Customs Seeks Feedback on Centralized Customs Clearance Model

To finalize the centralized customs clearance plan, the Department of Vietnam Customs has issued an official notice to regional customs sub-departments, seeking feedback from local authorities and the business community on its implementation.

Accordingly, regional customs units are proactively coordinating with local authorities to compile feedback. They are also gathering input from businesses and business associations on potential advantages, challenges, and obstacles that could arise under the new model. Comments should clearly outline the plan’s impact on customs clearance activities in each locality.

The customs sector has largely completed the reorganization of its operations under the new structure, which now consists of the central department at the national level and 20 regional customs units overseeing 157 border and non-border checkpoints. At the same time, the sector continues to implement reform measures, streamline administrative procedures, and digitize operations, moving toward paperless customs clearance in full alignment with the spirit of Politburo Resolutions 57/NQ-TW (December 22, 2024) and 66/NQ-TW (April 30, 2025).

Some local customs units have already piloted the centralized model on a smaller scale. One example is the “Centralized Customs Clearance at Mong Cai Customs,” implemented by the customs sector of Quang Ninh province. Early results show significant improvements in processing times, transparency, and cost reduction for businesses.

The Department of Vietnam Customs emphasized that developing and implementing the centralized customs clearance model is an urgent and objective requirement at this stage. It aims to realize the Customs Development Strategy through 2030, moving toward digital and intelligent customs that ensure strict control while maximizing trade facilitation.

By Thanh Nam, Vietnam Business Forum