Leaders of Hai Phong Customs Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives of some enterprises (October 2022). Photo: T.Bình

100% of problems are solved promptly

According to the Deputy Director of the Risk Management Department (General Department of Vietnam Customs) Ho Ngoc Phan, based on the approved selection criteria, the Department has coordinated with provincial customs departments to select 209 enterprises expected to participate in the program. As a result, as of March 31, 2023 (after six months of implementation), 207 enterprises were participating in 34 out of 35 customs departments. Meanwhile, Dien Bien Customs Department is the only unit with no participants because no enterprises meet the criteria to participate in the program.

Mr. Ho Ngoc Phan assessed that local customs departments had implemented the guiding contents following Official Letter 4470/TCHQ-QLRR dated October 25, 2022, of the General Department of Vietnam Customs. That is, dissemination of the program; recording membership on the system of Customs authority; developing Action Plans and making periodical reports; establishing a Support Group for member enterprises of the program to promptly handle problems.

Notably, the important content is that business support activities have been prioritized to implement. Over the past time, 80 requests for support from member enterprises have been recorded. 100% of this request has been handled, supported and answered by the local customs departments. In particular, it concentrated on areas such as; Dong Nai, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Can Tho, Ha Tinh, Dak Lak, and Cao Bang.

In addition, some units have not yet arisen problems such as Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Long An, Binh Phuoc, Ha Giang, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and Ca Mau.

Increasing at least 20%

One of the important goals and solutions in the coming time is to increase the number of businesses participating in the program. According to Decision 123/QD-TCHQ dated January 31, 2023, on assigning administrative reform targets, simplifying customs procedures, and facilitating trade in 2023, the program on supporting and encouraging businesses to voluntarily comply with customs laws, it will increase the number of participating enterprises by more than 20% (compared to the results in 2022).

Deputy Director Ho Ngoc Phan said that to achieve the above goal, the unit expects some key solutions such as; local customs departments must ensure management resources when inviting businesses to participate in the program. In addition, participating enterprises must come from a desire to improve compliance and ensure good cooperation with Customs in implementing the action plan.

Regarding the selection criteria, the criteria are built based on selecting enterprises with medium risk and low risk of occurring violations and the Program membership is revoked.

Areas expected to be deployed areas of provincial and city customs departments which are focal points for import and export activities, diversifying types of import and export goods, and ensuring resources for management and implementation of the program. In the first phase, it is expected that 40 enterprises will be invited and deployed at the customs departments: Bac Ninh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Lang Son.

In addition, the units will launch the dissemination and then identify which enterprises want to participate and ask for additional invitations. It is expected that 20 enterprises will be invited.

At the online conference on evaluating the implementation of Decision No. 1399/QD-TCHQ held by the General Department of Vietnam Customs on April 14, 2023, Deputy Director General Hoang Viet Cuong agreed to intend to increase the number of enterprises participating in the program. The Deputy Director General emphasized that the goal set in this year is to reach at least 20% of the number of participating enterprises compared to the implementation results of 2022. Furthermore, in terms of type, besides manufacturing enterprises, it is advisable to consider adding enterprises that have a business model of customs brokerage agents. It is also necessary to clarify and highlight the program's benefits to the business community.

In addition, the Deputy General Director requested Risk Management Department and other units to focus on performing some other key content such as: amending the criteria for selecting enterprises appropriately; continuing to perfect the information technology system; strengthening coordination; promoting the communication activities about the program; researching forms of recognization for enterprises as a member to create more attractiveness and attraction of the program.