Lang Son Customs Department: Silent Victories

 From January 1 to May 15, 2013, the Lang Son Customs Department captured 208 cases of smuggling and trade fraud with estimated value of more than VND5.5 billion, imposed 193 punishments on customs violations with the total fines of more than VND4.15 billion. At the same time, the Department has strengthened the collecting of information related to commodities which are demanded to be monitored and goods suspected with intellectual property violations.

Over the years, having received attention of the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Customs and local authority, Lang Son Customs has successfully completed the targets set, contributing to the socio-economic development of Lang Son. In 2012, export-import turnover of Lang Son Customs reached US$2,008 million, up four percent over the same period. In the first six months of 2013, total export turnover of the Lang Son Customs Department reached US$993.9 million, up 34 percent compared to the same period.

 

In recent years, total exports and imports increased, particularly exports soared mainly in agricultural products. Being aware of this, Lang Son Customs promptly advised the provincial People’s Committee to supply more functional forces to the border gates/entrances facilitating imports and exports procedures of goods, namely at Na Nua entrance of Quoc Khanh commune, Trang Dinh district, La Hinh entrance of Thuy Hung commune, Van Lang district, Co Sau entrance of Cao Lau commune, Cao Loc district. At the same time, the Department advised Lang Son province to expand more warehousing areas at border gates, creating favourable conditions for enterprises’ imports and exports and creating jobs for the people near the border areas. The Department also facilitates business import and export activities, implements policies and legal regulations strictly which causes no trouble for customs declaration and payment of tax.

 

Besides the economic indicators achieved, Lang Son Customs Department has implemented electronic customs procedures in all of its affiliated agencies on a timely basis, helping shorten cargo clearance time. As from January 1 to May 15, up to 1,254 enterprises accessed electronic customs procedures with electronic turnover of US$646,9 million, 89 percent of the total turnover; the total electronic forms of 17,307. Also the Department focuses on handling and settling procedures for businesses, ensuring the right deal. All problems of individuals, businesses and agencies have been answered promptly and with the properly established regulations. Besides, the Department has been creating favourable conditions for enterprises to import and export goods with large amount through the area in accordance with the law.

 

The prevention of smuggling and trade fraud is aggressively deployed. The Department has organised forces to supervise hot spots such as Doi Cave, Nem waterfall, 386 trail all day and night. It also collaborates with Border Guard to supervise goods exchange of border residents under Decision 2254 of the Government and to set 14 barricades of smuggling routes across the border of Lang Son province. From January 1 to May 15, 2013, the Lang Son Customs Department captured 208 cases of smuggling and trade fraud with estimated value of more than VND5.5 billion, imposed 193 punishments on customs violations with total fines of more than VND4.15 billion. At the same time, the Department has strengthened the collecting of information related to commodities which are demanded to be monitored and goods suspected to violate intellectual property rights.

 

In the future, Lang Son Customs will continue to invest in resources, facilities and information technology systems for the implementation of e-customs procedures in depth. At the same time, to meet the expectations of business, Lang Son Customs will strengthen support for business, timely fix bugs and solve difficulties and problems. Currently, Lang Son Customs Department is actively preparing important steps, organising and preparing equipment for receiving, operating and using of VNACCS / VCIS electronic information system in 2014 transferred by the General Customs Department.

 

In addition to performing political tasks, Lang Son Customs has always been a leader in culture, art and sport activities. It has always been following suit the "good people, good job," “gratitude” movement. Also it is actively promoting the campaign "Study and follow the moral example of Ho Chi Minh" among its officers and employees. For many years, Lang Son Customs has received Certificates of Merit of the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Customs, Lang Son provincial People’s Committee and many other honours.