set out in the scheme, Hai Phong Customs Department identifies the key tasks is to prepare resources for quality inspection and food safety inspection at border gates andto develop plans and train operational skills for officials performing quality inspection and food safety inspection for import goods under the new model.

Ha Noi Customs Department said the department will follow directions from the GDVC in running the scheme and the plan fromthe Ministry of Finance such as sending officials to participate in the performance; researching and giving opinions and receiving comments from the business community in the area. The department will pilot as requested by the GDVC.

To implement goals set in the scheme, the decree needs to specify that Customs is a focal point in inspection for imported goods. For 2022-2024, the Customs authority is in charge of deciding oninspection methods; grasping application for inspection by firms, inspection process and deciding whether allow transporting goods into storage or not; using inspection results for handling customs procedures. For the period after 2024, customs will be the focal point for inspection, giving decision in inspection methods, receiving applications for inspection, conducting inspection and notify the inspection results,” according to Ha Noi Customs Department.

Regulations on inspection order and procedures are developed in a specific and consistent manner, whether firms choose to inspect at the customs office or at the management ministries. Ensuring the goal of facilitating, improving management efficiency, cutting costs and customs clearance time. Prevent congestion at border gates, creating pressure on workload for border-gate customs braches.